Revived in 1997 after more than 50 years of absence, the Maybach brand didn't make much of an impact on the luxury market, with its S-Class-based models failing to impress against the Rolls-Royces and the Bentleys. As a result, Mercedes-Benz discontinued the name in 2012. The brand returned as Mercedes-Maybach in 2015, and although it still delivers revised S-Class sedans with longer wheelbases and more luxury features, it aims to offer other Mercedes vehicles too. Unlike its predecessor, Mercedes-Maybach also produced concept cars, with a pair of Vision 6 two-door models showcasing spectacular designs. Come 2018 and Maybach unveiled its third concept car, this time around design to preview an upcoming SUV.

Called the Vision Ultimate Luxury, this new concept vehicle is said to preview the Maybach version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. However, the concept itself isn't exactly an SUV, but a hybrid design that combines the features of a utility vehicle with the rear end of a notchback sedan. Inside the cabin, the Ultimate Luxury is actually more production friendly than the Vision 6 coupe, while its all-electric drivetrain is identical with the other two Maybach concept cars. It definitely won't make it into production in this form, but it previews a few interesting design cues and technologies. Let's find out more in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury

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Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Exterior

As the name suggests, the Maybach Ultimate Luxury is based on the Vision 6 concept from 2017. But although it borrows certain features, like the big grille and the three-piece headlamps, it boasts a rather weird body style. While it has the look of a luxury sedan up front, the deck lid is unexpectedly short for such a rig, while the ride height is of the SUV variety. Maybach explains that the Ultimate Luxury concept combines the looks of SUVs and notchback sedans, which are the most successful body styles on the Chinese market. While this may be true, the combination is not exactly fortunate.

Now don't get me wrong. The vehicle is quite athletic and the fact that it lacks beads and sharp edges gives it the kind of elegance you'd expect from a Maybach. But it's far from boasting the "balanced proportions and tremendous presence" that Maybach is talking about. Sure, the front fascia looks imposing and could give the Rolls-Royce Phantom a run for its money in the stance department, but the short deck lid and the SUV-style ride height don't make a great pair. A slightly longer wheelbase and a longer rear section would have made this concept car look incredibly elegant. Unfortunately, it's not the case.

Still, the details are nice, starting with chrome-plated radiator grille borrowed from the Vision 6 concept and the slim headlamps with three distinct clusters and hockey stick LED daytime running lights. The front bumper adds sportiness by means of big side vents and slim lower intakes.

Onto the side, the concept turns into an SUV thanks to its large, 24-inch wheels, which have a mesmerizing turbine-style design, black cladding around the wheel arches, and utilitarian side skirts. The upright C-pillar also adds to the utilitarian look, but at the same time it contributes to the car's weird appearance in combination with the short deck lid.

The rear section reminds me a bit of the GLE-Class Coupe thanks to the deck lid, the chrome strip above the taillights, and the clean trunk lid, and the sculpted bumper. But needless to say, it has plenty of unique features, including the three-piece lights, the big outlets, and the diffuser-like element. Finally, the Ultimate Luxury also borrows the split front hood from the Vision 6. The split trim continues on the glass roof and moves on to split the rear window too.

Overall, the Ultimate Luxury isn't a bad design exercise, but only as long as you ignore the rear end. I don't say this often, but I'm actually glad that this concept won't make it into production with these features.

Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Interior

While the exterior will make you question Maybach's sanity, the interior is exactly what a luxury land yacht needs. The design is fairly simple up front, with a simple dashboard that only holds a pair of A/C vents and the 12.3-inch displays we've already seen in production Mercedes-Benz models. However, the lower section extends closer to the seats, giving the dash a two-tier layout. What's more, the center console seems sunken in thanks to the two arms that extend from the center stack to the tunnel.

The steering combines sportiness with elegance, featuring a flat bottom, white leather rim, and a blue center section. But by far my most favorite feature in here is the ebony on the upper dash and the door panels. Nothing says elegance better than a big slab of wood and Maybach picked out a fine piece of ebony, a traditional wood in Chinese furniture design. It also provides a great contrast with the center console and seats covered in Crystal White leather.

Speaking gof which, the seats have an SUV-like position, sitting higher than in a sedan. They're also wrapped in fine Nappa leather with a diamond quilt design. The look of the front section is rounded off by Rose Gold trim, Pearl Grey detailing, and brushed aluminum elements.

The rear section is even more interesting. For starters, it's very spacious, with a lots of legroom in front of the two seats. The seats themselves look really comfortable and have plenty of lateral support and even leather-wrapped pillows. The wide center console extends through to the rear and includes an integral, heated tray with teapot and cups. The tea service is integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony and it can be electrically retracted into the console under a sliding cover at the push of a button. Fancy!

The concept is fitted with a new user experience system that combines touchscreen, the touchpad on the center console, and Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel. It provides a more intuitive control experience and reduces driver distraction for enhanced safety.

Needless to say, if this interior would go into production, Maybach would finally have a competitor for Rolls-Royce vehicles.

Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Performance

Not surprisingly, the Ultimate Luxury concept is an all-electric vehicle. And I say "not surprisingly" because Maybach's previous two concepts, the Vision 6 coupe and convertible, were also pure EVs. Actually, the Ultimate Luxury uses the exact same drivetrain with four electric motors, a flat battery in the floor, and an all-wheel drive system.

Output is rated at the same 750 PS as in the Vision 6, which converts to 737 horsepower. There's no word as to how quick this SUV gets to 60 mph, but it should be as quick as the Vision 6, which achieves the benchmark in "less than four seconds." Top speed is also identical, being limited to 155 mph, which isn't bad at all for an electric vehicle.

As far as range goes, the 80-kWh battery is able to provide a range of over 500 km on the European NEDC cycle. Mercedes-Benz estimates that the Ultimate Luxury concept would return at least 200 miles under EPA standards.

The quick charging function from the Vision 6 is also used here. Specifically, Using DC charging based on the CCS standard, the system allows an impressive charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 62 miles. The battery can either be charged via a cable connection at a public charging station or a conventional domestic outlet. Also, it can be charged wirelessly via an electromagnetic field.

Given that Mercedes has already showcased this drivetrain in three different concept cars, there's a big chance that we will see it in a production model in a couple of years.

Conclusion

While some concept cars are drop-dead gorgeous, others are of the "love it or hate it" variety. This thing, well, it's in a league of its own, as in it's the ugliest luxury concept ever made. Okay, I'm a bit harsh here, but I really can't understand what Mercedes was thinking with that notchback rear end and the SUV stance. This concept would have been better off as a proper SUV with a long roof and a tailgate. And given that it previous the Maybach version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, it would have made more sense too. Designers, huh?

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Concept.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabrioelt.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.