Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

At this year's gathering of the most magnificent classic cars at Pebble Beach in California, Mercedes-Benz is once again set to present a highlight: the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is a car which, with its sensual, emotionally appealing design and innovative technical concept solutions, defines the ultimate in luxury of the future. At the same time, the two-seater model pays homage to the glorious "automotive haute couture" of hand-finished, exclusive cabriolets. The glamorous cabriolet reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extravagant way and combines intelligent beauty with classic, aesthetic proportions and a reduced, technoid appearance - a perfect embodiment of the design philosophy of Sensual Purity.

The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is designed as an electric car. Thanks to its four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, it features an all-wheel drive. The flat battery sits in the underbody. The drive system has an output of 550 kW (750 hp). This not only allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h) but also a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA).

The quick-charge function is also visionary: as a result of DC charging based on the CCS standard, the system allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100 kilometres.

The grill design elements of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

Powerful structural elements with the sharp feature line
Measuring almost six metres in length, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet incorporates the classic proportions of art deco design with its extremely long bonnet and puristic, flowing lines, and at the same time completely reinterprets these aesthetic principles. The curved basic body boasts a sporty, stretched design which is characterised by powerful structural elements in conjunction with the sharp feature line. This side feature line defines the upper vehicle body, from the radiator grille across the entire length of the vehicle through to the rear.

The strong contrast between the dark blue paintwork in "nautical blue metallic" and the chrome highlights increases the fascinating relationship between the clearly defined areas with organically shaped wings and the chrome trim elements, which sit at the top on the edge of the wing as well as in the middle on the boot lid, where they also incorporate the vertical brake lights. This benefits the interpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille, which with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The grille was inspired by a pinstriped suit. The radiator grille rests on two aerodynamically shaped supports on the outer right and left of the bumper.

The newly designed 24-inch light-alloy wheels feature a centre lock. This is painted in rose gold and as such reflects the colour shade used on all-electric vehicle studies from Mercedes-Benz.

The rear design elements of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

The extended, round "boat tail" format of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet's rear recalls a luxury yacht, and narrow tail lights which emphasise the width of the vehicle are integrated into its outer edges. Further distinctive features at the rear include the diffuser with an aluminium frame and the air outlets behind the wheel arches.

The transition between the vehicle rear, the area of the boot lid and the interior boasts a flowing design. Crystal white high-quality Nappa leather creates an exciting contrast to the dark paint finish. The custom-made fabric top with interwoven rose gold threads has been perfectly coordinated with the look of the vehicle.

Visionary show cars with long-term prospects
With its generous dimensions, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet (length/width/height: 5700/2100/1340 mm) continues the series of visionary design show cars from Mercedes-Benz. So far these include the Vision EnerG‑Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013), Vision Tokyo (Tokyo 2015) and Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé (Pebble Beach 2016). Thanks to the global nature of the Mercedes-Benz Design function, these concept vehicles take cues from local trends in design, culture and mobility and make these the focal point of the respective mobility concept. At the same time, these show cars are looking far into the future.