► New soft-top shown in Monterey
► Vision Merc-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
► Longest, swoopiest soft-top ever?
Remember the nostalgic splendour of the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 shown at last year’s Monterey Car Week?
Well, they’re at it again, this time showing a convertible version, with an equally alluring art deco vibe entirely at one with its swish Pebble Beach launchpad.
The 6 coupe was one of the most attractive pieces of design we saw in 2016; lopping the top off serves only to remind just how elegant Mercedes-Benz – and Maybach – design can be when they pull out all the stops.
This is a decadently long vehicle, stretching the tape measure to 5.7m – giving it mega road presence, especially with the 24-inch alloy wheels and a bonnet so long you’ll barely see the Californian horizon as you waft along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Still only space for a pair of occupants, mind you; this is a decidedly selfish two-seater. The convertible is painted in what Merc dubs ‘a nautical blue metallic,’ giving a different vibe from the sparkling red coupe (above).
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet: a very desirable electric car
It’s not all take, take, take. This glimpse into the future of a flagship Maybach is in fact fully electric, with a motor at each corner for all-wheel drive. Total system output is put at 550kW (750bhp), allowing 0-62mph in less than four seconds.
And, while they’re at it, Mercedes-Benz claims a top speed limited to 155mph and a range of more than 200 miles. All slightly academic for a concept car, but interesting specs nonetheless.
There’s a quick-charge facility with charging capacity of 350kW, meaning five minutes plugged in for an extra 100 kilometres of range (62 miles). This portends well for the future of EV recharging…
Inside the Maybach 6’s cabin
This is a mesmerising interior, ringed by a yacht-style gunwale that suits the aquamarine flavour of the 6. Open-pore wood sits cheek by jowl alongside aluminium for more nautical references.
Merc calls it a ‘360-degree open-air luxury lounge’ and deploys rose gold throughout the cabin, juxtaposed with quilted white nappa leather with detailing nabbed from Chesterfield furniture.
Yet there’s tech aplenty, too. The car uses biometrics to check the health and mood of both passengers, and there’s a new, more free-form voice command system said to allow for more natural speech.
‘Breathtaking proportions combined with a luxurious “haute couture” interior help to create the ultimate experience,’ said Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer.
More stars of Pebble Beach and Monterey Car Week 2017