Could This Crazy Mercedes-Maybach Be The EV Of The Future?
Mercedes-Maybach unveiled a concept vehicle that shows consumers a glimpse of what future electric vehicles may be capable of. It also showcases adaptive technology that could very well set the standard of EVs to come. The renowned auto company is no stranger to outlandish vehicle concepts, even coming up with a car that can read minds.
While Mercedes-Maybach's vehicle lineup is mostly known for being sophisticated gas guzzlers with monstrous engines, that doesn't mean it isn't evolving its EV game as well. From its all-electric EQ series to the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 high-performance EV concept, the company's constantly finding ways to incorporate luxury and speed into fully-sustainable models. However, its recent concept vehicle is looking to take those high-class amenities off road, all while offering something akin to Tesla's Cybertruck and its quirky yet innovative features.
Enter Project MAYBACH, the company's latest EV concept made in collaboration with the late designer Virgil Abloh. Mercedes-Maybach revealed that everything about its off-road electric coupe concept was built from scratch, via a press release. The Project MAYBACH's wild design was also “unlike anything” the company has ever developed before, and takes inspiration from exploring nature “within a uniquely luxurious context with Maybach.”
The EV industry is brimming with intriguing new concept designs, like Hyundai's self-sanitizing SUV, and Project MAYBACH aims to deliver yet another. This time around, the company put more emphasis on blending speedy sports car aesthetics with SUV utility, equipping the new concept vehicle with an integrated roof rack for extra storage, and a “breathtaking size” of almost 20-feet long, similar to Tesla's Cybertruck. But Project MAYBACH isn't a pick-up truck, it's a sporty all-terrain coupe that can go off-road and still accommodate four people. What's even more impressive is how it can transform from driving mode to full-on recreation.
This includes features like a digital road telemetry display that converts into a much-larger screen onboard entertainment system and front seats that can fold into luxurious beds. Unlike the Cybertruck, which offers retractable solar panels as an optional add-on, Mercedes-Maybach's concept EV comes with integrated solar cells right underneath its transparent hood, a design that can easily be a standard of future EVs hoping to increase range without looking obtrusive while on the road. While some EV concepts are becoming more like fully automated ride services than cars, Project MAYBACH focuses on utilizing the practicality of EVs without sacrificing the driving experience. It shows that going green doesn't necessarily mean having to change the look and feel of exotic vehicles, but rather, it can simply enhance them by running on more efficient, environmentally-friendly means.
Source: Mercedes-Benz