Mercedes Project Maybach concept is bold two-seat 4x4

Mercedes-Benz ultra-luxury division, Maybach, has provided an apocalyptic vision of the future with a rugged all-electric 4x4 concept co-designed with late fashion designer Virgil Abloh.

The Project Maybach concept car is a bizarre near six metre-long, two-door, two-seater electric coupe wearing some serious off-road hardware; most notably an external roll cage covering the roof and sills. It also features chunky off-road tyres, bolt-on wheel arch extensions and distinctive front and rear skid plates.

The bespoke body bears no relation to any previous Maybach concept or production car. A long bonnet in contrasting gloss black leads onto a flat front-end with distinctive lighting elements, including eight off-road spotlights to complement the existing headlights.

At the side the shoulder line is dramatically raised, with a curvy bubble-like roofline sitting below the external cage. The rear-end becomes rugged and square again, with tail-lights featuring the Maybach logo backlit in the centre. The leather-lined interior blends some ultra-luxury features with rugged, adventure-style elements.

The concept, designed by Abloh in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz chief design officer Gorden Wagener, is said to have “pushed the boundaries of function, style and collaborative creativity”. Described as being “inspired by the great outdoors”, it’s said to reposition “a traditionally urban brand within a distinctly off-road
environment”.

The concept was revealed in part as a tribute to Abloh, who passed away earlier this week after a long battle with cancer. A statement from the brand read “Mercedes-Benz is devastated to hear of the passing of Virgil Abloh.

“Our sincere thoughts are with Virgil’s family and teams. Now opening the world of our collaboration, and Virgil’s unique vision, to the public we want to respectfully celebrate the work of a truly unique design talent, who created endless possibilities for collaboration through his unbridled imagination and inspired all that knew his work.”

It remains to be seen if the Project Maybach is merely an outlandish design study, or is pointing towards a future off-road-focused production model from the luxury brand.

Now check out the Mercedes-Maybach Concept EQS here...