BEIJING -- Mercedes-Benz is betting on a hybrid SUV-sedan to attract wealthy Chinese buyers to its Maybach ultraluxury model line.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept unveiled at the Beijing auto show on Tuesday previews a high-end SUV that could compete against models such as Bentley's more traditionally SUV-styled Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a sedan to produce an ultra-modern, three-box SUV, design chief, Gorden Wagener, said at the show here.
Mercedes hopes the SUV-sedan look, which it claims merges influences from the Western and Far Eastern hemispheres, will appeal particularly to Chinese consumers, since the two body styles are the most popular in the market.
At 207 inches long, 83 inches wide and 69 inches high, the concept is more generously sized than the Bentayga.
The rear passenger compartment will be the main selling point to offer first-class comfort geared toward those who employ a chauffeur.
The interior of the vehicle features high-end materials such as ebony, a wood often found in Chinese furniture design. The materials contrast with the white nappa leather seats and rose-gold diamond stitching. The concept is also equipped with a retractable wooden tray containing a fine China teapot and cups.
The concept's connectivity features are designed to anticipate the wishes of its occupants rather than offer long menus and lists. It can adjust a driving route to coincide with the appointment calendar. The infotainment technology plays music to match the current mood of the driver.
The concept has an electric drivetrain with an 80 kiloWatt-hour powerplant and four compact electric motors. Its range is more than 200 miles.
