;Resize=(828,827) "The limited edition Mercedes-Maybach S-Class")
Late designer Virgil Abloh’s collaboration with Mercedes-Benz chief design officer Gorden Wagener has taken luxury to a whole new level. In 2020, Project Geländewagen marked the first chapter on their journey with the reimagination of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Inspiring others was Abloh’s main motivation: “My ultimate goal in this project with Mercedes-Benz is inspiring young artists, engineers, designers to question the status quo, in addition to experimenting with my own design abilities.”
A creative force beyond borders
When the show car Project MAYBACH was revealed in December 2021, the world witnessed a truly outstanding vehicle. As the second part of the collaboration between the two designers and Mercedes-Maybach, it was clear their creative force was beyond borders.
This is underlined by the show car: despite its length of almost six meters, the cabin of Project MAYBACH accommodates two passengers on a pair of futuristic seats. It is a Coupé with an off-road design, which is bold and playful at the same time. And yet, it doesn’t lose the relaxed elegance of a Mercedes-Maybach. Environmental considerations – an issue cars and fashion have in common – have also been incorporated. The battery-powered electric car is equipped with solar panels built into part of the bonnet.
The objective of Project MAYBACH was to recreate the Mercedes-Maybach DNA of sophistication and luxury in an off-road context. “With Project MAYBACH, we define the next level of luxury,” said Gorden Wagener. “After 100 years [of Maybach], we transform the brand into a luxury electric future. Together with Virgil Abloh, we are writing a new rule book for Mercedes-Maybach.”
The result opens up new perspectives: you can lie comfortably in the vehicle while enjoying an incredible view through the spectacular panoramic sunroof. The large off-road tires are no less impressive. The hatchet next to the driver’s seat was also inspired by the outdoor world.