2018 Beijing Motor Show: Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury revealed

Mercedes-Maybach has revealed its latest Vision design concept, called the ‘Ultimate Luxury’, and the 2018 Beijing Motor Show.

The extravagant design takes the ‘three-box’ concept of sedan design and applies it to the traditional shape of an SUV.

And the result? Something we’re not sure will catch on.

When viewed in profile, the concept looks almost like someone photoshopped a sedan to make it taller, scaling up the body and increasing the wheel size.

"The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype of a kind never seen before," says Daimler design boss Gorden Wagener.

"Our concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a saloon to produce an ultra-modern SUV of three-box design.

"With sensuality and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand."

Its drivetrain consists of four electric motors, which allow variable AWD and total a power output of 550kW, with a 250km/h top speed.

The ‘Ultimate Luxury’ was designed to appeal to the Chinese market, in alignment with its reveal at China’s auto show.

As such, Mercedes claims it wanted to create an ‘appealing automotive cultural dialogue’ between East and West.

“For instance, use is made of "Magic Wood", ebony, which is traditional in Chinese furniture design.

“The same motif is also underlined by the combination of SUV and notchback saloon, which are the most successful body styles not only internationally, but especially on the Chinese market.”

Is it taking the ‘crossover’ segment too far? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.