Project Maybach is a crazy electric off-roader coupe

Mercedes-Benz memorializes late designer Virgil Abloh with Project Maybach

When you think of Maybach, off-roading isn't probably the first thing that comes to mind. The Maybach brand is known for ultra-luxurious versions of the S-Class and the GLS, after all. But when the late Virgil Abloh, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this week, collaborated with the German luxury marque, their creation is anything but ordinary.

Meet Project Maybach, a long coupe ready to take on the toughest terrains. Yes, you read that sentence right. It's a safari model with chunky tires, an exterior roll cage, nudge bar, roof rack, auxiliary lights, and other outdoor accessories. The design was penned by Abloh of Louis Vuitton and Off-White fame along with Mercedes-Benz's chief design officer, Gorden Wagener.

For those wondering, this Maybach is not based on any existing Mercedes model and was built from scratch. The coupe stretches nearly six meters long, making it longer than the current S-Class. While the off-road bits make it look very dramatic, the design is fairly simple. There are a lot of straight lines and sharp edges. Abloh and Wagener even incorporated a stunning vertical grille design, giving the coupe a lot of presence. Round headlights and matching round taillights complete the exterior details of Project Maybach.

Step inside, and there are more interesting styling cues. The seats adopt a unique design and can fold flat, which makes sleeping in the wilderness much easier. There's also an axe embedded into the door jam and a box embedded at the end of the dashboard. To match the exterior color, the cabin is also lined in tan leather.

Mercedes didn't disclose the technical specification of Project Maybach but did say it will be electric. However, battery size, horsepower, or electric driving range is still unknown at the moment.

It's unclear if Project Maybach previews a potential production vehicle. Mercedes only said that it “exemplifies the possibilities of future design”. Do you think the automaker should put it into production? Let us know what you think in the comments.