Mercedes-Maybach VLS Grand Limousine Teased, Based on Vision V Concept

Shortly after introducing its premium VLE electric van, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the upcoming launch of an even more luxurious VLS model which will bear the Maybach badge. The Mercedes-Maybach VLS Grand Limousine will be based on the ultra-futuristic Vision V concept unveiled last year. 

The company has only teased a glimpse of the exterior, showing off the Maybach badge, but has not yet confirmed any details about its design, performance, or features. There’s also no word on its pricing, launch date, or target markets. 

The company is promising “sophisticated luxury” and “unrivalled exclusivity”. Buyers can expect a top-end interior with plenty of extravagant touches for rear-seat passengers in line with the just-announced Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Along with exquisite craftsmanship and high-end materials, the new offering will also have to deliver top-end tech features for entertainment and connectivity. 

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept

It is not clear how much of the radical Vision V concept will be carried forward into the production VLS model. It will likely continue to be based on the company’s electric VAN.EA platform, and will target the ultra-luxury personal as well as family market. 

The Vision V featured a streamlined exterior with a long wheelbase and relatively short overhangs. Its 24-inch wheels, oversized chrome front grille and hood ornament featured LED illumination accents. The LED headlights were connected by a light bar, and a bold circular light element embedded in glass wrapped around the entire rear.

Of course the main appeal of the Vision V was its interior, with white Nappa leather, silk, real wood, and aluminium materials to emphasise its luxury positioning. The rear seats could fold down into flat beds, with modular tube-shaped cushions and a centre panel with an integrated touch panel for controls. Glass showcases along the walls added to the lounge-like experience.

A massive 65-inch 4K projection screen could rise from the floor when needed for entertainment, and the glass panel behind it could turn opaque at the touch of a button for privacy. The windows could also turn opaque to be used as additional projector screens for immersion. Mercedes-Benz also outfitted the Vision V with a staggering 42-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system. A Gaming Mode allowed for a virtual driving experience synced with real-world motion, and an augmented reality mode used all available screens to show a simulated 360-degree view of the outside. 

The driver up front also got a dashboard-wide screen and multiple other luxury touches. It is not yet known how many of these extravagant touches will make it into the production Mercedes-Maybach VLS. If launched in India, it would be positioned well above the V-Class Extra Long Wheelbase van launched earlier this year, which is priced at ₹1.4 crore (ex-showroom, introductory), and likely also the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM.