Cars / Cars and Bikes

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Electric Car Co-Designed By Virgil Abloh

Mercedes-Benz gives Virgil Abloh one last hoorah as they unveil Project Maybach at Art Basel Miami 2021.

Dec 02, 2021 | By Terence Ruis
project maybach mercedes virgil abloh
Image: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its last collaboration with the late fashion icon, Virgil Abloh — Project Maybach. It is a solar-powered electric car with zero emissions.

The unveiling of the car was given the blessing of Abloh’s family and was described as being an extraordinary design to come out of Mercedes-Benz. The car was revealed at Art Basel Miami. This vehicle is actually Abloh’s second collaboration with Mercedes following the G-Wagen race car. It is said that every element of the car has been built from scratch.

project maybach
Image: Mercedes-Benz

The car was initially announced in October, but it was unlikely to ever go into production. It was designed by Abloh alongside Mercedes chief design officer, Gorden Wagener.

Project Maybach is nearly six metres long, most of that length coming from its transparent front bonnet with solar cells underneath it to charge the car’s batteries. The sloped and transparent roofline merges seamlessly into the rear end evoking the look of a spaceship. It is a two-seater and is designed for off-road adventuring.

The interior of the car is almost entirely in tan leather, matching the exterior. The vibe of the automobile is minimalistic, but it still found room for a cinematic infotainment screen tucked in the centre of the dashboard.

project maybach
Image: Mercedes-Benz

“The X-Factor nature of Project Maybach results not only from its breathtaking size — almost six meters long — and characteristics but above all from its unique contrasts; most notably through how naturally authentic Mercedes-Maybach design elements are harmoniously combined with a new Outdoor Adventure design motif,” Mercedes-Benz said.

The brand will be showing Project Maybach at Miami’s Rubell Museum from 1 to 2 December for Art Basel Miami. This year’s edition features many highlights such as Louis Vuitton’s “Objects Nomade” collection and Saint Laurent‘s Ephemeral Gallery. 

The much-loved designer, owner of streetwear label Off-White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, Virgil Abloh sadly passed away after a private battle with a particularly aggressive cancer for more than two years. The news of his passing broke out on Sunday and was confirmed by his family.

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