Gordon Wagner (57), chief design officer of Mercedes-Benz, said during a meeting with domestic reporters on Ibiza, Spain, where the Maybach SL680 Monogram test drive event was held on the 29th of last month (local time).
The SL680 Monogram is the first roadster (two-seater convertible) model from Maybach. It is unusual for Maybach, which represents a chauffeur-driven car focused on the comfortable ride of rear-seat passengers, to introduce a two-seater vehicle emphasizing dynamism.
Wagner CDO noted, "When designing the vehicle, I wanted to incorporate a sporty racing car feel while capturing the luxurious and comfortable sensibility that Maybach aims for. I removed the traditional luxury car sentiment and highlighted a youthful and trendy feel."
The SL680 Monogram features Maybach's distinctive male pinstripe suit-like grille, two-tone exterior, while also filling the hood and soft top with hundreds of logos (patterns).
Wagner CDO said, "The subtle pattern reminiscent of luxury handbags such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci may have varied preferences, but it is a design element that reveals brand personality. There is nothing worse than a design that no one cares about."
He said, "I was disappointed to see similar new car designs without personality at the recent Shanghai Motor Show. Going forward, we will focus on reinterpreting the identities of Benz, AMG (high performance), and Maybach while showcasing designs that differentiate themselves from other brands."