A 30-year-old man from China has captured global attention by using a luxurious $210,000 Mercedes-Maybach for ride-hailing services. Originally from Henan province, Yuan has lived in Beijing since 2019 and provided luxury rides there.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Yuan earns over $700 for a single high-end booking and actively documents his unique experiences through his popular social media account, “Old Yuan Drives a Maybach for Ride-Hailing.” His engaging content has attracted nearly 120,000 followers.
Yuan purchased the Maybach in November last year with a substantial down payment of $93,000, of which $68,000 was saved from his earnings over six years in the ride-hailing business. The remaining balance was financed through a five-year loan, with monthly repayments of approximately $2,000.
หนุ่มจีนทุ่มเงินถอยรถหรู Mercedes-Maybach มาเป็นแท็กซี่ เผยรายได้คุ้ม แถมมีเงินเก็บเหลือ ๆ pic.twitter.com/IUiNglYyF8
— Khaosodonline (@KhaosodOnline) April 24, 2025Highlighting his lucrative operation, Yuan shared a video in April showcasing how he secured a full-day booking that earned him $550 in a single day. “Driving a luxury Maybach ride-hailing car is not only my job but also my livelihood,” he said. The Maybach model can only be specifically ordered for ride-hailing in Beijing and Shanghai. Availability elsewhere remains uncertain.”
Speaking to Haibao News, Yuan emphasised that his business model prioritises quality over quantity and targets high-end, pre-booked clients. He completes around 40 trips monthly, with earnings per trip occasionally surpassing $700. Despite expenses, he claims a monthly saving of nearly 10,000 yuan while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
“My monthly fuel costs are around 3,000 yuan. Food expenses range between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan, and rent is approximately 4,500 yuan,” Yuan explained. “The best part is I’m driving a Maybach at 30 years old and still saving close to 10,000 yuan each month.”
Yuan’s unique approach has sparked vibrant online debates. Users express curiosity about his financial status and the practicality of using such a high-end vehicle for ride-hailing services. One user questioned, “Is he rich or not? If rich, why continue ride-hailing? If not, how does he afford a Maybach?” Another commented, “A 5.5 km ride in an S-Class Mercedes costs nearly 300 yuan ($40). Who exactly is hailing a Maybach? I’m not sure I’ll ever experience such luxury.”
Yuan’s story underscores the evolving dynamics of luxury and entrepreneurship in modern China.
