Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an extra-opulent version of its Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, this one built to celebrate Maybach’s history of V12 engines dating back to the early 1930s.
The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition is limited to just 50 cars worldwide and will be available only in select markets. The automaker didn’t specify which markets.
The engine
Like the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, the V12 Edition is powered by a 6-litre biturbo V12 engine, with 621 hp and 664 lb.-ft. of torque, promising to offer smooth and responsive acceleration.
The first series-produced Maybach car with a 12-cylinder engine was the Maybach Zeppelin in the 1930s.
That car had about 200 hp and a top speed of 170 km/h.
An advertising brochure from 1934 had this description: “As the embodiment of a high-quality travel and representation vehicle – as well as a sporty type for the passionate sportsman – the Maybach-Zeppelin is the ultimate automobile of wish fulfilment, characterized by distinguished elegance and power.”
‘Almost fully equipped’
Mercedes-Benz called the V12 Edition an “almost fully equipped” Mercedes-Maybach S 680, meaning that almost every feature available on the S 680 is included in the special model.
The car gets electrically operated comfort rear doors, active road noise compensation for an even quieter interior, rear-axle steering and E-Active Body Control active suspension for better ride comfort and agility, as well as an adaptive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with up to five large partly OLED screens.
Manufaktur elements
The car also gets individual craftsmanship through the company’s Manufaktur bespoke customization program.
A two-tone exterior colour includes olive metallic on the upper body and obsidian black metallic on the bottom with an accent of a contrasting high-tech silver metallic pinstripe. Mercedes said applying the paint can take up to 10 workdays, which is twice as long as Maybach’s usual two-tone paintwork.
The car rides on Manufaktur five-hole forged wheels finished in olive metallic.
The car also gets a specific Maybach emblem on the C-pillar. The emblem is complemented by chrome and gold metal and features the number 12 as a tribute to the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8.
The emblem gets a 24-karat medal ring that is adorned with diamond engravings and a 12-part ring division. A 24-karat medal inlay features V-pattern engraving, inspired by the V-shaped arrangement of the engine’s cylinders.
Interior features
The interior gets Nappa leather with an exclusive Manufaktur saddle brown colour and high-gloss brown burr walnut wood trim, including on the steering wheel.
The steering wheel is made by hand, which requires hours of precision work, Mercedes said.
The roof liner is a diamond-quilted saddle brown with special embroidery.
The centre console has a “1 of 50 badge.”
The rear centre console gets a golden inlay and a Maybach emblem with a commemorative medal with a number 12 framed by 12 golden circles.
Mercedes said it takes up to seven workdays to create the centre console inlay.
The cars also come with bespoke accessories, including Robbe & Berking silver-plated champagne flutes with unique engraving, a trunk mat with edging in saddle brown matching the interior concept, a handcrafted key gift box and an edition-specific key ring.
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