4 Minutes
A bold counterpoint to downsizing
At a moment when automakers pivot toward electrification, hybrid systems and smaller-displacement engines, Mercedes‑Maybach has chosen a different statement: an unabashed, handcrafted V12. Unveiled at Fort Michelangelo in Civitavecchia, Italy, the 2026 Mercedes‑Maybach S 680 V12 Edition is a limited-run flagship built for collectors and clients who prize tradition and tactile luxury over technological fashion.
Heritage and design cues
Drawing inspiration from the 1930s Maybach Zeppelin, the V12 Edition revives the spirit of early grand touring cars — immense presence, refined materials and mechanical grandeur. Only 50 examples will be produced, each completed through Mercedes‑Benz MANUFAKTUR, the brand’s bespoke division where handcraftsmanship meets modern engineering.
Exterior highlights
The V12 Edition is easy to spot. A meticulous three‑tone paint scheme combines olive metallic above, obsidian black metallic below and a slim silver pinstripe between— a finish that can take up to ten working days to complete. Forged five‑hole wheels are finished to match, while the Maybach emblem receives 24‑carat gold accents and a ’12’ badge echoing the Zeppelin DS 8 hood ornament.
Engine and performance
Under the long bonnet sits a 5,980 cc naturally aspirated V12 tuned to produce 612 hp (603 PS) and 664 lb‑ft (900 Nm) of torque. That power sends the rear‑wheel luxury saloon from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in around 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), emphasizing effortless refinement rather than raw top‑end heroics.
Driving comfort and technology
Despite its physical presence—nearly 5.47 metres (about 215 inches) in length—the S‑Class platform keeps the V12 Edition surprisingly composed. E‑ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, active noise cancellation and rear‑axle steering help the car feel calm and controlled in city traffic as well as on open roads. The result is a heavy, powerful car that behaves with the poise expected of a modern limousine.
Interior: artisanal luxury
Inside, saddle‑brown Nappa leather meets burr walnut trim across a cabin crafted for rear‑seat comfort. The steering wheel is hand‑finished, the roof liner features diamond‑quilted stitching and bespoke ’1 of 50’ badging confirms the car’s rarity. A gold inlay in the rear centre console and curated accessories — silver‑plated Robbe & Berking champagne flutes, a matching trunk mat and a custom key presentation box — round out the ownership experience.
- Limited production: 50 units worldwide
- Engine: 5.98‑litre V12, 612 hp
- Torque: 664 lb‑ft (900 Nm); 0–62 mph in 4.5 s
- Length: ~5.47 m; top speed limited to 155 mph (250 km/h)
Market positioning and collector appeal
The V12 Edition is not designed as a mainstream seller. Instead, it targets a small group of affluent buyers and collectors who see value in rarity, handcraft and a pure internal‑combustion experience. In an era where V12 engines are increasingly rare, this model reads as both a farewell and a celebration — a handcrafted expression of automotive opulence that nods to Maybach’s historical roots while offering contemporary comfort and technology.
Whether viewed as a rolling piece of automotive theatre or a practical, ultra‑luxurious limo, the Mercedes‑Maybach S 680 V12 Edition underscores a clear point: for some buyers, nothing will replace the character of a true V12.
Source: autoevolution
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