A century of heritage, reimagined
The unveiling of the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition marks not only the arrival of a new flagship but also the continuation of a legacy stretching back over a century. Limited to just 50 examples worldwide, this special edition of the Maybach S 680 pays tribute to the V12 engines that first defined the Maybach Zeppelin models of the 1930s. Those cars embodied the vision of Wilhelm and Karl Maybach: to create only the finest, with enduring value and in the highest form of perfection. The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition embodies this credo for a new era, unveiled against the historic backdrop of Fort Michelangelo in Civitavecchia, Italy. The Zeppelin’s original twelve-cylinder engine, producing up to 200 hp and enabling speeds of 170 km/h, was revolutionary for its time. Today, the V12 Edition channels that same pioneering spirit, not as a relic of the past, but as a modern expression of engineering mastery. It stands as the symbolic bridge between Maybach’s legendary origins and the uncompromising standards of 21st-century luxury motoring.
Engineering excellence at its core
At the heart of the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition lies a masterpiece: a 5,980 cc twin-turbocharged V12 delivering 450 kW (612 hp) and 900 Nm of torque. This symphony of twelve cylinders propels the luxury saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with power delivered seamlessly through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Despite its imposing dimensions, agility is ensured thanks to rear-axle steering and the sophisticated E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which adapts instantly to road conditions for unrivalled comfort and poise. Yet the experience is more than raw numbers. Active road noise cancellation creates near-silent travel, while digital innovation is embedded throughout the cabin. The latest generation MBUX infotainment system, with up to five OLED displays, transforms the interior into a hub of personalised luxury. Every journey in the V12 Edition is both effortlessly powerful and exquisitely serene, reflecting Maybach’s philosophy that true performance must always serve refinement.
Design and craftsmanship of the highest order
The V12 Edition is a showcase of the Mercedes-Maybach MANUFAKTUR program, where artisanal skill meets state-of-the-art technology. The exterior’s two-tone finish, MANUFAKTUR olive metallic above obsidian black metallic, separated by a precision-applied silver pinstripe, requires up to ten working days to perfect. This painstaking process is emblematic of the dedication poured into every detail. Special forged wheels in olive metallic and a unique edition-specific Maybach emblem on the C-pillar, enriched with chrome and solid 24-carat gold, elevate the car into the realm of haute couture on wheels. Inside, luxury reveals itself with every touchpoint. Nappa leather in exclusive saddle brown is paired with high-gloss burr walnut wood, hand-finished to perfection. The handcrafted steering wheel alone demands hours of precision work, while the diamond-quilted roof liner and bespoke embroidery underscore the rarity of the edition. A golden inlay on the rear centre console, surrounded by twelve gilded circles symbolising the V12, requires up to seven days of meticulous craftsmanship. The “1 of 50” plaque in the centre console seals its exclusivity.
Exclusivity, artistry, and the spirit of Maybach
No detail has been overlooked in making the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition a true collector’s piece. Each example is accompanied by bespoke accessories: Robbe & Berking silver-plated champagne flutes engraved for the edition, a handcrafted key gift box, a unique edition key ring, and a trunk mat edged in saddle brown to match the cabin. These touches, like the car itself, transcend utility and become symbols of timeless luxury. The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition is not simply a car; it is a manifesto. It represents a philosophy of craftsmanship, innovation, and individuality that has defined the Maybach name since its inception. Built in strictly limited numbers and offered only in select markets, it is destined for collectors and connoisseurs who seek the extraordinary. With the V12 Edition, Mercedes-Maybach proves once again that the finest automobiles are not mass-produced, they are crafted as enduring works of art.
