The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Edition celebrates the tradition of V12 engines established with the legendary Maybach Zeppelin models. This is a perfect example of MANUFAKTUR craftsmanship, with handcrafted interiors, exclusive multi-tone paintwork and 24-carat solid gold details, reflecting the Mercedes-Maybach tradition of craftsmanship in a very limited edition for select markets.
Mercedes-Benz proudly presents the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of luxury, innovation and craftsmanship. This limited edition of the S-Class celebrates the tradition of V12 engines that have been synonymous with Maybach since the early 20th century. The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition updates this tradition, offering bespoke design elements through the MANUFAKTUR programme, where craftsmanship meets perfection.
‘With roots dating back to the Maybach Zeppelin models of the early 20th century, this edition celebrates the iconic V12 engine, offering a bespoke design through the MANUFAKTUR programme, reflecting a tradition of combining advanced technology and exclusive style,’ said Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Over 100 years of innovation, craftsmanship and supreme design. Since the 1920s, Maybach has been a symbol of advanced technology, elegance and bespoke design, with each model uniquely equipped to reflect the personal style of its owner.
‘To create only the very best, of lasting value, in the highest form of perfection.’ This credo of Wilhelm and Karl Maybach has guided the creation of automotive masterpieces for over a century. The V12 engine has been a cornerstone of Maybach’s history, dating back to the early 1930s: the first Maybach 12-cylinder engine was mass-produced and installed in the Maybach Zeppelin.
The Maybach Zeppelin was a renowned luxury car produced in several versions. The brilliant engineer Karl Maybach, son of founder Wilhelm, incorporated technically advanced features for high performance, driving comfort and safety. In a 1934 Maybach sales brochure, the model is described as follows: ‘As the embodiment of a high-quality touring and representative vehicle, as well as a sporty type for the passionate driver, the “Maybach-Zeppelin” is the ultimate wish-fulfilling car, characterised by distinguished elegance and power.’ Its seven- and eight-litre V12 engine, with up to 200 hp, offered impressive power and elasticity, reaching speeds of up to 170 km/h.
From the legendary Maybach Zeppelin to modern excellence
Building on its heritage, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class redefines what a car can be. It is the flagship saloon car, the pinnacle of automotive excellence. The S-Class not only offers comfort, performance and safety, it defines them, with elegance, space and the finest materials. This also applies to the new Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition, a fully equipped Mercedes-Maybach S 680. Highlights include 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 greater driving comfort and agility. And because the definition of luxury has evolved over time, digitalisation and connectivity have become integral parts of the sector. The adaptive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) on up to five large screens, some with OLED technology, makes it even easier to control vehicle and comfort functions.
However, the commitment to unparalleled luxury and performance extends beyond advanced technology and opulent comfort. The Maybach Zeppelin and the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition have something else in common that is deeply rooted in the heart of the vehicle itself: the engine.
The engine of the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is a masterpiece of engineering. Twelve perfectly aligned cylinders create a symphony of power and refinement. With a displacement of 5,980 cubic centimetres, the engine delivers an extraordinary 612 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. The result is effortless acceleration that propels you from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. This is power reimagined: smooth, responsive and endlessly exhilarating, ensuring that every journey in the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition is an unparalleled experience.
Continuing the tradition of bespoke craftsmanship with MANUFAKTUR
The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition also continues the brand’s heritage of individual craftsmanship through the exclusive MANUFAKTUR programme. A striking two-tone exterior paint finish, MANUFAKTUR olive green metallic on the upper part of the body and obsidian black metallic on the lower part, accentuated by a contrasting high-tech silver metallic diplomatic stripe that emphasises the vehicle’s unique character. Applying this paint finish with meticulous care can take up to ten days of work, twice as long as the two-tone paint finish that is typical of Maybach. Five-hole forged wheels in MANUFAKTUR olive metallic complement the design, while the edition-specific Maybach emblem on the C-pillar adds another touch of exclusivity: the Maybach emblem is complemented by a chrome and gold medallion, with a prominent ‘12’ as a tribute to the legendary bonnet ornament of the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8. The 24-carat gold medallion ring is adorned with delicate diamond engraving, and the medallion inlay, also made of 24-carat gold, features a fine V-shaped engraving inspired by the V-shaped arrangement of the cylinders in a V12 engine.
Inside, MANUFAKTUR’s exclusive brown Nappa leather is combined with high-gloss brown walnut wood trim, which extends to the steering wheel, which is handmade, requiring hours of precision work. The diamond-quilted brown headlining, special edition embroidery and limited edition number badge on the centre console reinforce the feeling of exclusivity.
A gold inlay adorns the rear centre console. The Maybach emblem, complete with its commemorative medal and ‘12’ framed by twelve golden circles, a subtle nod to the iconic pattern of the Maybach brand. The creation of this intricate inlay requires up to seven days of meticulous craftsmanship, demonstrating unparalleled artistry.
Each vehicle includes customised accessories such as silver Robbe & Berking champagne glasses with edition-specific engraving, a boot mat with brown edging to match the interior concept, a gift box for keys handmade at the MANUFAKTUR in Sindelfingen, and an edition-specific key ring.
Through the MANUFAKTUR individualisation programme, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach elevate their tradition of bespoke customisation to a truly exclusive level, honouring the rich history of craftsmanship. MANUFAKTUR brings together craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, qualities that define every step of the customisation process. It opens up a world of colours, materials and distinctive hand-finished touches.
The MANUFAKTUR team at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen consists of dedicated, highly experienced and specially trained craftsmen whose expertise is passed down from generation to generation. Alongside traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge production technologies help to make bespoke dreams a reality. Whether upholstering, cutting, embroidering or sewing, every detail is executed with precise and meticulous care to meet the highest standards of perfection.
The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition is only available in selected markets and will be delivered to customers from autumn 2025.
