For some people, nothing less than 12 cylinders will do. Sure, a twin-turbo V8 or an electric powertrain can provide the same, if not more, acceleration and power, but like I said yesterday when I wrote about that weird Ferrari patent, it’s tough to replicate the silky-smooth delivery and character that comes from a V12 engine, even when it’s meant to be used subtly in an ultra-luxury car.
Because of that, and because emissions regulations have allowed it in some markets, Mercedes-Benz is one of the small handful of manufacturers on the planet that still builds V12s. It and Rolls-Royce are the only two companies that offer a V12 in a sedan, and for 2027, that’s not changing.
Just two months after revealing the new S-Class, Mercedes has come out with a set of top-line Maybach versions; one with a twin-turbo V8, and another with a twin-turbo V12. Because of how few V12s still exist on the new car market, this Maybach is, hilariously, going to be the cheapest 12-cylinder car you can buy. Not that it’ll be cheap.
As before, the Mercedes-Maybach S680 will be the only trim to get the company’s V12. It comes unchanged from the last-gen S-Class, rated at 621 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque thanks to two turbos and six liters of displacement. Power gets to all four wheels via the same nine-speed auto and 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
If you care about 0-60 times in your gigantic limousines, Mercedes even lists an estimated 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, though I sort of doubt that number. Car and Driver managed to squeeze a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds out of the last-gen V12 Maybach, and since this new one uses the same powertrain, it should be just as quick, depending on how much weight it’s gained. The last car weighed just over 5,300 pounds, but Mercedes hasn’t disclosed the weight for this new car.
As for exterior changes, I spoke a lot about those when the normal 2027 S-Class hit the scene back in January. The grille is 20% bigger than before, and illuminated as standard. The “Maybach” text atop the grille, as well as the Maybach logo on the C-pillar, are illuminated too. If you want, you can even option an illuminated tri-star emblem on the hood. The headlights and taillights are now shaped like Mercedes logos, while Maybach models get 20- or 21-inch forged wheels.
Like most new Mercedes models, the inside of the Maybach S-Class is a screen fest. For what it’s worth, Mercedes tries to differentiate what’s on the screen for the Maybach in an effort to remind you you’re driving the best version of the S-Class. From the release:
The fourth generation MBUX infotainment reimagines the in-car experience with intelligence, clarity and a quiet sense of personal refinement. The new standard MBUX Superscreen unites the 14.4-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger display beneath a seamless glass surface, from which the 12.3-inch driver display – with standard 3D instrument cluster – rises with a sculptural presence.
In its Maybach form, the driver display design becomes an object of modern craftsmanship. The dials of the instrument cluster glow in rose gold. A gold Maybach emblem rests between the two dials, a subtle signature of meticulous detail. A delicately textured backdrop in gold, rose gold and black sets a tone of quiet opulence, perfectly echoing the signature rose gold white ambient lighting hue.
The back seat is, of course, stuffed to the brim with luxury appointments, including two 13.1-inch entertainment screens, each with their own configurable remote. The rear gets its own climate control, power sunshades, and even integrated cameras for video conferencing. There’s also the newest version of the company’s virtual assistant, which now features generative AI, if that’s something you care about:
The MBUX Virtual Assistant serves as a true conversational companion, integrating artificial intelligence from partners like Microsoft and Google. With multiple AI agents, including ChatGPT 4o, Microsoft Bing Search and Google Gemini, the intelligent assistant enables complex conversations and has short-term memory. Appearing as a “living” avatar on the MBUX Zero Layer, it is represented by the iconic Mercedes star in an exclusive rose gold finish.
While Mercedes hasn’t disclosed a price for the 2027 Maybach S680, the unchanged powertrain means it shouldn’t be much more than the $244,400 asking price of the previous model. While a quarter-million dollars is more than the vast majority of households make in a year, the S680 is, funnily, by far the cheapest way to get into a V12, if you’re buying new. The next-cheapest V12 car, the Rolls-Royce Ghost, starts at $370,750. After that, you have to jump all the way to $436,500 for the cheapest Aston Martin Vanquish. Would I call the Maybach a bargain? In the crooked world of ultra-luxury, maybe.
All of that being said, the lesser, twin-turbo V8-powered Mercedes-Maybach S580 is probably the better car. Based on previous-gen pricing, it should be nearly $40,000 cheaper, and more fuel-efficient, too. The previous S580 could achieve 20 mpg combined, according to the EPA, while the best the V12 could manage was 15 mpg. And unlike the V12, the twin-turbo V8 has been given a few upgrades, including the latest version of Mercedes’ integrated starter-generator mild hybrid tech. While it’s rated at just 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, the company estimates the same 4.3-second 0-60 time.
While I’m sure most high-end fleet companies that buy Maybachs to transport rich people around will opt for the V8, I can see normal retail buyers swinging more towards the V12. With BMW’s V12-powered 7-Series and Audi’s A8 W12 long dead, Mercedes is the only game in town with a defining, flagship 12-cylinder offering. I’d love to know: Which one would you pick? Let me know in the comments. I’m curious to see the split between rationality and passion.
Top graphic image: Mercedes-Benz
“In its Maybach form, the driver display design becomes an object of modern craftsmanship. The dials of the instrument cluster glow in rose gold. A gold Maybach emblem rests between the two dials, a subtle signature of meticulous detail. A delicately textured backdrop in gold, rose gold and black sets a tone of quiet opulence, perfectly echoing the signature rose gold white ambient lighting hue.”
Ugh. IT’S ALL SCREENS. No “craftsmanship”, no “meticulous detail”, no “quiet opulence”. You could literally have Carl Benz farting out the numbers on the speedometer if you wanted to program it to do that. At least that would be entertaining.
If a MSRP $40k cheaper and a better fuel economy are things to consider when buying such kind of car as an individual, you should not buy it in first place.
The V8 are for fleets, where those numbers mean better profit. The V12 is the only reasonable choice here.
Pfft, this is a paltry $161,000 in 2010 money. Just skip your morning Starbucks coffee, and you can easily afford it.
Only if you wake up 4:30 AM.
As much as I would love to drive a V12 someday, a twin turbo V8 is plenty of engine for me, I’m sure.
Man, they sure know how to make an expensive car look chintzy.
China.
I’m continually shocked at how Maybach’s are always worse-looking than a normal S-Class. I get it, far more luxurious inside and crap, but the grille and trim and two-tone pain just never work for me.
When you realize “Maybach” is German for “Brougham” – it all makes sense.
The people who can afford these, also won’t mind the fact that gas is as much as $7-8 per gallon in some areas now.
I think the upper end S-Classes have been the cheapest way to get a V-12 for a long time (maybe undercut a bit by the 7 series?) but certainly the cheapest in the used market. Shame it’s only on the Maybach now, but the top-dog v8 was always the more logical choice anyway.
I think the front of this looks pretty good, minus the illuminated grill. That is unbecoming of an S-class. But I don’t think the Maybach two tone paint works well on the rounded rear end at all.
I’ll take the V12. Wouldn’t want to be disturbed by non-silky smooth power delivery as I sit in the back and sip champagne while discussing the world of corporate finance with AI that is certainly not collecting information from me and passing it on to the corporate overlords.
I’ve always wanted to drive a car with a V12, so that’s the one for me!
I was going to say this might be the most new-money gauche vehicle out there, and then I remembered the Maybach SL’s hood and soft top. It’s cool this still has the V12, but that’s the last nice thing I’ll say about it.