Exclusive Series for Japan
Mercedes-Benz adores limited series and has just confirmed that its latest novelty will arrive in Japan, albeit limited to only five units. The model, known as the Maybach S680 V12 Edition, appeals to the history of the German luxury car brand and was first introduced for other markets in September of last year.
Global production of the model is limited to just 50 units, and Japan will receive 10 percent of that number. This series pays homage to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was the first serial Maybach model with a V12 engine. In the early 1930s, the 7.0-liter and 8.0-liter engines produced up to 200 hp, while this new model has more than three times the power.
Power and Performance
Thanks to a bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine, the car develops 603 hp and 900 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, providing an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Special Body Paintwork
The paint scheme of the S680 V12 Edition is undoubtedly the most striking element. The lower part of the body is finished in the metallic color Obsidian Black, while the upper part is painted in Manufaktur Olive metallic—a deep, yet light-reflecting shade of green. Mercedes-Maybach has also added High-Tech Silver stripes.
While a standard Maybach model is painted for approximately five days, completing this work for this version takes up to 10 days. The unique 20-inch forged Maybach wheels in Manufaktur Olive color are executed in the same paint tone.
To make the limited edition stand out even more, it features a special Maybach emblem with an inlay of 24-carat gold and a V-shaped pattern inspired by the cylinder arrangement of the V12 engine.
Other Unique Details
Numerous individual details can also be found inside the car. For example, the upholstery is executed in a combination of Manufaktur Saddle Brown/Black colors, and the ceiling and steering wheel are covered in Nappa leather. The center console features a special plaque with the number ‘1 of 50’, and the headrests bear special gold Maybach logos, which are also present on the exterior.
In Japan, the car will cost from 53.99 million yen (approximately $342,400 USD). If Mercedes receives more than five orders for this model, the company will hold a lottery to determine who will have the fortunate opportunity to purchase it.
The release of such an exclusive series not only emphasizes Maybach’s status as a manufacturer of ultra-luxury cars but also demonstrates the brand’s strategy of creating high-profit, collectible models for specific markets. Limiting it to just five units for Japan guarantees that these cars will become the object of fierce competition among collectors, and their value may only increase over time. This could also be one of the last opportunities to purchase a new Maybach with a naturally aspirated V12 engine against the backdrop of the general trend among automakers towards electrification and downsizing engines.