The 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is here, and the V12-powered sedan takes its rightful place at the top of the Mercedes S-Class line-up. Yes, you read that right. The recently unveiled S-Class retains its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 – you just need to pony up for the top-tier Maybach version, not the already introduced V8-powered Mercedes-Maybach S 580.
The hand-built 12-cylinder engine delivers the same 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque as in the previous-generation Mercedes-Maybach, but this time the effortless torque is distributed via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system. That’s new for the V12, as previously you could only get rear-wheel drive. Mercedes says torque split is 69% to the rear axle and 31% to the front. This ensures that your driver does not slip unnecessarily in bad weather, an expected luxury in the engineering marvel that is the S 680. According to Mercedes, adding four-wheel drive required a stronger front axle and a new differential to support the V12’s massive torque. The 0-100 km / h sprint takes place in a luxurious 4.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than before.
A new “Dynamic Select” mode should make driving and acceleration smoother than before, and the rear-axle steering of the standard S-Class is again available on the Maybach – you can choose from 4.5 or 10 degrees of angle for the rear axle.
Mercedes goes beyond the oily bits to the luxurious additions to the interior, claiming it has made the cabin even quieter than before with the help of active road noise compensation and the Burmester “4D” sound system that suppresses road noise like noise canceling headphones. The doors can be opened and closed on command by pushing buttons in the infotainment system – another feature that drivers should enjoy as there is no longer any need to get up to physically open and close the doors. The function is even integrated into the blind spot warning system to ensure you don’t open a door to oncoming traffic. And if you’re really into gesture control, Mercedes says the doors can be opened with hand waving too.
Leather is just everywhere, and it is the highest quality nappa leather that Mercedes has to offer. In addition to the obvious, you’ll find this beautiful leather on the headliner, dashboard, instrument panel surround, glove box, window frames, pillars, sun visors, sill inserts and seat back storage compartments. Diamond quilting and contrast piping accentuate the luxurious interior, and Maybach decals further classify it. New LED interior lighting gives the cabin a more modern feel, and the MBUX Interior Assistant provides even more hand gestures and automated processes for rear seat passengers. For example, you can wave your hand to extend the rear sunshade in the back.
In terms of design, the new S 680 builds on the already revised S-Class and looks exactly like the V8-powered Mercedes-Maybach S 580. You don’t have to specify a two-tone paint like the example shown in Mercedes’ launch photos. but it is available to further distinguish from non-Maybach models. The chrome grille (with Maybach lettering) and bumper are unique to the Maybach in what is certainly an attempt to bring even more elegance and flash to the table. The V12 badge sits proudly on the fenders, and those big wheels are meant to mimic champagne flutes. Both the exhaust and lower rear bumper have been revised from a standard S-Class, and the anticipated Mercedes-Maybach logo adorns the rear pillar.
A price was not provided, but the current Mercedes-Maybach S 650 starts at $ 203,545. Expect it to be even more so when it arrives in the US due to the added four-wheel drive and extra features. Speaking of which, Mercedes says the new S 680 should land here in the first half of 2022.
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