Surprise: Flagship Mercedes S-Class to Come as a V12 Maybach After All

V12 Maybach is apparently now limited to the top model alone, meaning the S 63 AMG has been rendered obsolete.

So you’re in the market for a new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, but that forthcoming 503 HP 516 lb ft S 580 4Matic’s four-liter biturbo V8 just doesn’t cut the mustard for you? Well, we have great news — the über-Mercedes brand will soon offer a proper flagship 612 HP 664 lb ft 6.0-liter V12 Maybach S 680 after all.

So, the Maybach will come with a V12 After All

It was said that the bent-twelve’s thirst would damage to Merc’s overall CO2 emissions footprint to the point of millions in penalties. So, a V12 was initially believed out of the question. But the fact that two-thirds of total production goes to China considerably softens that carbon blow. Which will bring tears to green eyes. But no doubt please the oligarch no end.

The V12 is apparently now limited to the Maybach top model alone, meaning the S 63 AMG has been rendered obsolete. The all-wheel drive Maybach V12 has Airmatic air suspension with adjustable damping, while rear-axle steering is optional, but recommended for the 5.47-meter-long flagship. That comes in two options. A 4.5-degree version to cut the behemoth’s turning circle 35 inches to 40 feet. Or a 10-degree turning rear axle to take a further three foot out of that U-turn.

One can write a book about all the Maybach S-Class features, but here are a few highlights… Set apart by its unique bonnet and exclusive Maybach-radiator grille and that Maybach logo embedded in the glazed C-pillar, you can go for the optional hand-painted two-tone coachwork. That can take up to a week to apply, depending on the color chosen.