We were a little disappointed when Mercedes first introduced the Maybach S 580, which features a twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Although these figures are suitable for a plush luxury sedan, we had hoped for a V12 engine in the Maybach-branded S-Class. When the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S 680, powered by a twin-turbocharged V12 with an undisclosed output, was unveiled last week, our disappointment faded easily.
Mercedes-Benz USA has released more details about the car only a few days after its debut. The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC Sedan, which replaces the outgoing S 650, will send its V12 power to all four wheels rather than only the rear. Rumors suggested that the S 680 would be less powerful than the outgoing Maybach S-Class, but official figures contradict this.
The handcrafted 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo engine produces 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, according to Mercedes-Benz USA. For comparison, the performance figures in the outgoing Maybach S 650 and Mercedes-AMG S65 are similar. The Maybach S 680 gets the new 9G-Tronic nine-speed transmission with a rear-biased 4MATIC configuration, while the old V12 models used an older seven-speed automatic to send power to the rear wheels. The front axle receives 31% of the available torque from the V12 engine, while the rear axle receives 69 percent.
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While the official curb weight has yet to be determined, leaked information suggests that the S 680 would be lighter than its predecessor. The S 680’s official 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds, which is faster than the previous S 650’s (4.6 seconds), but it’s still a tad slower than the S65 (4.2 seconds). Despite its supercar-like performance, Maybach has limited the top speed to 130 mph.
Since it is built on the most recent S-Class, this Maybach features some of the most cutting-edge technology available today. The Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System, which acts like noise-canceling headphones to make the cabin even quieter, has active road noise compensation.The cabin is lined in nappa leather, with two diamond-quilted seat rest cushions for rear passengers. Maybach also borrowed a page from Rolls-playbook Royce’s by installing electronically-controlled doors that open and close without the need for human intervention.
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC Sedan will be available in the United States in the first half of 2022, around a year after the V8-powered S 580. The Maybach S 580 already costs $184,900, so we expect the V12-powered S680 to cost significantly more and break the $200k barrier.
