Mercedes-Maybach S 680: Affordable Luxury V12 Sedan?

What the Maybach S 680 Is – and Who It’s For

The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is a luxury V12 sedan that combines a twin-turbo 6.0‑liter engine, stretched-wheelbase comfort and traditional hand-crafted detailing to offer an “affordable” entry point into the ultra-luxury chauffeur-class limousine segment for buyers who value quiet prestige more than cutting-edge minimalism or razor-sharp handling.

This Maybach S 680 review starts with the bottom line: it is a very good car for a very specific kind of high-end car buying. At a starting price of USD 249,000 (approx. RM1,150,000), complete with twin-turbo V12 power, it is “something of a bargain” compared with rivals that cost more while offering similar or less prestige. If your idea of value involves a V12 badge, a whisper-quiet cabin and rear seats that rival a first-class airline pod, the S 680 fits. If you want the sharpest-driving super-sedan or the flashiest statement, this is not it.

The trade-off is clear: Mercedes has tuned the S 680 for comfort and old-school luxury first, driving excitement a distant second. Owners in some markets tend to drive themselves, while in others they prefer to be driven, and the car is tailored to suit both, with its stretched rear cabin and power-closing rear doors reinforcing its dual identity as executive office and personal sanctuary.

Twin-Turbo V12 Performance: Effortless, Not Exhilarating

At the heart of this luxury V12 sedan is a 6.0‑liter twin‑turbocharged engine, with one turbo per bank feeding twelve cylinders for 621 hp at 5,100 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. That output goes to all four wheels through the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, launching the 5,280‑pound S 680 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. According to Mark Vaughn, “only five carmakers in the world offer that configuration right now, and two are Aston Martin and Ferrari,” underlining how rare a new V12 has become.

On paper the twin-turbo performance looks impressive; in practice it feels more like a tidal surge than a fireworks show. The V12 is quiet first and foremost, prioritising isolation over drama. You feel the torque as a seamless shove rather than a sudden hit, which suits the car’s mission. It is worth noting that the S 580, with its smaller displacement and mild-hybrid assistance, is actually quicker to 60 mph at 3.9 seconds, and yet costs USD 211,750 (approx. RM980,000), which makes the S 680’s V12 more about prestige and character than outright speed.

On a tight, twisty route along Mulholland, the S 680’s limitations show. Even with 10 degrees of rear steering, most rivals feel better around a corner, and the car’s sheer size makes narrow hills feel like the wrong stage. The Airmatic air suspension with Intelligent Damper Control is clearly tuned for straight-line comfort rather than cornering, and while that means a pillowy ride over imperfect roads, buyers seeking the sharpest handling in this ultra-luxury segment will likely gravitate toward alternatives.

Old-School Luxury Craftsmanship Over Tech Minimalism

Where some rivals chase stripped-back, screen-dominated cabins, the Maybach S 680 doubles down on traditional craftsmanship. Inside you find hand-stitched Nappa leather sewn in concentric elliptic patterns rather than trendy diamond quilting, massaging rear seats, ventilated front seats and screens at every seating position. The Maybach S-Class body is stretched by 7.5 inches to give rear passengers more space and a stronger sense of occasion, as they arguably deserve at this price.

Comfort borders on indulgent excess. Heated seats are just the start; the Maybach also offers heated armrests, steering wheel, door panels and even heated seat belts. The philosophy is clear: if your body touches it, it should be warm. Add the mighty 1,500‑watt Burmester system with 31 speakers and Dolby Atmos, and you have one of the most immersive in-car audio experiences available; Vaughn notes that a demo of this setup “ruined all regular sound” for him.

The emphasis on tactile richness does come with trade-offs. The cabin feels busy rather than minimalist, and those who prefer a cleaner, tech-first environment might find the design ornate. In day-to-day use, though, the Maybach S 680 succeeds at what matters: making every journey feel special, whether you are behind the wheel or reclining in the back.

Design, Image and the High-End Value Question

Visually, the Maybach S 680 goes for “Maximum Mercedes,” but in a controlled way. For the latest model, the grille is larger and gains another V12 badge, while the grille surround and three-pointed star on the hood are illuminated in white light to improve red-carpet entrances. Star-shaped headlights and Maybach emblems on the lower front fascia reinforce the badge’s status, and power-closing rear doors underline that occupants should not have to reach for a handle.

Two-tone paint is available and helps the car stand out at awards shows, yet only about 40 percent of buyers choose it; some prefer more subdued single-tone finishes. The key here is that the car can be as extroverted or discreet as you like, especially given that paint can be matched to personal items. However, anonymity is never fully on the menu; the Maybach’s proportions and details make it clear this is no ordinary S-Class.

In the context of ultra-luxury, the S 680 is pitched as the “affordable” option. With the Bentley Flying Spur starting at USD 254,850 (approx. RM1,180,000), the Rolls-Royce Ghost at USD 370,750 (approx. RM1,720,000), and the Cadillac Celestiq at USD 361,000 (approx. RM1,670,000), the USD 249,000 (approx. RM1,150,000) Maybach S 680 looks like a relative bargain. Yet most high-end car buying at this level is not rational cross-shopping; many customers are existing Mercedes owners moving up. For those, the S 680 offers a clear step into the rarefied world of V12-powered flagships, competing for prestige against the few brands that still build twelve-cylinder cars.

Buy if / Skip if

• Buy the Maybach S 680 if you want a twin-turbo performance flagship with a rare V12 engine and care more about prestige than outright speed.
• Skip the Maybach S 680 if you prioritise sharp cornering and driver engagement over straight-line comfort in your ultra-luxury sedan.
• Buy the Maybach S 680 if you plan to spend serious time in the rear seats and value stretched-wheelbase space, massaging chairs and heated touchpoints everywhere.
• Skip the Maybach S 680 if you prefer minimalist interiors and are not interested in the ornate, hand-stitched Nappa leather and elaborate detailing.
• Buy the Maybach S 680 if you are an existing Mercedes owner moving up the ladder and want an “affordable” gateway into the ultra-luxury limo class.
• Skip the Maybach S 680 if the S 580 or even the S 500 gives you all the comfort you need at a much lower price point.