The Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz in America Is a V12 for People Who Don't Drive
The Mercedes-Benz brand was founded in 1926, but its origins stretch back 40 years prior to that date, when Carl Benz created the first gas-powered automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen.
It has been a pioneer of automotive engineering, safety, and prestige for over 100 years, and its range-topping luxury sedans have always been the platform for its latest innovations and technologies. Today, the single most expensive vehicle Mercedes-Benz sells in the U.S. lineup is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic.
We will look at what makes it so special, but to do that we need to examine the origins of the Maybach name first.
What Does Maybach Actually Mean?
While Mercedes has been building top-line sedans since almost the very beginning, the S-Class models we know today were first introduced in 1972. Over the last few years, the top variants have been given the Maybach name.
Founded in 1909, Maybach originally built airships and luxury vehicles, but it fell on hard times and was eventually acquired by Mercedes in 1960. Standalone Maybach models were first offered in 2002, and the Maybach 57 and 62 were as opulent as any Rolls-Royce or Bentley, but poor sales (and serious financial losses) ended production in 2012.
Why the history lesson? Well, most people assume that Maybach is just fancy name Mercedes uses for its priciest vehicles, but it's so much more than just a fancy trim option. Since 2015, the Maybach nameplate has been reserved for vehicles that push past the limitations of Mercedes' traditional line-up to cater to the global elite.
Sort of like Hyundai's Genesis, or Toyota's Lexus. But for the filthy rich. So, instead of competing against its natural Audi/BMW rivals, Mercedes wants to bridge the gap between its regular models and the world's most luxurious automotive brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC
- Model Years: 2025 / 2026
- Rivals: Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic is, in essence, an elongated, heavily modified version of the standard S-Class platform. It stretches the rear wheelbase by an additional seven inches, purely for the benefit of rear passenger legroom. That's because, despite its immense performance, it is at its core a vehicle to be enjoyed from the back seat.
This is a car targeted solely at high-net-worth individuals, top-tier corporate executives, and dignitaries who don't concern themselves with concepts like catastrophic depreciation and affordable health care. While Mercedes' high-performance AMG variants are fine for the merely wealthy middle class, the Maybach range focuses on isolating passengers from the outside world at all costs.
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic in Detail
Base MSRP | $244,400 |
Engine | 6.0L V12 biturbo |
Power | 621 hp |
Torque | 664 lb-ft |
0–60 mph | 4.3 seconds |
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 12 / 20 / 15 mpg |
Some may view the Maybach as just a fancier trim in the Mercedes range, but it isn't just a marketing gimmick. It has tons of bespoke features, and is the only Mercedes left with a V12 engine.
This twin-turbo 6.0-liter power unit develops a massive 621-hp and 664 lb-ft of torque in near silence. Yes, an EV would be quieter and even quicker, but that is not the point here. Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, and there is an air suspension system at all four corners.
The interior is huge, but it is designed purely for four, and the rear passengers are the real focus here. It's not just about head and leg room, though, because you get just about every luxury feature ever conceived as standard. And then you get to the options.
You Need Options
For vehicles like this, the base MSRP is the starting point from which you create your own bespoke model. The range-topping Maybach S680 already has every conceivable luxury and tech feature as standard, but the point here is to design one that has a color combo like no other.
It would be highly embarrassing to arrive at the Met Gala and see an identical Maybach parked outside.
At last count, there were 9 exterior paint options before you delve into the Manufactur ‘Made to Measure' program. That opens up over 50 more paint colors. There are 12 ‘regular' interior leather colors with five trim finishes, and this expands to an almost limitless combination of options when you pick from the Manufactur catalog.
Below are some of the more interesting options available to a Maybach customer:
| Optional Feature | Price |
|---|---|
Maybach Night Series Design Package | $25,000 |
Manufaktur Exclusive Nappa Leather | $13,500 |
Manufaktur Exclusive Paint | $9,900 |
Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS (4-seat configuration) | $6,000 |
Silver-Plated Maybach Champagne Flutes | $3,200 |
Refrigerator Box for Rear Center Console | $1,100 |
Some other vehicles may have even more ostentatious optional extras, but the Maybach already has just about everything you could need as standard. However, the Maybach champagne flutes are an absolute must, you won't be driving anyway, and the rear seat package adds folding rear tables and heated and cooled cupholders, which are essential on any trip.
Ticking every luxury package and accessory option available adds over $40,000 to the base price. That's what a base Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe costs. Fully optioned, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic easily tops $270,000 once you factor in destination fees, taxes, and dealership delivery charges. The good news? You can add the heated steering wheel option for free.
In-House Alternatives
| Model | Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4Matic | Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance | Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic |
|---|---|---|---|
Base MSRP | $207,150 | $189,800 | $180,000 |
Engine | 4.0L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid | 4.0L V8 biturbo w/ rear electric motor | 4.0L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid |
Power | 496 hp | 791 hp | 550 hp |
Torque | 516 lb-ft | 1,055 lb-ft | 538 lb-ft |
0–60 mph | 4.7 seconds | 3.0 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
Fuel Economy | 16 / 24 / 19 mpg | 46 / 53 MPGe (Combined) | 13 / 18 / 15 mpg |
There really is no direct alternative to the S 680 flagship, but if one feels that the neighbors may stare too intently, then the ever so slightly less impressive Maybach S 580 4Matic may be a better fit. It makes ‘just' 496-hp from its twin-turbo V8, but the interior is similarly sumptuous, and it is $37,250 less pricey if that matters.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is one of the most expensive non-Maybach models, and it combines its twin-turbo V8 with electrical assistance to develop a ridiculous 791-hp. The 3.0-second 0-60 mph time is supercar quick, and when you aren't scaring Ferraris, the S 63 E Performance can resume its alter ego as a mild-mannered luxury limo. It's not quite as effortless in this role as the Maybach, but it's massively quick, and should delivery significantly better fuel economy. Because even millionaires care about that. Probably.
Are you planning to take your Maybach to your mountain retreat, or perhaps want to look down on the poor from an elevated perch?
Then the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic SUV is the one to get. Unfortunately, you don't get a V12 under the hood, but the twin-turbo V8 should be adequate, and the luxury levels are much the same as you get in the sedan. There is no cramped three row seating here, instead the second row passengers get a huge space to relax in, and leg rests, folding tables, and the optional integrated champagne refrigerator box is also available here.
The Flagship Still Rules
Madly expensive and ostentatious vehicles like the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic may seem crass to some, but they serve a deeper purpose than just to make their owners feel special. These low-volume, high-priced models function as testbed for the latest tech like advanced sound-damping technology, complex predictive air suspensions, and biometric security systems.
Think of it as Mercedes getting funding from the wealthy elite to make your C-Class a better car.
Halo cars also help pull up the image of a brand, benefiting resale values and allowing you to brag to your buddies that the door handle in your base Mercedes is almost like the one you get in the top variants. Aside from that, if this is one way to keep V12 gas engines in production, then we are all for it. Now all we need is a quarter of a million dollars to own one.
Data Sources:
- All vehicle data, pricing figures, and technical specifications were sourced from the official manufacturer websites.
- Pricing figures represent the base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and exclude destination charges, and taxes.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 9:30 AM.