2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 revealed with twin-turbo V12 power – UPDATE
V12 power continues on in Mercedes' flagship limousine, with a 200Nm torque boost over its lesser V8 sibling.
UPDATE, 19 May 2021, 4:40pm: Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed first deliveries of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 will commence in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive).
It will be the sole Mercedes-Maybach S-Class variant available locally, with the Maybach S580 model available overseas not bound for Australia. A Mercedes-Benz-badged S580L model will take its place in the local range instead.
Our original story continues below, with the above updates incorporated.
19 May 2021, 11am: The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 has been unveiled.
Following the demise of the Mercedes-AMG S65 with the previous-generation S-Class in recent years, the Maybach S680 serves as the only Mercedes model remaining with a V12 engine – and will likely be its last, as tightening emissions regulations see large-displacement engines phased out in favour of more efficient plug-in hybrids.
US-market models extract 463kW and 900Nm from the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 under the bonnet, propelling the S680 to 97km/h (60mph) from a standstill in 4.4 seconds, towards an electronically-limited top speed of 209km/h.
European-delivered examples develop 'just' 450kW and 900Nm, for a 4.5-second 0-100km/h sprint time, and a 250km/h limited top speed.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard in all markets, as is 4Matic all-wheel-drive with a 31:69 front-to-rear torque distribution.
For reference, the 'standard' Mercedes-Maybach S580 – not coming to Australia – features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid assistance, sending 370kW and 700Nm to all four wheels through a nine-speed auto.
Visual differences between V8 and V12-powered Maybach models are limited to 'S680' and 'V12' badging for the latter, with both cars benefitting from the same long-wheelbase body, bold front grille, chrome trim, and choice of 10 one- and two-tone exterior paint combinations.
Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch central touchscreen face front-seat occupants, while rear-seat passengers benefit from individual comfort seats, dual 11.6-inch entertainment screens, and silver-plated champagne goblets.
A 4D Burmester surround sound system with active noise cancelling is available, while other available items inside and out include rear-wheel steering with up to 10 degrees of rotation, power-operated rear 'comfort doors', and advanced interior gesture control.
The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 will go on sale in Australia between October and December 2021. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
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