Behind the Wheel of the 2027 V-12 Maybach S680

The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class arrives in the US offering two powertrains: the V-8 mild hybrid S580 (530 hp) and the flagship S680 with a hand-built twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 producing 621 hp. Both route power through a nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. While the V-8 model is quicker to 60 mph—3.9 seconds versus 4.3—the real story isn't acceleration. It's the near-silent, vibration-free progress and the opulent rear cabin.

On Beverly Hills streets, the 215.9-inch sedan proved surprisingly wieldy thanks to available rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees with 21-inch wheels). At freeway speeds, the cabin turns library-quiet, and the optional Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos transforms it into a private studio. Even on Malibu's sweeping canyon roads, the adaptive damping absorbed large heaves in a single controlled motion, leaving passengers undisturbed.

Rear-seat amenities are the true differentiator: Nappa leather, throw pillows, massage functions, and MBUX entertainment screens that stream Disney+ and YouTube. A refrigerator with chilled bottle and silver-plated flutes reinforces the chauffeured-luxury brief. The 2027 model begins arriving at around $250,000, a notable increase over its predecessor.

Why Mercedes Keeps the V-12 for Its Ultimate Luxury Flagship

Keeping the V-12 Alive in an Electrified Era

The carryover V-12 isn't about raw speed—the mild-hybrid V-8 is quicker—but about prestige and effortlessness. In a market where cylinder counts are shrinking, Maybach's decision to retain the twelve-cylinder engine signals a belief that ultra-high-net-worth buyers still value traditional engineering bragging rights. The powertrain's linear, discreet delivery and absence of vibration cater to a clientele that judges refinement in decibels, not seconds.

The price bump—up from the 2026 model—suggests Mercedes sees persistent demand at the very top of the luxury sedan segment. The extensive rear-seat customization, from reclining seats to champagne flutes, underlines that the S680's primary job is to impress passengers, not drivers. The front seat may offer a sublime driving experience, but the rear cabin's features make it clear: this car is a moving executive lounge, and the V-12 is the ultimate noise-cancelling engine.

Choosing Between the S580 and S680

  • Engine choice matters: The S580's mild hybrid V-8 is quicker to 60 mph and offers smoother stop/start operation, while the S680's V-12 delivers the ultimate in seamless power delivery and cylinder-count prestige. Buyers focused on driving refinement and passenger comfort will lean toward the twelve-cylinder.
  • Price and timing: Expect to pay around $250,000, a step up from the outgoing model. The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680 is arriving now; ordering early is advisable for those who want the V-12 experience before future electrification narrows combustion-engine options.