This Bespoke Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Is a Nautical-Themed Land Yacht

A bespoke Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, this copy has numerous visual upgrades that were inspired by a racing yacht. The vessel in question was built in 1939. It is a Sphinx 12mR yacht by Robbe & Berking that changed hands several times over the years, and it's been fully restored since 2005.

This luxury sedan pays homage to the yacht and celebrates its maker's 150thanniversary. In plain Maybach fashion, the four-door ride features some exclusive touches inside and out. Its nautical theme is visible on certain components, and the S-Class is a true work of art, like most nautical-inspired machines.

Starting with the exterior, it has a two-tone paint finish. It combines Nautical Blue Metallic on the upper sections and Patagonia Red on the lower parts. The latter hue came from Manufaktur's portfolio, which is Mercedes' customization division. A filigree pinstripe in Manufaktur Opalite White Metallic separates the two colors and matches the yacht's white waterline.

Opening the door will reveal the exquisite interior, which sports more Manufaktur touches. These include the Manufaktur Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with a Crystal White look and diamond quilting. The seats, door cards, headliner, and other components are presented in this material. Orion Gray decorative stitching is also on deck, and exclusive wood walnut trim with light-colored aluminum accents bedecks various cockpit parts.

The three-pointed star brand's luxury division also mentions the customized rear Nappa leather cushions, Maybach embossing, backlit side sills, and a generous equipment range. This includes the Burmester high-end sound system, MBUX rear-seat entertainment system, a cooling compartment with a pair of silver-plated champagne flutes, and other stuff that the car's users will certainly appreciate.

This custom ride builds on the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, so it packs a great V12 motor under the hood, which is part of a dying breed. The handcrafted engine has a 6.0-liter displacement, two turbos, and produces 621 horsepower (630 ps/463 kW) at 2,000-4,000 rpm and 664 pound-foot (900 Nm) of torque at 5,250-5,500 rpm.

The automaker says 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) takes a mere 4.5 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle with a 5,346 pounds (2,425 kg) curb weight. No one who can afford such a ride cares about the fuel economy, which is rated at 12 mpg (19.6 l/100 km) in the city and 20 mpg US (11.8 l/100 km) on the highway. The S 680 uses a 9sp automatic transmission and benefits from the brand's 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Pricing for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic starts at $234,300, and besides this model, the company also offers it in the S 580 4Matic configuration. The latter brings a 4.0L V8 with twin turbos to the party, which steams out 496 hp (503 ps/370 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 516 pound-foot (700 Nm) of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. This ride weighs 5,236 (2,375 kg) and is two-tenths of a second slower from 0 to 60 mph. Pricing for the S 580 kicks off at $198,300 in the United States.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class family also comprises a six-banger, which is advertised as the S 480. However, this version is unavailable in Western markets, as it is limited to China. Completing the offering is the S 580e, which also uses a six-pot, albeit with electric assistance. The powertrain belts out a total of 503 hp (510 ps/375 kW) and 553 pound-foot (750 Nm) of torque, enabling 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 5.1 seconds and a 155 mph (250 kph) top speed. The S 580 e has a 62-mile (100 km) electric range.

Before calling it a story and moving on to the next topic, we will remind you that Mercedes-Maybach will soon expand its portfolio beyond the S-Class, GLS, and EQS with the first-ever SL. That's right, the roadster, which was developed by Mercedes-AMG, is about to get the luxury treatment. Our spy photographers snapped it in the open recently, sporting revised front and rear ends and some tweaks made to the profile.

It is yet unknown what powers it, as the rumor mill speaks about the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach SL launching in the S 580 and S 680 versions, just like the luxury S-Class. However, we doubt that the latter will pack a V12, as it will most likely use a bi-turbo V8, just like the lesser model, albeit with a bit more power.

Mercedes-Maybach's first-ever SL roadster is expected to debut early next year or towards the end of 2024, and it should cost more than $200,000 in our market. The AMG SL 63 starts at $187,000, the SL 55 at $144,500, and the four-pot SL 43 at $111,800 in the United States. So, is this something you'd ever consider buying?