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For those who want something even more luxurious than a Mercedes-Benz, there’s Maybach. Now a sub-brand of Mercedes like AMG, you can find Maybach’s touch in several vehicles, including the S-Class. But even within this rarified world, you can always go fancier. And the limited-edition 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 by Virgil Abloh is the new S-Class luxury pinnacle.
The 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 by Virgil Abloh is the last fruit of the late designer’s collaboration
Although he sadly passed away in 2021, Virgil Abloh left a significant mark in the world of fashion. He founded his own fashion house, Off-White, and served as Louis Vuitton’s menswear artistic director. Abloh was also an artist, DJ, a trained architect, and occasional jet customizer. And he still found time to collaborate with Mercedes-Benz on several projects.
The first creation was 2020’s Project Geländewagen, a ‘what-if’ G-Class designed to conquer racetracks rather than off-road courses. Next came Project Maybach, a squared-off electric coupe that’s equal parts luxury barge and futuristic Safari 911. And before he died, Abloh designed one final car alongside Mercedes’ Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener: a special Mercedes-Maybach S 680.
Technically, this special-edition Mercedes S-Class is called ‘Maybach by Virgil Abloh.’ But it’s based on the Maybach S 680, hence the long alternative name. And based on what it’s packing, it’s a fitting final chapter to Abloh’s work with the automaker.
A regular 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is already fancy, but this limited-edition S-Class takes it to the next level
Now, the ‘base’ Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Maybach S 580, is luxurious even compared to a fully-loaded S-Class. Hence why The Drive called it “the peak of the modern automobile.” The S 680, though, takes it several steps further, with things like standard rear-axle steering, Nappa leather, and arguably most importantly, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12. Yet the Maybach by Virgil Abloh still manages to add some premium touches.
Mechanically, the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 by Virgil Abloh is identical to the standard sedan. Same 621-hp V12, nine-speed automatic, AWD, and so on. And at first glance, it might just look like a well-specced four-seat S 680. However, the differences are in the details.
Firstly, Mercedes took that two-tone black-and-gold paint job directly from Project Maybach. And you won’t find this ‘Sand’ gold on any other regular Maybach, The Drive reports. Mercedes even painted the window frames black so they wouldn’t stand out. Plus, the Nappa leather interior shares this Obsidian Black-and-Sand color scheme, down to the various piano-black interior trim pieces and gold high-pile floor mats.
Secondly, this special-edition 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is sprinkled with Virgil Abloh’s logos. But Mercedes didn’t stick to just the headrests, door sills, rear cushions, and center console. The S 680’s MBUX infotainment system’s home button bears Abloh’s logo, too. And the infotainment system itself replaces several of the usual app graphics with photos of some fashion accessories Abloh designed.
In addition, each 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 by Virgil Abloh buyer gets a custom-made wooden box covered with Sand-colored Nappa leather. The Maybach- and Abloh-logo-emblazoned box holds two keys, a carabiner hook, and a 1:18 scale model of the sedan. And finally, each of these Mercedes S-Classes gets a custom car cover featuring those same logos.
This Maybach is as exclusive as Virgil Abloh’s other designs
As of this writing, Mercedes hasn’t released official pricing details for this limited-edition Maybach S-Class. However, Roadshow estimates a regular S 680 costs over $215K, so this special-edition model won’t be cheap. It won’t be easy to find, either.
Mercedes is only making 150 examples of the Maybach by Virgil Abloh, and only a few are earmarked for the US. But you can’t just reserve one at your local Maybach dealership, Roadshow notes. Instead, you’ll have to order one through an Off-White, Farfetch, or Maybach Icons of Luxury online stores, or an Off-White physical store. You can at least pick up some of the Maybach/Abloh Off-White accessories while you’re there, though.
Author: Matthew Skwarczek
Source: MotorBiscuit.com
