2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680 First Drive: 12-Cylinder Power, First-Class Comfort

There are few places in the world more important to Mercedes-Maybach than Southern California. Its high-end, high-style versions of the S-Class sedan, GLS SUV, and SL roadster are seemingly everywhere in greater Los Angeles. So, when we drove the latest version of its ultra-luxurious, V-12-powered 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class across Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Calabasas, we felt perfectly at home.

We recently traveled to another spot where Maybachs freely roam, France’s fabulous Côte d’Azur, to sample the V-8-powered Maybach S-Class, where we spent a considerable amount of time in its lavishly equipped and capacious back seat being chauffeured and pampered like VIPs. But this time out, we decided to largely play chauffer instead and experience the hand-built V-12 from behind the wheel in a variety of settings, everything from sweeping curves to traffic-choked highways to packed city streets.

Plenty of Ultra-Smooth Power

The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will be offered in two variants for the U.S. market: the S580 and S680. The S580 uses a version of Benz’s newly revised twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 mild hybrid powertrain producing 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the S680 is propelled by a carryover version of the automaker’s mighty twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 generating 621 hp and 664 lb-ft. Both engines are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

Although the V-12 produces more power and torque, the V-8 model is quicker. Mercedes estimates the S580 will reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, compared with 4.3 seconds for the S680. But for Maybach, and almost anyone considering a Maybach S-Class, acceleration figures are hardly the point. We feel the same way. After experiencing the S680 in a variety of settings, what matters most is the plushness of its ride, the opulence of its cabin, and the indulgent and highly customizable features available to those fortunate enough to ride in the back. Oh, and you can say your car has four more cylinders.

Our drive route began on the busy streets of Beverly Hills, where escaping traffic was the first test of the day, one the Maybach handled with ease. Its smooth acceleration and progressive braking kept head toss to a minimum, while the powertrain remained free of vibrations that might disturb the serene cabin. We did notice a slight shudder when the engine’s stop/start system restarted the V-12, something that was far less apparent in the mild hybrid V-8 model, which uses its e-motor largely as a starter-generator.

Despite the traffic and the sedan’s imposing 215.9-inch length, getting around Beverly Hills was surprisingly easy. The Maybach S680 is a genuinely big car, yet it never felt unwieldy when rolling down Rodeo Drive. Our test car’s optional 21-inch wheels limited the rear-axle steering to 4.5 degrees, but the system still helped when negotiating tight corners and maneuvering into parking spaces. Once we reached freeway speeds, the ride became even more supple and the cabin quieter. Regardless of speed, the S680 maintains a remarkably peaceful interior, isolating its occupants from most everything happening outside. Whatever little noise does intrude can be easily drowned out by the ridiculously impressive Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos, which transforms the cabin into a private music studio.

Malibu’s tightest canyon roads are far from the S680’s natural habitat, but along Kanan Dume Road’s broad sweepers and steep climbs, the brawny sedan never felt challenged. It surged uphill and dispatched slower-moving vehicles with effortless authority. The 12-cylinder engine always has ample power in reserve, yet its linear delivery makes acceleration feel smooth and discreet. Press the accelerator harder, though, and all 621 horses come alive, propelling the Maybach with remarkable force.

The ride quality is even more impressive, and it’s here that the Maybach truly distinguishes itself from its lesser S-Class siblings. Our S680 was equipped with Maybach’s intelligent damping system, which helps it shrug off pavement imperfections with ease. A couple of large undulations along our Malibu canyon route caused the cars ahead of us to bounce several times, but the S680 absorbed the same heaves in one controlled motion. Its chassis remained composed, and the disturbance barely registered inside the cabin.

Time to Relax

Although we spent most of our time behind the wheel, we couldn’t help but pull over for a few minutes to sample the Maybach’s phenomenal rear-seat setup. Once you settle into its plush, Nappa leather–swathed seats with their particularly soft throw pillows, cushiony headrests, and copious massage options, you may never want to climb back out. The latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX rear-seat entertainment screens let passengers stream videos from Disney+ and YouTube, and a selection of games can help pass the time between meetings.

Although we didn’t sip any champagne, the optional refrigerator setup between the rear seats can keep a bottle chilled, and dedicated holders secure the silver-plated flutes while freeing your hands. A remote control lets passengers activate the seat massagers, adjust the climate settings, and operate the window shades for additional privacy. Recline the seat back and extend the leg rest, and you’ll feel suitably pampered whether you’re heading to an evening gala or an early-morning board meeting.

Shining Bright

The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680 looks imposingly baller from every angle, and it will make any CEO or captain of industry feel like all that hard work has finally paid off. The updated model is beginning to arrive in the U.S. at around a cool quarter million to start, which is roughly $3,000 more than the 2026 version. That modest increase is unlikely to negatively influence anyone seriously considering adding one to their fleet.

For those who still believe 12 cylinders and first-class luxury belong together, few cars make the case as convincingly as the S680—no matter if you’re chauffeuring yourself or being chauffeured.