Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
MotorTrend drove the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680 through Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Calabasas, this time from the driver's seat rather than the back seat (having previously tested the V8 S-Class in the south of France as a passenger).
Powertrain
The S-Class lineup offers two engines for the US market: the S580 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter mild-hybrid V8 making 530 hp and 553 lb-ft, and the S680 with a carryover twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 making 621 hp and 664 lb-ft. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite having less power, the V8 model is actually quicker to 60 mph (3.9 seconds versus 4.3 for the V12), though the reviewer notes acceleration numbers aren't really the point of a car like this.
Driving impressions
In Beverly Hills traffic, the Maybach handled stop-and-go driving smoothly, with minimal head toss and a vibration-free powertrain, aside from a slight shudder when the engine restarted after stop/start (more noticeable than in the V8 model). Despite its huge 215.9-inch length, the car felt manageable on tight streets, helped by rear-axle steering (limited to 4.5 degrees on the test car's optional 21-inch wheels). At freeway speed, the ride grew even smoother and the cabin quieter, aided by a Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos that can mask any outside noise.
On Malibu's canyon roads, the S680 handled climbs and passing maneuvers with ease, and the intelligent damping system stood out in particular — smoothing over large bumps that made other cars visibly bounce. The V12's power delivery was described as smooth and linear at normal throttle, with a big, forceful surge available when pushed harder.
Rear-seat experience
Even while spending most of the drive up front, the reviewer briefly tried the rear seats: Nappa leather upholstery, soft pillows, massage functions, MBUX rear entertainment screens with Disney+, YouTube, and games, plus an optional chilled beverage setup with flute holders. A remote controls massage, climate, and window shades for privacy.
Pricing and takeaway
The 2027 S680 starts at roughly $250,000, about $3,000 more than the 2026 model — an increase the reviewer says won't deter serious buyers. The overall verdict: for those who still want a V12 paired with first-class luxury, few cars make as strong a case as the S680, whether you're driving it or being driven in it.
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MotorTrend drove the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680 through Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Calabasas, this time from the driver's seat rather than the back seat (having previously tested the V8 S-Class in the south of France as a passenger).
Powertrain
The S-Class lineup offers two engines for the US market: the S580 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter mild-hybrid V8 making 530 hp and 553 lb-ft, and the S680 with a carryover twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 making 621 hp and 664 lb-ft. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite having less power, the V8 model is actually quicker to 60 mph (3.9 seconds versus 4.3 for the V12), though the reviewer notes acceleration numbers aren't really the point of a car like this.
Driving impressions
In Beverly Hills traffic, the Maybach handled stop-and-go driving smoothly, with minimal head toss and a vibration-free powertrain, aside from a slight shudder when the engine restarted after stop/start (more noticeable than in the V8 model). Despite its huge 215.9-inch length, the car felt manageable on tight streets, helped by rear-axle steering (limited to 4.5 degrees on the test car's optional 21-inch wheels). At freeway speed, the ride grew even smoother and the cabin quieter, aided by a Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos that can mask any outside noise.
On Malibu's canyon roads, the S680 handled climbs and passing maneuvers with ease, and the intelligent damping system stood out in particular — smoothing over large bumps that made other cars visibly bounce. The V12's power delivery was described as smooth and linear at normal throttle, with a big, forceful surge available when pushed harder.
Rear-seat experience
Even while spending most of the drive up front, the reviewer briefly tried the rear seats: Nappa leather upholstery, soft pillows, massage functions, MBUX rear entertainment screens with Disney+, YouTube, and games, plus an optional chilled beverage setup with flute holders. A remote controls massage, climate, and window shades for privacy.
Pricing and takeaway
The 2027 S680 starts at roughly $250,000, about $3,000 more than the 2026 model — an increase the reviewer says won't deter serious buyers. The overall verdict: for those who still want a V12 paired with first-class luxury, few cars make as strong a case as the S680, whether you're driving it or being driven in it.
Instagram ▶ instagram.com/cartvpress
TikTok ▶ tiktok.com/@cartvpress
Facebook ▶ facebook.com/CARTVPress
