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Only two names in the automotive industry have stood at the absolute pinnacle of luxury – Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce. And while the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost remains the most elegant piece of motoring money can buy, the latest curated model from the late great Virgil Abloh (in collaboration with Mercedes-Maybach) throws traditions to the wind for a memorable example of fine motoring.
The Mercedes-Maybach S680 is the ultimate from Mercedes and Abloh turned the luxury levels to the max for project MAYBACH. Limited to just 150 cars globally, the two-toned bodywork and interior return in retrospect to the all-electric Project MAYBACH, alongside a capsule collection designed by Virgil in collaboration with Off-White. Let’s check it out.
Image: Mercedes-Maybach
The Mercedes-Maybach S680 by Virgil Abloh
While it’s not specifically clear that Mercedes-Maybach is directly challenging the younger generation of ‘Crypto Kings’ as the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost, grabbing the most influential designer of the last decade would certainly go a long way in doing so. They didn’t hand Abloh the keys to an A, B, C, or E class either, but the fully-fledged luxury land yacht S 680 sporting the ultimate middle-finger 6.0-litre V12 alongside a host of interior and exterior changes.
The vehicle’s exterior features a unique two-tone colour combination that was created for Project MAYBACH (linked below). Throwing is back to the Maybach heritage of old, the upper section of the vehicle is finished in a glossy Obsidian Black, while the lower portion, side flanks and special forged wheels are painted in a sand hue. As always the exterior is elegant, stylish, and expensive in appearance, but it’s the inside where the magic happens, so let’s take a close look.
On the inside, you’ll first find an identical two-tone colour scheme and four-seat configuration. The steering wheel, doors, lower dashboard and headliner are finished in a combination of black and sand coloured Nappa Leather, including the trims and strips. Imagine the deepest pile rug you’ve ever walked on and that’s basically what the floormats of the S 680 are made from, finished here in black with a strip of sand colouring and stitched Mercedes-Maybach logo. A special Mercedes-Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo is inscribed on the Piano Black middle of the centre console, rear cushions, headrests and door sill panel. The user interface receives a special designer treatment to round out the interior.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we created in collaboration with Virgil. From Project Geländewagen, which set the benchmark for fashion/automotive collaborations with our iconic G-Class, to Project MAYBACH which brought the distinguished Mercedes-Maybach heritage into the future, together with Virgil we truly broke new ground. The limited-edition Maybach by Virgil Abloh exemplifies the symbiosis between innovative design and ultimate craftsmanship now available on the road,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The experience of owning a luxury vehicle such as this extends far beyond a simple drive out of the dealership. All customers will receive a custom-made wooden box covered in sand-coloured Nappa Leather emblazoned with the Mercedes-Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo, and inside the customers will be greeted by a 1/18 scale replica of the limited-edition car, two-car keys and a carabiner hook. Customers will also receive a custom car cover featuring the MercedesMaybach and Virgil Abloh logo, perfect for covering in Dubai parking garages where most of these will undoubtedly end up.
Related: We took the long way home in the BMW X3 M Competition to find out if 510HP SUVs make sense.
Image: Mercedes-Maybach
Project MAYBACH Capsule Collection
While the concept and physical vehicle are undoubtedly the standout performers in this collaboration, the project has been developed to include a capsule collection of clothing items, including; hoodies, t-shirts, and even driving gloves. Imagery from the capsule can be found below and can be purchased exclusively through Off-White, Farfetch and Maybach Icons of Luxury online stores, as well as Off-White stores in select markets. What else are you going to wear when you hop out the back of your Virgil Abloh designed Maybach?!
Image: Mercedes-Maybach
Image: Mercedes-Maybach
Image: Mercedes-Maybach
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