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.
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.
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?!
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