This Mercedes-Maybach S680 doesn't want to be a luxury yacht, but it tries

Luxury cars are meant to convey the idea that driving one is not within everyone’s reach. That only a few can enjoy the experience of exclusivity they offer. This Mercedes-Maybach S680, which is already a luxury car intended for a select few, aims to become something more and sets its sights on a luxury yacht, also aimed at a very limited audience.

This one-off model was designed with the 1939 racing yacht, the SPHINX, in mind, so this car has a distinctly nautical touch and brings to mind luxury competition. It was created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Robbe & Berking, a manufacturer of silver tableware that also has shipyards for this type of vessel.

The bodywork comes in three colours. The upper part is Nautical Blue Metallic, with the lower part covered in Patagonia Red. Between the two, there is a dividing line in Opalite White Metallic, representing the yacht’s waterline and elegantly separating both sections.

[allery title= “MERCEDES-MAYBACH S680 SPHINX”]

The interior does not fall behind, and we find all the luxury we would expect. The upholstery is made of Maybach Manufaktur Exclusive napa leather, in the exclusive Crystal White colour. The seat padding has a diamond pattern, so it looks very comfortable. The stitching is in Orion Grey, which adds a more elegant touch.

With the wood trim a more powerful nautical touch is achieved. The walnut wood inserts are designed to evoke the deck of a boat and are accompanied by aluminium mouldings. The Maybach inscription on the door frames helps the driver and occupants remember the brand of this exceptional exclusive vehicle.

Under the bonnet we find a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine. It delivers a total output of 603 CV and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. This one-off version is based on the S680, but this saloon is also available in the S580 version, which uses a V8 engine, and in the S480 version, exclusive to the Chinese market, which uses a six-cylinder inline engine. Those seeking a more sustainable engine can opt for the Mercedes-Maybach S580e, with a plug-in hybrid system using a six-cylinder engine.

The price for which this unique variant was sold is not known, but it certainly wasn’t cheap, and the owner will be pleased, as they have an exclusive car, based on a vessel that is also unique.