Mercedes-Maybach continues to defy the wider direction of the auto industry by keeping a V12 engine in its lineup. Even with stricter emissions rules and faster electrification, the brand is not ready to give up its most prestigious powertrain.
Most luxury automakers are moving away from large engines, but Mercedes-Maybach is sending a clear message. For certain buyers, true prestige still comes with twelve cylinders.
The American market now plays a key role in keeping the V12 alive. Interest in large engines remains especially strong there, and Maybach buyers in this category rarely want a compromise.
Markus Bauer, head of Mercedes-Maybach, openly admits that customers looking for a V12 usually do not want a V8 instead, regardless of its performance or efficiency.
America Remains Crucial For The V12
According to Bauer, the United States remains the most important market for Maybach’s V12 models. Buyers in this segment pay little attention to fuel economy, because for them, a large engine, luxury, and status are closely connected.
At the same time, strict Euro 7 emissions standards have effectively pushed the V12 out of Europe. Because of new regulations and weaker demand, Mercedes has stopped bringing 12-cylinder Maybach models to the European market.
The legendary 366 cubic inch twin-turbocharged gasoline engine now remains available only in markets such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
The S 680 Is The Only V12 Maybach In America
The current U.S. Maybach lineup includes the S 580, S 680 4MATIC, GLS 600, battery-electric EQS 680 SUV, and the new SL 680 Monogram Series. Still, the only model with a V12 under the hood is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680.
This luxury sedan uses a 366-cubic-inch biturbo V12 that produces 612 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Although the model is focused mainly on comfort and refinement, its performance remains impressive for a car of this class.
The S 680 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Europe Gets Electrified V8 Power Instead
European buyers now have to settle for electrified V8 versions, while the Chinese market also receives a weaker inline six-cylinder version.
The new 244 cubic inch turbocharged V8 with a 48-volt EQ Boost system produces 510 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a brief additional boost of 20 hp. This version reaches 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, only half a second slower than the V12.
Chinese buyers can also choose the Maybach S 480, powered by a 183 cubic inch turbocharged inline six with hybrid technology. That model produces 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Maybach Says The V12 Still Has A Place
Despite the progress of electrified powertrains, Mercedes-Maybach believes no modern alternative can fully replace the character and prestige of a V12.
That is why Bauer says the company’s ambition remains clear. Mercedes-Maybach wants to keep offering customers a V12 engine for as long as regulations allow.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.