The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 has received a bespoke makeover with help from NBA legend LeBron James, creating a luxury sedan that takes a different approach to standing out from rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 was customised through Mercedes-Benz’s Manufaktur personalisation program and closely resembles a version owned by James himself. The car is set to go under the hammer at Gooding Christie’s Retromobile New York Auctions, with proceeds benefiting the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Unlike a conventional limited-edition model, this car’s appeal lies in its individual design details rather than a new powertrain or performance upgrade. Its specification reflects James’ personal tastes, with contrasting exterior and interior colours that make it considerably more distinctive than a standard Maybach.
The auction also gives the car a purpose beyond its exclusivity, with the money raised supporting education and community initiatives in James’ hometown.
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Ivory exterior and blue leather cabin
The sedan is finished in a non-metallic Light Ivory paint colour offered through Mercedes-Benz’s Manufaktur division. The pale finish extends to the matching wheels, giving the large luxury sedan a consistent look.
Mercedes-Benz has also replaced the usual V12 badges on the front guards with James’ personal logo. These details distinguish the car from a regular S 680 without changing its underlying mechanical specification.
Inside, the cabin takes a more dramatic direction. Stormy Weather blue Nappa leather covers the front and rear seats, door panels, much of the dashboard and the transmission tunnel. White contrast stitching adds definition to the upholstery, while James’ logo appears on the headrests.
A small plaque on the centre console features the coordinates of Akron, Ohio, where James grew up. It is a subtle personal reference that connects the car to the community set to benefit from its sale.
The combination of ivory paint and bright blue leather will not appeal to every luxury-car buyer. However, it gives this Maybach a clear identity in a segment where personalisation and exclusivity are important parts of the ownership experience.
V12 power remains unchanged
Under the bonnet, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 retains its twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine.
US-market specifications list outputs of 621 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, equivalent to approximately 463kW and 900Nm. These figures relate to the US specification and should not be treated as confirmation of Australian-market outputs.
The V12 is a key part of the S 680’s appeal, delivering the sort of effortless performance expected from a flagship luxury sedan. Rather than pursuing a sportier character, the Maybach prioritises refinement, comfort and a more understated driving experience than an outright performance car.
For Australian buyers, the model sits in a rarefied category of large luxury sedans, where bespoke finishes and rear-seat comfort can matter as much as outright performance. However, Australian pricing and availability for this particular 2027 vehicle have not been confirmed.
Auction proceeds to support LeBron James’ foundation
Gooding Christie’s is offering the custom Maybach through its Retromobile New York Auctions event. The sale is being conducted in support of the LeBron James Family Foundation, with all funds raised set to benefit its I PROMISE program.
The initiative supports students and their families in the Akron area. James said the opportunity to design a personalised Mercedes-Maybach was something he had not imagined while growing up in the city, adding that the auction would help the foundation continue its work with local families.
A standard Mercedes-Maybach S 680 starts at US$247,250 in the United States, according to the supplied October 2026 report. The bespoke car is expected to attract a higher price at auction, although its final value will depend on bidding.
For Australian luxury-car enthusiasts, the car is an example of how manufacturer-backed personalisation can turn an established flagship into a one-off collector’s item. Whether it can rival the Rolls-Royce Phantom ultimately comes down to individual taste, but its combination of bespoke design and charitable purpose gives it an appeal beyond its V12 engine and luxury appointments.
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