The V12 is not yet dead, at least not for the luxury Mercedes-Maybach S 680. It will be introduced in 2027, and the new luxury car will be equipped with the same 6.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine but will be more powerful with 621 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque.

2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class The V12 will be paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive (4MATIC) system, giving the car a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. It will still have a top speed of 250 kph electronically limited.

The V12 engine will be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system (4MATIC), allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. It will still be electronically capped at 250 kph.

Another “great news” is that Mercedes has also launched the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class fitted with the M177 Evo. This particular V12 engine has 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, and equips the S 680 variant; the S 680 in question remains the only one in the lineup to still use the famous V12 engine.

Mercedes confirmed that the V12 cannot continue under Europe’s next emissions framework. A spokesperson told Motor1 the decision is tied directly to Euro 7, which takes effect on November 29, 2026. Germany loses it, all European Union countries lose it, and even non-EU destinations such as the UK, Norway, and Monaco are included in the withdrawal. The reason given is simple enough: producing the model for only a narrow collection of nearby markets would not be profitable.

Outside that region, however, Mercedes still keeps the twelve-cylinder available. The United States remains on the list. China does too. The Middle East also continues receiving it, where local emissions requirements are described as less restrictive than those now applying in Europe.

The story of the V12 is a long one, starting in 1991. Mercedes unveiled the first of its V12 engines, the M120, fitted in the W140 S-Class models, known as the 600 SE and 600 SEL. The first engine was a 6.0-liter, 48-valve.

Today, Mercedes-Benz remains the sole German-based automaker still utilizing this V12 engine until its eventual shutdown.

And the German-based luxury automaker has also decided to end the production of the 2022 M760i xDrive Final Edition model after a 36-year run; the model was equipped with a V12 N74 6.6-liter twin-turbo engine.

Mercedes-Maybach V12 Engine – Photo Gallery

Its exterior is cleaner than boxy. The front end features a prominent grille that can be ordered with an illuminated surround, lighting elements with a star-like look, and a power-dome hood topped by a tri-star ornament.

However, the German-based carmaker is also throwing an AMG variant, which means plenty of tuning-like upgrades, such as fresh bumper and grille with centered-start emblem. Other standout features also include 19- to 22-inch alloy wheels, arc-type taillights at the back, as well as an opening rear window and a charging-port door that opens downward. Flush door handles and retractable sliding-door windows complete the new body enhancements.

Size is another story. In its standard form, the VLE will be 209 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 76.5 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 131.6 inches. However, the longer versions arriving late will stretch to 215.9 inches and sit on a 138.5-inch wheelbase.

As for technological goodies that come with the new VLE, we should mention the all-star MBUX Superscreen, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, as well as a separate 14-inch screen for the passengers.

Rear occupants can really enjoy the ride thanks to a 31.3-inch panoramic display that folds down from the headliner. That setup brings 8K resolution, split-screen capability, and even an eight-megapixel camera for teleconferencing.

Beyond the screens, the VLE leans hard into comfort. Buyers will be able to configure it with six to eight seats, including layouts with captain’s chairs or rear benches. Mercedes also says manually operated seats can be fitted with four integrated wheels so they can be rolled in or out of the vehicle with little effort. Step further up the range, and the seats become electrically adjustable through either the infotainment system or a smartphone app. Premium Comfort and Grand Comfort chairs are also on the menu, with the latter adding a foot rest, lumbar support, massage, a pillow, and a wireless phone charger.

Depending on the trim involved, the new Mercedes-Benz VLE will come with great power and increased mileage. However, the carmaker has given information on just two powertrains so far.

The VLE 300, for instance, will come with a front motor and a 115 kWh NMC battery. The total output stands at 272 horsepower, while the mileage stands at around 700 km. On the other hand, the VLE 400 4MATIC comes with two electric motors, with 425 horsepower.

2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE – Video Show-Off