LeBron James has turned his idea of the perfect Maybach into a pair of near-identical S 680s, and one of them will eventually be up for grabs.
The cars were created through Mercedes-Benz’s MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure programme, with one joining James’ own collection. A second, almost identical example will be auctioned later this year to benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its I PROMISE initiatives.
Both wear a custom Light Ivory non-metallic finish, which even extends to the distinctive disc-style wheels. Inside, things get much bolder with Stormy Weather blue Nappa leather and porcelain-coloured contrast stitching.
The personal details go well beyond the colour scheme. James’ crown logo appears throughout the cabin and replaces the usual V12 badges on the front fenders, with more branding worked into the headrests, floor mats and cushions. An engraved plaque also carries the coordinates of Akron, Ohio, giving the car a subtler connection to his hometown.
Underneath all that custom work is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12. It produces 621hp and 664lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The second car appeared during Pebble Beach Automotive Week as part of Mercedes-Benz’s Future Classics Auction House display. Its eventual sale will raise money for James’ foundation, which supports education and other community programmes in Akron.
Mercedes-Benz has not announced an auction date or estimate yet, so there is still plenty we do not know about the sale. One thing we do know is that the winning bidder will end up with something very close to James’ personal Maybach.
So yes, you technically can buy one of these two S 680s. Getting the keys, though, will take a little more effort than walking into your local Mercedes dealer.