Mercedes-Benz isn’t done with the legendary V-12 engine — and that decision comes from the very top.
• CTO Markus Schäfer says the brand will continue building its V-12 engine for years to come
• The powerplant will stay exclusive to ultra-luxury Maybach models
• Comes as Mercedes pushes the rest of its lineup toward electrification
Mercedes Still Sees Room for Twelve Cylinders
While most automakers are winding down their biggest combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz is keeping its iconic V-12 around for the long haul.
Speaking with Autocar at the Munich motor show, Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer said the company intends to keep producing its V-12 engine well into the 2030s. For now, the engine lives under the hood of the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, and Schäfer confirmed it will remain part of the Maybach range for years to come.
A Surprising Move in an Electric Era
The statement comes at a time when Mercedes is heavily invested in electrification. The brand aims to sell only electric cars in most markets by 2030 and has already phased out V-8s from certain AMG models due to regulations and cost.
That’s why keeping a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 in production stands out. It signals that Mercedes isn’t ready to abandon traditional luxury performance at the very top of its lineup — especially where heritage and exclusivity are part of the appeal.
Mercedes Still Sees Room for the V-12 Engine
Right now, the S 680 is the only Maybach model still powered by the V-12, producing 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque through Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Each engine is hand-assembled at the brand’s Mannheim plant in Germany.
Future versions of the Maybach S-Class and possibly other low-volume flagship models are expected to carry the engine forward, particularly in regions where emissions rules are less strict and demand for ultra-luxury combustion vehicles remains strong.
The Bigger Strategy
Mercedes’ decision mirrors what brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley have done during their own transitions to electric power — keeping heritage engines alive at the top of the range while gradually electrifying the rest of the lineup.
For Mercedes, the V-12 has always been more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It represents craftsmanship, prestige, and presence — qualities that electric drivetrains, at least for now, can’t quite replicate in the same way.
What It Means
For enthusiasts, it’s a rare win: the Mercedes V-12 will live on into the next decade.
For Mercedes, it’s a strategic hedge — preserving a small but meaningful part of its combustion heritage while accelerating toward an electric future.
And for Maybach buyers, it means the brand’s most opulent sedan will keep the unmistakable character of a twelve-cylinder engine for years to come.
Is Mercedes-Benz discontinuing its V-12 engine?
No. Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer told Autocar that the company plans to keep its V-12 engine in production well into the 2030s, mainly for Maybach models.
Which current Mercedes model still uses the V-12 engine?
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is the only current model powered by the V-12, producing 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque from a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine.
Will Mercedes build new V-12 models in the future?
Mercedes has not confirmed any new V-12 models, but Schäfer said the engine will continue to be offered in Maybach vehicles for select markets.
How does this fit with Mercedes’ electric plans?
Mercedes aims to go mostly electric by 2030, but plans to keep the V-12 alive for low-volume, ultra-luxury Maybach models as a nod to heritage and customer demand.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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