McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 08, 2025

Coco Gauff Is A Global Brand Ambassador For Mercedes-Benz

One of the world’s biggest tennis stars joins forces with Mercedes-Benz. With two Grand Slam singles titles to her name, as well as one Grand Slam doubles title at the age of 21, Coco Gauff is one of the world’s greatest tennis players currently, and is currently the third-ranked player in the Official Women’s Tennis Ranking. Being a young, sensational talent in the sport, Mercedes-Benz has excitedly announced that Gauff is the historic luxury manufacturer’s latest global brand ambassador. Along with her successes on the tennis court, including 21 WTA victories, Grand Slam victories, and winning the US Open, as well as the French Open twice, Coco Gauff’s incredible career at such a young age also includes a major presence in the worlds of media, fashion, and community. Her new role as a Global Brand Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz represents yet another feather in her cap. However, Coco Gauff isn’t the only tennis player who has partnered with Mercedes-Benz. Becoming a Global Brand Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz means that Gauff joins another icon in the sport of tennis, Roger Federer, as a tennis player and ambassador for the brand. With a celebrated lineup of luxury cars, including high-tech EVs, performance masterpieces, ultra-luxe vehicles, and more, Mercedes-Benz is one of the automotive industry’s biggest titans, and it’s partnered with one of tennis’ biggest stars. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

A black Mercedes-Benz SUV with camouflage patterns on the rear drives on a curved highway under a cloudy sky, hinting at the upcoming New G-Class.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 02, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Tests A New G-Class Cabriolet

The G-Class Cabriolet is poised for a triumphant return. The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is one of the world’s most quintessential luxury SUVs, with a rugged design style that suggests its incredible off-road capability and traditional engineering solutions, as well as a sense of glamor and sumptuous luxury appointments that make it a favorite among celebrities and luxury drivers across the board. However, one variant of the G-Class is especially regarded for its exclusivity and uniqueness: the Cabriolet. With a folding fabric roof, the G-Class Cabriolet combines the capability and versatility of the G-Class with the open-air fun and style of a convertible, and especially in the States, it’s a coveted vehicle that’s not easy to find on the second-hand market. Examples that are listed for sale are considered collector-worthy and command high prices amongst the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon market, as well, but Mercedes-Benz may be bringing the celebrated G-Class Cabriolet back to its lineup. Prototyp G-Klasse Cabriolet Prototype G-Class Cabriolet Camouflaged prototypes of a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class have embarked on a rigorous testing program, with road and track trials for the new open-top luxury SUV taking place in Austria. After the program in Austria is complete, the prototype will then make its way to Sweden, where winter testing will determine its ability to perform in ice, snow, and freezing climates. With an incredible legacy and timeless, unmistakable style, the new G-Class Cabriolet is a much anticipated addition to the G-Class lineup, which is on the horizon. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

A silver Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster convertible sports car, valued as a $13M car, is parked indoors on a clean, white floor with its top down and front view visible.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 25, 2025

The FBI Just Seized This $13 Million 1-of-6 Mercedes CLK-...

Not exactly the headline you were expecting to see today, or ever. It’s not every day that one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz supercars ever built shows up in a place no collector would expect, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Los Angeles FBI shared images of a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster parked quietly inside a federal impound warehouse. The photos felt almost shocking, the low-slung, open-air GT1 relic sitting under fluorescent lighting, surrounded not by concours spectators but by case files and concrete floors. The circumstances surrounding its recovery trace back to Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic-level athlete whose path took a sharp and unexpected turn into the world of fraud and fugitives, landing him on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. But while the story behind the seizure reads like the outline of a documentary, it’s the car itself that makes the headlines, drawing attention to the now eight-figure collector car Mercedes once built for one of the greatest eras of motorsport. Seeing a CLK-GTR Roadster in any circumstance is unusual, but seeing one in federal custody borders on surreal. Only six examples of the roadster were produced, each essentially a road-legal variant of the GT1 race car Mercedes competed in during the late 1990s. The car carries with it a kind of presence that can’t be replicated. Underneath its body sits a naturally aspirated 6.9L V12, an iconic engine that both delivers impressive numbers and represents an entire era of engineering philosophy. The CLK-GTR belongs to that small family of homologation specials where regulations, ambition, and a bit of madness all come together. Most of these cars disappear into private collections, surfacing only during restoration work or the occasional concours surprise. To see one appear under the banner of a federal investigation feels almost like finding a Rembrandt in the back room of a police precinct. Ryan Wedding’s fall from elite sport to international fugitive is a story in its own, but the presence of the CLK-GTR Roadster offers a different lens, reminding us how these cars move through the world in ways we rarely consider. They change hands quietly, accumulate histories good and bad, and sometimes resurface in chapters no one could have written. Long after the case details fade, enthusiasts will remember the image of that silver roadster in a fluorescent-lit warehouse. Source: Los Angeles FBI Facebook

A luxury SUV with open rear doors displays a large reflective trophy in the trunk, parked on a city street at night with illuminated buildings in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 07, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Creates Bespoke G-Class Trophy Carrier For ...

Mercedes-Benz creates a bespoke vehicle for a noteworthy purpose. League of Legends is one of the premier gaming titles in the world of e-sports, and the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game has risen to prominence worldwide, with competitors and teams across the globe battling for the World Championship title each year. This year’s Worlds finale is rapidly approaching, taking place on November 9 in Chengdu, China, and as a long-time partner of the game and the developer that created it, Riot Games, Mercedes-Benz has been involved in the tournament since it began earlier this year. As the finale of the tournament approaches, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled incredible custom vehicles made for the tournament, including a dedicated CLA Art Piece, based on the new generation of the CLA that has showcased some of the most advanced technology Mercedes-Benz has put in a vehicle yet, as well as an electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class that has the distinction of being the official Trophy Carrier for the Summoner’s Cup, the prize that teams are competing for in the tournament. With a special trunk module made bespoke to carry the Summoner’s Cup, the electric G-Class trophy carrier is just one part of Mercedes-Benz’s longstanding partnership with League of Legends. One of the teams competing, the South Korean T1, is led by superstar player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the first inductee into the League of Legends “Hall of Legends,” and the owner of a bespoke Mercedes-AMG SL as a result of his induction into the hall of fame. The team has reached the Worlds final for the fourth time in a row, and is aiming for its third consecutive victory this year. With a special trophy carrier created for the tournament finale, and an art piece reminiscent of the game’s lore, Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with League of Legends grows even richer at this year’s Worlds finale. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

A camouflaged Mercedes CONCEPT AMG TRACK SPORT with yellow accents speeds along a racetrack, weaving through circuits bordered by trees in vibrant autumn foliage.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 28, 2025

Mercedes Tests CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT On Circuits

Mercedes-AMG is on the cusp of a new racing era. The Mercedes-AMG GT is one of the ultimate expressions of AMG performance. It was first introduced to the lineup over a decade ago as a dedicated AMG model, designed purely to represent the grand touring pinnacle of what AMG could create. Since then, its second generation has evolved the model even further, with a range of powertrains available, rear seats, and electrification bringing its performance potential to new heights. Now, Mercedes is revealing that the CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT, which was perfected over the summer, is now in the midst of an intense testing phase, camouflaged and taking on circuits to ensure its potential for motorsport excellence. The concept promises optimized weight distribution, a V8 powertrain, and sophisticated aerodynamics. Already boasting the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series, and customer racing versions of the AMG GT in the past, the upcoming new CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT has big shoes to fill when it comes to on-track performance and racing legacy. However, AMG’s storied engineering capabilities and storied legacy of performance excellence means that fans are anticipating a racing-focused version of the AMG GT that is nothing short of a motorsport sensation. View All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Two people stand in front of a black Mercedes-Maybach parked on a platform with a modern backdrop in an outdoor setting, resembling a rolling music studio.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 17, 2025

Mercedes Turns A Maybach Into A Rolling Music Studio

Mercedes-Benz combines automotive luxury with musical creativity. Mercedes-Benz has been known for decades for representing the gold standard of automotive luxury, especially with models like its flagship S-Class sedan, and even embodying ultra-luxury with the Maybach lineup. However, one of the most captivating and intangible luxuries in Mercedes-Benz vehicles has been in sound systems, with Mercedes-Benz being known for its available Burmester sound systems, and for many Mercedes-Benz vehicles taking advantage of Dolby Atmos technology for superior audio quality inside the vehicle. That technology has been showcased in the "Approved in a Mercedes-Benz" program, where Mercedes-Benz teamed up with Universal Music Group, the world's largest music label, to showcase Mercedes-Benz vehicles as a gold standard for sound quality. Inside a Mercedes-Benz, artists would approve Dolby Atmos mixes, ensuring songs sound perfect inside a legendary luxury car. Now, the “Crafted in a Mercedes” program is taking that to an even more extreme level, putting a studio in the back seat. The new “mobile creative hub” situated in the rear of a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is now a rolling Dolby Atmos-equipped studio, where artists like Finneas and Aron Forbes are already exploring its potential. Winner of multiple GRAMMY awards, Academy Awards, and Golden Globes, Finneas is known for his work with artists like his sister, Billie Eilish, Aron Forbes, and other top artists, and got to experience the backseat studio at its unveiling, which took place at the legendary Interscope Studio in Los Angeles, California. With incredible sound quality and sumptuous luxury, Mercedes-Benz has created a new place for artists to create music in mobile style. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Khris Bharath – October 14, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept Revives Classic Elega...

Mercedes has just showcased its bold new Vision Iconic concept. If you weren’t a fan of where Mercedes was heading with its all-electric EQ line with the bean-shaped aesthetic to maximize efficiency, this changes everything. The Vision Iconic marks a clean break from that overly digital, blue-accented design language. We first saw hints of this new direction at last month’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, when the German automaker unveiled the latest all-electric GLC featuring a new grille, which is one of the most iconic and recognizable elements of a Mercedes-Benz. The Vision Iconic takes that idea further, introducing a face that redefines what the German brand’s future will look like. "Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future." - Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG. A traditional upright chrome grille dominates the front end, a direct nod to classics like the 600 Pullman, the Ponton, and W108 sedans, but it’s now enclosed in smoked glass, ringed with light, and topped by an illuminated standing star. The side profile reveals a long hood along with a coupe-like profile, similar to what we've seen on previous concepts like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept and the Mercedes-AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Inside, you won’t find bucket seats or minimalist screens here. Instead, a deep-blue velvet bench and brass-trimmed details lend an Art Deco lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s streamliners. The “Zeppelin” glass dashboard comes to life upon opening the door and houses analog chronograph-style dials with subtle digital displays and a vintage-style four-spoke steering wheel. Another highlight is the elaborate straw marquetry on the floor, which is a decorative technique that dates back to the 17th century and was revived in the 1920s. An innovative feature worth highlighting is the car’s solar paint, a photovoltaic coating that can add up to 7,450 miles of extra range per year under ideal conditions. It’s part of a larger research effort into sustainable materials and renewable-energy integration. Then there’s neuromorphic computing, a system modeled after the human brain that processes data up to ten times more efficiently than current AI chips. It can power Level 4 automated driving, allowing Vision Iconic to handle everything from city traffic, highway cruising, and even autonomous parking at the end of your journey. "Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations, this beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today." - Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. As for handling, steer-by-wire replaces the mechanical link between wheel and tires, will help improve agility on a long-wheelbase luxury platform while freeing up space inside. The tech pairs with rear-axle steering to make this large grand tourer surprisingly nimble. To complete the concept, Mercedes revealed a capsule fashion collection in silver-gold tones made up of six carefully designed outfits for men and women. This collection mirrors the car’s design cues and pays homage to the ongoing Shanghai Fashion Week, emphasizing its role as a lifestyle statement rather than just a mobility experiment. With the Vision Iconic coupe, Mercedes is finally stepping away from the EQ line’s design language and embracing a richer, more emotional identity that is in line with its heritage. It’s the brand’s clearest signal yet that the next era of electric mobility with the three-pointed star can still feel timeless, glamorous, and unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. View All Mercedes-Benz Cars For Sale Images: Mercedes-Benz

A blue and pink Mercedes-Benz toy car, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz CLA Gets Wild Hot Wheels Makeover, races down an orange track amid model skyscrapers, with a person sitting on a building in the background.

By Khris Bharath – October 04, 2025

Mercedes-Benz CLA Gets Wild Life-Size Hot Wheels Makeover

Hot Wheels just turned the new Mercedes-Benz CLA into something you never expected to see in real life: a full-scale art piece. Unveiled at Race Service in Los Angeles, the car is a wild, exaggerated take on the CLA, complete with oversized diffusers, a massive rear wing, and paintwork straight from 1980s pop culture, think bright orange, pink, and blue with retro flames. The vibrant color mix transforms the CLA from a sleek compact coupe into a super sports caricature. This one-off isn’t just for show, though. It heads next to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in El Segundo, and later today, that is October 4, you'll get a chance to see it up close. The toy DNA is obvious, and that’s exactly the point. Hot Wheels calls this project “Play Beyond Limits.” The idea is simple: playing sparks creativity, and for many of you, that likely began with a diecast model. The intent with this exhibit is to channel that childhood imagination and fuse it with the real-world design language of Mercedes-Benz. This collaboration is part of Mercedes-Benz’s “Class of Creators” program, which kicked off with the CLA world premiere in Rome on March 13, 2025. Instead of keeping collaborations limited to co-branded merch, the German automaker is handing designers, musicians, and artists the keys to its models. Past collaborations include Virgil Abloh, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Roger Federer, and fashion houses like Moncler. Since then, Ice Spice, Gustaf Westman, and KidSuper have each revealed their own takes on the car, with League of Legends set to follow. The Hot Wheels CLA closes out this year’s lineup, but it sets the bar high by reminding you that the line between play and performance is thinner than you think. A 1:64-scale diecast version will hit shelves in spring 2026, giving you the chance to park a piece of this collaboration on your desk or in a glass display case. If you’re an adult collector, this is one to mark on your calendar. If you’re an enthusiast who grew up with Hot Wheels tracks looping across your living room, this latest project shows how Mercedes is serious about tying culture, art, and design directly into its product strategy. View All Mercedes-Benz CLA For Sale Images: Mercedes-Benz

A limited edition Mercedes-Maybach car is positioned in a brightly-lit tunnel with the word "Manufaktur" displayed on the wall behind it.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 23, 2025

New 1-of-50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition Unveiled

Mercedes-Maybach honors the splendor of the V12 engine. Maybach is one of the most iconic names in the world of automotive ultra-luxury, and today, its lineup consists of not only ultra-luxurious sedans, but also SUV models, a touring-focused two-seat convertible, and even an all-electric model. As Maybach evolves, Mercedes-Benz has opened the world’s first Maybach Brand Center in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, showcasing Maybach vehicles in a serenely designed luxury oasis. However, Maybach isn’t done cementing its status as a household name, and a new special edition car from the marque is looking back on Maybach’s rich history with a level of exclusivity even higher and more prestigious than the standard Maybach lineup. That is the new Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition, made to celebrate the staple of using V12 engines in ultra-luxury vehicles, something that Mercedes-Benz says it will continue to do into the 2030s, and only 50 examples will be made available to select markets. Being a feature in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 luxury sedan, the V12, a tradition that traces back to early 20th century Maybach Zeppelin models, is far from the only feature that distinguishes the new Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition. To set the special edition apart, the ultra-exclusive luxury sedan features a two-tone exterior with MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic, matching MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic wheels, special badging with 24-karat gold details, and more. Inside, the new Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition features special silver-plated champagne flutes, Nappa leather upholstery in MANUFAKTUR exclusive Saddle Brown, high-gloss walnut trim, a hand-crafted steering wheel, diamond-quilted roof liner, edition-specific embroidery and commemorative badging, and other ultra-luxurious touches. Deliveries of the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition will begin in fall 2025, honoring a rich history of V12-powered luxury excellence. View All Mercedes-Maybach S 680 For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 19, 2025

New AMG Brand Center Opens In Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg becomes the second German city to get an immersive AMG experience. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has expanded its dominion of automotive luxury, evolving names like AMG and Maybach to become sub-brands with their own personalities, lineups, and even exclusive vehicles. In addition to those, the Mythos brand has also emerged, delivering ultra-exclusive, limited-production vehicles for the most discerning, dedicated collectors. Accordingly to cultivating Maybach and AMG as their own brands, Mercedes-Benz has started to introduce exclusive brand dealerships and centers, like the world’s first Maybach Brand Center, a serenely designed luxury oasis in the heart of the Gangnam-su area of Seoul, South Korea, and most recently, the second AMG Brand Center in Germany, which just opened in the city of Hamburg. With two floors and over 15,000 square feet of space, visitors of the AMG Brand Center in Hamburg will enjoy the current AMG lineup, limited editions, and exclusive services. The architecture and design choices of the brand center are specific to the AMG aesthetic, with dark colors, red LED lighting, concrete, and sharp lines suggesting the performance-oriented characteristics of AMG models. In addition to servicing and selling AMG vehicles, the center also features various AMG accessories, watches from the collaboration between AMG and IWC Schaffhausen, and a café. Inaugurated by a luxurious grand opening event, the new AMG Brand Center in Hamburg was opened with fanfare. 250 invited guests were joined by live music, catering from Cornelia Poletto, and exclusive AMG vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, an AMG F1 Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, and the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, the inaugural vehicle from Mercedes-Benz’s Mythos series. Further establishing AMG as it’s own brand, the new AMG Brand Center in Hamburg is an exciting new chapter for the Mercedes-Benz portfolio. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

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