With a few new creative classes, the Pebble Beach Concours is showing it can evolve into the future and be even more relevant to younger generations. It gets there by embracing car trends that came after the golden era cars that typically grace their greens. And had you wandered past the homologation car arrangement and 70s wedge class, you’d have rolled up on the first SUVs ever to occupy real estate at this vaunted event. Were they worthy, well they each belonged to Queen Elizabeth and were presented by Defender and Range Rover.
JLR’s association with the Royals goes considerably far back, and is an official supplier for their vehicles.
“It was amazing to witness Her Majesty’s ten Land Rovers and Range Rovers rolling past the front door of The Lodge at Pebble Beach and pulling on to the famed fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links – and I was honoured to greet them there. Crowds were astonished and delighted. Later in the day, the vehicles were an impressive sight parading across our show ramp during the Awards Ceremony – to great applause.,” commented Sandra Button, Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
We took particular interest in a segment of the display that included a line of Defenders and Range Rovers painted very similarly. Each was a deep and dark red-purple, with thin pin stripe and with royal coat of arms on the door. These cars were official royal service vehicles known State Review or Royal Ceremonial State vehicles. Each were built by Land Rover to specification for the royals for use in the given period ordered. As you can see, there’s a distinct lineage and these vehicles can see service for many years.
Walking past each generation Royal Ceremonial State, it was clear there was a shared specification. Wanting to learn more, we reached out to representatives at JLR and learned some interesting details.
The color of these cars is known as “Claret”, though sometimes called “Royal Claret”. This traditional royal color actually pre-dates the automobile and was used on state carriages. It is reserved only for vehicles in Royal service, meaning neither Land Rover nor JLR have ever offered it on a civilian model.
The first State Review Land Rover was built on a 1954 Series 1 and featured a custom rear platform. It traveled with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on a six-month tour of the British commonwealth. It even made its way to Australia in that time, though today resides in the U.S. where it is owned by a private collector.
This next State Review vehicle was the first Range Rover to carry to serve in such capacity and was built on a 1974 model. It was used from 1975 to 2002, with a modified rear that featured foldaway seats and a lectern with concealed umbrellas. An additional exhaust silencer was also fitted. This vehicle is currently housed in The Royal Collection at The British Motor Museum in Gaydon, UK.
The third State Review Vehicle was based on a 1990 Range Rover. This particular vehicle was notably featured in the photo chosen by the Queen herself for her 1994 Christmas Card. That photo depicted the Queen and Prince Philip aboard the Range Rover attending the 50th Anniversary the D-Day landings in Arromanches. It is also part of The Royal Collection at The British Motor Museum.
The fourth in this State Review vehicle series is a 1998 Range Rover P38A. Built by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, it replaced the previous 1990 State Review Range Rover and featured a rear platform design now featuring four foldaway seats rather than the previous two.
The fifth and final State Review vehicle on display at Pebble Beach is this 2005 Range Rover L322. Again built by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, this vehicle was notably used to transport the then Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry during Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday parade in 2016.
We have to say, while we understand why JLR has no interest in building a Queen Elizabeth-specification Royal Claret Range Rover, that doesn’t make us want one any less. Special thanks to the team at JLR North America who entertained and provided answers for our very specific questions in regard to these vehicles.
Leave it to Monterey Car Week to bring back memories of one of the best perks of new car shows like Geneva, Frankfurt or New York. Though those new car expos are now long gone, an expansive Mercedes-Benz installation at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week proved whomever runs Mercedes’ auto show fleet still knows how to order an incredible tailored spec. Take for instance this Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E in stunning MANUFAKTUR signature Rubellite Red metallic (rubellitrot; 660 / 3660; Mercedes-Benz).
Rather than digging too far into the performance details of the AMG GT 63 S E that you can find anywhere, our focus will be solely on the tailored build spec. Rubellite Red Metallic is a classic deep burgundy, a color that accents well with red touches on the tail model badges, the amber brake calipers and also with the handsome new satin finish Mercedes-AMG badging on the nose. The cockpit of the big Merc accented exquisitely, tailored in MANUFAKTUR signature Sienna Brown with Black segmentation.
With fewer and fewer auto shows, the tradition of highly unique factory tailored cars that get displayed on show stands and offer just a bit of subtle provenance for those who know is something special. It’s a practice the automotive enthusiast world needs more of, so thanks to Mercedes for bringing this and more to Pebble Beach. Look for more highlights from this stand in the coming days.
Strangely enough, Audi exclusive isn’t a box that seems to be ticked all that often by SQ5 buyers. Audi’s do-just-about-anything midsize SUV offers the right blend of utility and dynamism, so when one becomes available in a non-standard hue, we’re quick to take note.
Painted in the questionably named Audi exclusive Dark Red Mica (R54), this SQ5 (VIN: WA1C4AFY4K2130448) looks more of a purple or burgundy to our eyes, but that’s not a bad thing. We can clearly see this color pops in direct sunlight, and mutes in the shade.
Offered at a seemingly reasonable $34,900 at Mesa, Arizona’s Rollit Motors, this Audi exclusive Dark Red Mica would be a great fly in/drive home opportunity for the right buyer. But do note, there is a damage report on the CarFax. Learn more about this Tailored Driver, here.
Enhanced visual personalization and new option packs from McLaren Special Operations now available for the 750S supercar
New MSO Contrast Packs combine MSO Bespoke paint colors with additional exterior details and the option of further Bespoke interior treatments
New Stealth Badge pack joins the list of options on 750S for the 2025 Model Year, alongside Visual Carbon Fibre Fender Louvres
A touch of McLaren’s racing heritage is now standard on 750S with the Start/Stop button finished in eye-catching Papaya orange
750S, Artura Spider and coupe, and the new McLaren GTS complete a refreshed and boosted McLaren line-up
[source: McLaren]
Building on the 750S introduced in 2023 as a replacement for the award-winning 720S, the 2025 model year specification of McLaren’s benchmark-beating supercar offers enhanced optional specification and new levels of colorful visual personalization, including new content packs created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).
The new MSO Contrast Packs provide the customer with the opportunity to further enhance their 750S with the trademark craftsmanship of MSO, McLaren’s bespoke personalization division. MSO’s dedication to creating the most alluring and unique paint colors – unparalleled in the automotive industry – paired with expert design and the world-class execution of incredible projects such as the remarkable 750S with 3-7-59 Theme, inspires a new range of options.
12 pre-configured themes for the MSO Contrast Packs are available, while other combinations can be explored upon request. The packs are available at time of purchase and within the standard retailer ordering process.
MSO Contrast Pack 1 bundles a selection of MSO Bespoke paints not available as regular colors (Volcano Red, Volcano Orange, Anniversary Orange, Solar Yellow, Napier Green, XP Green, Tokyo Pearl, Viola Viola, Dove Grey, Soho Grey, Tarmac Black, Alaskan Diamond White) with a Bespoke paint for the brake calipers and a unique pinstripe effect on the door mirror caps (matching or contrasting colors for calipers and pinstripe, depending on body paint color selected).
Customers wanting even more MSO content can choose Contrast Pack 2, which features the exterior features of Pack 1 in combination with bespoke interior treatments. These include full Alcantara interior upholstery in Carbon Black and colorful interior accents and MSO motif headrests, complementing or contrasting with the MSO paint color selected.
The range of regular options on 750S extends for the 2025 model year to include Stealth badging, which comprises black McLaren badges front and rear as well as a black McLaren Speedmark on each wheel center cap. Body Color Carbon Fibre Front Fenders with Gloss Visual Carbon Fibre Louvres are also new to the options list, now available separately as a line-fit choice to the combined option of Body Color Carbon Fibre Fenders with Body Color Louvres.
The Stop/Start button on the 750S changes to Papaya orange for 2025 model year cars. Papaya is McLaren Racing’s traditional color, seen first in the M6A Can-Am racer in 1967 and adopted by the McLaren Formula 1 team – then competing under the Bruce McLaren Motor Racing banner – during the 1968 championship.
“In its first year on sale the 750S has been a huge success. The car’s stellar reception with both the media who have driven it and with customers has exceeded all expectations, and the Model Year enhancements for 750S with new options from McLaren Special Operations ensure it remains a benchmark defining supercar with exclusivity and remarkable craftsmanship. It is a core part of our line-up with new Artura Spider and coupe, and the new GTS; a strengthened McLaren line-up that is more thrilling than ever.” George Biggs, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, McLaren Automotive
2025 model year 750S, the new Artura Spider and coupe and the new McLaren GTS are available to order now at one of over 100 locations in McLaren’s global retailer network, spanning 40 markets. Customers desiring further bespoke personalization for their new order can also explore the possibility of a virtual spec session with McLaren Special Operations by contacting their retailer.
About McLaren Automotive: McLaren Automotive is a producer of ultra high-performance, lightweight supercars. Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.
Headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, England, McLaren Automotive is driven by the challenge of creating the world’s most exhilarating, engaging and benchmark setting vehicles. Leveraging the McLaren name’s 60-year history of authentic, racing performance, it has delivered some of the most spectacular supercars ever made.
The company’s product portfolio of GTS, supercar, Motorsport and Ultimate models are retailed in over 40 markets around the world. Its cars are assembled by hand at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC), based on the same campus as MTC in Woking.
McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis technology into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.
Then in 1993 it designed and built the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Built around a carbon fibre chassis, it established McLaren’s supercar DNA, realized for the 21st century in 2011 with the introduction of the McLaren 12C – McLaren Automotive’s first production car.
McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™, in 2013. Launching the Ultimate Series of vehicles, P1™ was followed by the McLaren Senna in 2018 and its track-only GTR derivative followed a year later. 2019 also saw the introduction of the Speedtail hybrid hyper-GT. Its most recent Ultimate model, Elva, is the lightest McLaren road car ever.
McLaren’s LT models represent the ultimate expression of track performance in series production supercars. The name stems from the ‘Longtail’ version of the F1 GTR, introduced in 1997, and was incorporated into McLaren Automotive nomenclature in 2015 with the arrival of the McLaren 650S-based 675LT coupe and Spider. In 2018, the LT legend continued with the McLaren 570S-based 600LT. The latest chapter in the LT story was written in 2020 and 2021, with the introduction of the 765LT coupe and Spider.
Also in 2021, the company unveiled its all-new high-performance hybrid supercar, the McLaren Artura. The Artura is the first McLaren to benefit from the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). The MCLA is designed, developed and manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region of England using world-first processes and will spearhead the brand’s electrified future.
2022 saw McLaren announce the Solus GT, a single-seat, closed-cockpit track car which brought to life a futuristic concept that was originally created for virtual gaming.
In 2023, McLaren unveiled its lightest and most powerful series-production supercar, the 750S – a thorough development of the award-winning 720S supercar. McLaren also introduced the new GTS, replacing the McLaren GT.
The McLaren Artura Spider was revealed in early 2024 as the brand’s first high-performance hybrid convertible. Its introduction was part of a major model year uplift for the Artura nameplate, and meant McLaren’s series-production line-up of GTS, new Artura and 750S had been introduced within 12 months of each other.
McLaren Automotive also chooses to partner with like-minded, world-leading companies and organizations who push the boundaries in their respective fields. These include Ashurst, Bowers & Wilkins, Dynisma, Gulf, Monroe, Pirelli, Plan International, Richard Mille and Tumi.
About McLaren Group: The McLaren Group is a global leader in high-performance supercar production and elite motorsports.
Founded in 1963 by racer, engineer and entrepreneur Bruce McLaren, the Group is formed of McLaren Automotive, which hand-builds lightweight supercars and races them in global series, including the World Endurance Championship; and a majority stake in McLaren Racing which competes in the Formula 1 World Championship, INDYCAR series, Formula E, Extreme E and F1 Academy.
The Group is globally headquartered at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England.
With a reputation for innovation and technological excellence, McLaren is one of the UK’s largest independent companies.
Two curated design concepts “Red Ambience” and “White Ambience” at market launch
Chrome fin and upright star on the bonnet as well as aerodynamic scoop behind the seats redefine proportions
Maybach pattern forms a stylish design element linking exterior and interior
The highest level of driving and acoustic comfort
[source: Mercedes-Benz]
Stuttgart/Pebble Beach. The Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series (provisional figures, combined energy consumption: 13.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 312 g/km; CO2 class: G)[1] is the sportiest model in the Maybach brand’s history. Also new is the uniquely cohesive combination of colours and materials for the exterior and interior, with the Maybach pattern as a linking design element. These special accents appear throughout, from front to rear, inside and out. There will be two curated design concepts for the open-top two-seater at market launch: The Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience is characterised by a new two-tone paint finish of obsidian black metallic over MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic. In the Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series White Ambience, obsidian black metallic contrasts with MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno. The exceptionally brilliant red and the elegant white both embody sensuality, beauty and lightness. They perfectly express the philosophy and driving experience of the new model. Other exterior colours are possible upon specific customer request. The interior features sustainably tanned, crystal white MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather and trim parts in gleaming silver chrome. Market rollout starts in Europe in spring 2025, with other markets to follow.
“Our customers love something special. The Mercedes‑Maybach SL Monogram Series adds a sporty two-seater to our model family for the ultimate open-air pleasure. It combines a dynamic driving experience with everything that characterises a Mercedes-Maybach: excellent craftsmanship, exquisite design details and fine materials.” – Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Iconic design refined with exclusive Maybach styling elements and double scoop In keeping with the brand philosophy, the Mercedes-Maybach SL offers a holistic sensory experience. The contours of the brand-specific, chrome-finished radiator grille are illuminated, as is the finely integrated MAYBACH lettering. The distinctive bonnet bears an upright Mercedes star and a chromed fin running front to rear along its centre. To further enhance the exclusivity, the obsidian black bonnet is available upon request with the Maybach pattern incorporated in graphite grey uni. This process is very complex and is partly done by hand. First, the bonnet receives a base coat, which is then sanded by hand. The Maybach pattern is then printed onto it. Each part of the process is technically sophisticated and must be executed with the utmost precision. Next, the bonnet is coated with clear matte lacquer, sanded by hand and finally finished with a further coat of clear matte lacquer.
The inside of the headlights is finished with high-quality accenting in rose gold. The dedicated front skirt emphasises the vehicle’s width with horizontal air intakes. The windscreen frame is finished in gleaming chrome. A further chrome insert graces the sill cladding. The Mercedes‑Maybach SL runs on 21-inch forged wheels in 5-hole design or multi-spoke design.
The extensively insulated acoustic soft top consists of light black fabric, with the Maybach pattern subtly incorporated in anthracite. The rear is characterised by rear lights with the Maybach signet, a brand-specific rear skirt with chrome trim, a dedicated diffuser design and tailpipe trims with a signature horizontal bar. Behind the seats, an aerodynamically designed double scoop reinforces the individual look. Together with the chrome fin on the bonnet, it gives the two-seater particularly elegant and sporty proportions when viewed from the side, especially with the top down.
Interior features Maybach-specific equipment and radiant, crystal white leather Inside, sustainably tanned, crystal white nappa leather creates an exceptionally exquisite ambience. It features on the door panels, the centre console and on the brand’s signature comfort seats. The seat upholstery has a new floral design. The space behind the seats is also finished in white leather. The galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim provide a striking contrast.
The fully digital instrument display and the electrically adjustable centre display incorporate the Maybach-specific start-up animations and display styles. Further brand hallmarks are the steering wheel, the stainless-steel pedals and the stainless-steel door sill trims.
High level of driving and acoustic comfort combined with superior eight-cylinder driving experience The highest standards also apply to driving and acoustic comfort. Comprehensive measures guarantee a quiet and comfortable, typically Maybach, driving experience. These include a noise-optimised exhaust system, an extensive insulation and absorption package as well as a comfort-oriented suspension set-up and soft engine mounts. The combination of a 4.0-litre biturbo engine with 430 kW (585 hp) and smooth-shifting 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with adapted accelerator pedal characteristics ensures the supremely dynamic driving pleasure expected of a Maybach. The fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers high traction even in slippery road conditions, thus increasing driving safety. The standard-fit rear-axle steering combines agility and stability for a manoeuvrable and safe driving experience.
Exclusive collection from Maybach Icons of Luxury As befitting the new Mercedes‑Maybach SL Monogram Series, Maybach Icons of Luxury will offer a curated collection in boutiques and the online store from market launch. This includes a leather jacket, sneakers, a scarf, a tote bag and a dog bag. Their design is inspired by the materials and colours of the open-top two-seater.
The data at a glance
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
Drive
Cylinder arrangement / number
V8
Displacement
cm3
3,982
Rated power
kW/hp
430/585
at speed
rpm
5,500-6,500
Rated torque
Nm
800
at speed
rpm
2,500-5,000
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
s
4.1
Maximum speed[2]
km/h
260
Drive
Fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
Transmission
9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
Vehicle
Length/height/width
mm
4,705/1,353/1,915
Wheelbase
mm
2,700
Turning circle with rear-axle steering 2.5°
m
12.35
Boot volume VDA
l
213 – 240
Consumption (preliminary)
Combined energy consumption[3]
l/100 km
13.7
Combined CO2 emissions[3]
g/km
312
CO2 Class[3]
G
[1] Preliminary values. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. There may be deviations between the data and the official values.
[2] Electronically limited
[3] Preliminary values. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible.
What: 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider 70th Anniversary Edition Color: Pure Metal Silver (puremetalsilver; metallic uni; P13; Ferrari) over Tetto Rubino Micalizzato (tettorubinomicalizzato; metallic uni; 324; Ferrari) VIN: ZFF80AMA6J0232486 Mileage: 1,273 Price at Time of this Writing: N/A CarFax: N/A Original MSRP: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s 2024 Monterey Jet Center Auction Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
From Ferrari’s Tailor Made Collection, this 70th Anniversary Edition 488 Spider is one-of-one, livery #19. Known as “The Shah”, it incorporates Pure Metal Silver Metallic on the main body with Tetto Rubino Micalizzato on the top. The look was intended to pay homage to the Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series II Coupe chassis 07171 SA that was originally delivered to the Shah of Iran.
Inside, there’s even more red, handsomely accented with light grey and black accents. All-told, the car boasts over $128,000 in bespoke and optional extras. If you’re headed to Monterey Car Week, it’s worth heading over to the Monterey Jet Center in order to check out this very special 488.
What: 1999 Mercedes-Benz G 500 Classic Cabriolet Color: Almandine Black Metallic (almandinschwarz; metallic uni; 182 / 9182; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WDB4632061X118986 Mileage: 47852 km Price at Time of this Writing: Estimated $275,000 to $325,000 CarFax: N/A Original MSRP: N/A Location: Broad Arrow 2024 Monterey Jet Center Auction Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
As G-Wagen’s go, the G 500 Classic Cabriolet is an incredibly rare specimen. This one is finished in Almandine Black Metallic that is actually an incredibly dark red. Paired with two-tone Black and Purple Nappa Leather interior, it’s a subtle yet distinct specification that is sure to please.
Check it out in the Broad Arrow Monterey Jet Center Auction that is part of the always-entertaining must-see Monterey Car Week.
Being first always comes with some bragging rights and according to BMW Welt | BMW Museum, this is the first M3 Competition Touring in BMW Individual Ruby Star (P9L) solid delivered in Germany. BMW Welt | BMW Museum probably has the best database for things like this so we wouldn’t argue with them. First or last, this is an exciting color for an exciting car.
Ruby Star is deeply rooted in the heritage of certain luxury car manufacturers. Notably, Porsche introduced Ruby Star (also known as Rubystar or Rubystone Red) as a special color in the early 1990s, establishing it as an iconic choice among collectors and enthusiasts of the brand.
It was also stated that the vehicle was collected at BMW Welt. We hope to see more photos of this car online and eventually run a full feature on it. Check out the original Instagram post and more photos below.
Made famous in the Kills Bugs Fast adverts of the mid 90s, images of Arena Red 993 generation 911s were on the walls of many admirers around the world. With this Turbo S having covered a scant 7,400 miles since new, we’d assume more than a few of the aforementioned images have higher miles as well.
Does the color stand the test of time? Yeah, we’d say so. Being sold by a private individual in Michigan who’s managed just 3,000 (nearly half!) of those miles over the past eight years of ownership, this top-tier Tailored Driver can be found on AutoTrader for $144,000.
Unique Mercedes-Maybach S-Class inspired by the design of the legendary SPHINX 12mR yacht
Restoration of the racing yacht led to the founding of the Robbe & Berking Classics shipyard in 2008
[source: Mercedes-Benz]
Stuttgart/Flensburg. The love of unique craftsmanship, clear aesthetics and timeless elegance unites Mercedes‑Maybach and the silver and yacht manufacturers Robbe & Berking. They share the ambition to design individualised products for connoisseurs of the extraordinary. To mark the 150th anniversary of the Flensburg silver manufactory, Mercedes-Maybach has created an exclusively refined S-Class model. Its design is based on the legendary SPHINX 12mR yacht, which was built in 1939 and became known as the “night-blue beauty” in the history of sailing yachts. It was the first classic wooden yacht that Robbe & Berking restored. This gave rise to the company’s yacht shipyard, Robbe & Berking Classics, in 2008. The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 (combined energy consumption: 14.2-13.2 l/100 km | combined CO2 emissions: 323-300 g/km | CO2 class: G)[1] anniversary vehicle has the same colour scheme as the SPHINX: a two-tone paint finish consisting of nautical blue metallic in the upper section and MANUFAKTUR patagonia red bright in the lower section of the bodywork. They are separated by a filigree pinstripe in MANUFAKTUR opalite white metallic to match the yacht’s white waterline.
“Like the yacht SPHINX, our exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S-Class anniversary vehicle epitomises craftsmanship, elegance and attention to detail. We congratulate Robbe & Berking on their anniversary and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.” Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
“This wonderful anniversary vehicle is another sign of the friendship that has long connected Maybach and Robbe & Berking. We are also united by shared passions: Craftsmanship, the finest materials and timelessly beautiful lines – on the road as well as on the water and on the table.” Oliver Berking, Managing Director of Robbe & Berking GmbH
Interior in crystal white nappa leather with orion grey topstitching and wood trim with aluminium decorative strips The interior of the one-off Mercedes-Maybach S-Class shines in Maybach MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather in crystal white with diamond quilting. The seats, headliner, door centre panels and storage compartment under the central display are upholstered in this fine material. Orion grey decorative stitching stands out against the white leather in selected areas – an analogy to a sail. Another elegant contrast is created by the exclusive wood walnut trim with light-coloured aluminium trim strips. They echo the look of a ship’s deck. The nappa leather cushions in the rear are also customised. The smooth, triangular side surface in silver grey pearl contrasts with the crystal white leather with diamond topstitching in orion grey and MAYBACH embossing. The design of the cushions is rounded off by piping in silver grey pearl nappa leather.
Other equipment highlights for ultimate comfort include electric comfort doors at the rear, MANUFAKTUR door sill trims with red illuminated MAYBACH lettering and the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system. Also on board are the MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system and a cooling compartment with two silver-plated champagne goblets from Robbe & Berking. Since 2002, the goblets from the silver manufacturer founded in 1874 have lent the Mercedes-Maybach models a special lustre. They are available on request and are becoming increasingly popular with customers. This exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has already been reserved for a customer and is therefore no longer available for sale.
Legendary SPHINX racing yacht restored according to original plans The SPHINX belongs to the famous “12 Metre R class” (12mR yacht). The large and elegant yachts in this class were built from 1907 to 1987 and, as the premier class of sailing, sailed for the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987. They are the epitome of the classic yacht and the dream of every sailing enthusiast. However, they are significantly longer than 12 metres. The “12 Metre” designation is the result of the legendary “International Rule”, which the major sailing nations agreed on in 1906 for the construction of racing yachts.
The 21.48-metre-long SPHINX was built in 1939 by the Abeking & Rasmussen boatyard as a club ship for the North German Regatta Association (NRV) in Hamburg. She was the last of a series of ten 12-metre boats to be launched. She later changed hands several times and sailed under different names. For example, she served the German Navy under the name “Ostwind” from 1958 to 2004 as a training ship for officer candidates. Among other honours, she won the Blue Riband for the fastest yacht on the Flensburg Fjord nine times. In 2005, the passionate sailor Oliver Berking bought her together with two friends. With attention to detail and great passion, they restored the racing yacht according to the original plans. Under her original name SPHINX, they made the classic wooden yacht accessible to the sailing world again. In 2008, Oliver Berking founded the Robbe & Berking Classics yacht shipyard in Flensburg’s city harbour in order to preserve and continue to use the expertise gained. This shipyard has developed into a globally sought-after specialist for the restoration of classic sailing yachts and the construction of faithful replicas of lost classic boats.
Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 166,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and G-Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. The Mercedes me brand offers access to the digital services from
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2023 it sold around two million passenger cars and 447,800 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than
30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes-Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
[1] The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The ranges shown refer to the European market. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient use of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors.
