Mercedes-Maybach S-Class gets LeBron James treatment

Mercedes-Maybach has revealed another celebrity-inspired creation, this time partnering with NBA superstar LeBron James on a highly personalised S 680 that will be auctioned for charity. The vehicle is a near-identical twin to James' own bespoke Mercedes-Maybach and follows a growing trend of luxury carmakers commissioning one-off vehicles with celebrities, designers and entertainment brands.

The worlds of celebrity culture and ultra-luxury cars have become increasingly intertwined, and Mercedes-Maybach's latest creation may be one of its most personal yet.

Created in collaboration with four-time NBA champion LeBron James, the bespoke Mercedes-Maybach S 680 began life as a one-off vehicle for James' own collection before Mercedes-Benz elected to build a second example for auction.

While unique celebrity cars are nothing new, the project follows a recent string of headline-grabbing collaborations from the Maybach brand.

Mercedes-Maybach previously worked with the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh on several projects, including the striking Project Maybach concept and the sold-out Maybach by Virgil Abloh S 680. More recently, the brand created a one-off Mercedes-Maybach S 580 inspired by the upcoming film The Devil Wears Prada 2, featuring bespoke detailing linked to the movie's fashion-focused universe.

Other luxury brands have adopted a similar approach. Porsche recently unveiled three Toy Story-themed 911 sports cars inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, demonstrating the growing appeal of limited-run vehicles that blend automotive design with celebrity and pop culture appeal.

Unlike those projects, however, the LeBron James Maybach is less about promotion and more about personal identity.

Finished in a MANUFAKTUR-exclusive light ivory paint, the limousine features a blue "Stormy Weather" Nappa leather interior with porcelain contrast stitching.

Personalised cushions, floor mats and head restraints carry James' signature, while the model's traditional V12 badging has been replaced with a custom emblem featuring the basketball star's personal logo.

A further badge references the coordinates of Akron, Ohio, recognising the city where James grew up and the community supported by his charitable foundation.

"The chance to design my own customised Mercedes-Maybach was something I never even dreamed of as a young kid growing up in Akron," James said.

"To now have the opportunity to uplift my community and the families we serve through this auction means everything to my Foundation."

Ahead of the sale, the vehicle will be displayed publicly in New York, giving fans and collectors the opportunity to view the one-off creation before it crosses the auction block.

The LeBron James-designed Mercedes-Maybach S 680 will be auctioned during Retromobile New York from 19-22 November 2026, with Gooding Christie's handling the sale.

Beyond the charity outcome, the vehicle highlights an emerging trend among luxury manufacturers.

As personalisation programs become more sophisticated, brands such as Mercedes-Maybach and Porsche are increasingly using one-off celebrity and entertainment collaborations to showcase what's possible when buyers are given near-unlimited scope to tailor a vehicle to their own tastes.

In this case, one lucky collector won't just be buying a luxury sedan, but a car that carries the fingerprints of one of basketball's biggest names.

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