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Basketball fans may never dunk like LeBron James, but they will soon have the opportunity to drive a car that looks almost identical to his.
A specially designed Mercedes-Maybach S 680, created according to the tastes of one of the greatest NBA stars of all time, will be offered at auction later this year, with proceeds from the sale benefiting charitable initiatives.
The car is an almost identical “twin” of the personal Maybach S 680 created for James. Both examples were commissioned through the exclusive Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program, which offers the brand’s most demanding clients an exceptionally high level of personalization.
The auction car will make its public debut during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of the Mercedes-Benz Future Classics Auction House.
A Maybach Created for “King James”
At first glance, it is obvious that this is no ordinary S 680.
The body is finished in an exclusive non-metallic Light Ivory shade available through the MANUFAKTUR program. Even the wheels are painted in the same color, while chrome accents and a glossy black roof provide a striking contrast.
On the car created for James, the traditional “V12” badge has been replaced by his personal emblem.
The cabin follows the same philosophy of understated yet unmistakably expensive luxury. Both the front and extended rear sections of the interior are upholstered in Stormy Weather Nappa leather, complemented by contrasting stitching in a porcelain shade.
James’ personal car also features details connected to his family and his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Mercedes-Benz describes the auction example as “nearly identical,” leaving open the possibility that some of the most personal elements will not be replicated on the second car.
Under the Hood – A 621 HP V12
Regardless of its extensive personalization, the foundation remains one of the most prestigious cars currently produced by Mercedes-Maybach.
The S 680 is powered by a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It delivers 621 hp, or approximately 630 metric horsepower, along with 664 lb-ft of torque, equivalent to around 900 Nm.
Despite its dimensions, weight and primary role as an ultra-luxury sedan, the S 680 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph, or approximately 209 km/h.
In other words, a car designed to make rear-seat passengers almost forget they are traveling on a road also delivers performance worthy of a serious sports car.
How Much Is a Maybach Designed by LeBron Worth?
For now, that remains the biggest question.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced an estimated auction value for this particular example. A MANUFAKTUR Mercedes-Maybach S 680 can already carry a starting price of around $300,000, but its connection to LeBron James makes this car considerably more interesting to collectors.
The fact that it was configured alongside his personal vehicle could push the price even higher once bidding begins.
In this case, however, a record-breaking auction figure would represent more than just another demonstration of the value attached to celebrity-associated cars.
Proceeds Will Go to Charity
All proceeds from the sale will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports education, housing and healthcare programs for children and families in Akron.
James has maintained a strong connection with his hometown for years, while his foundation has launched numerous projects designed to support the local community.
This Maybach therefore represents an unusual combination of two worlds for which the basketball superstar is well known – his passion for exclusive automobiles and his long-standing philanthropic work.
The buyer, of course, will not receive the exact car that LeBron James keeps in his own garage. But they will get what is probably the closest thing to it: essentially its automotive twin, created through the same exclusive program and according to his vision.
And with the proceeds going to charity, it would hardly be surprising if the final price significantly exceeds the roughly $300,000 typically required to enter the world of the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S 680.
