Honoring Shared Values and Heritage-Rich Brands
Mercedes-Maybach Unveils Unique S-Class Inspired by the Iconic SPHINX 12mR Yacht
Stuttgart/Flensburg — Mercedes‑Maybach and the esteemed silver and yacht manufacturers Robbe & Berking share a profound dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and bespoke design. This shared passion has culminated in the creation of a one-of-a-kind Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Flensburg-based silver manufactory. This extraordinary S-Class model draws inspiration from the legendary SPHINX 12mR yacht, a “night-blue beauty” built in 1939, and the first classic wooden yacht restored by Robbe & Berking, leading to the establishment of their 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) anniversary vehicle boasts a striking two-tone paint finish that mirrors the SPHINX’s iconic design. The upper bodywork features a nautical blue metallic, while the lower section is adorned with MANUFAKTUR patagonia red bright. A delicate pinstripe in MANUFAKTUR opalite white metallic separates these two sections, echoing the yacht’s distinctive white waterline.
“Like the yacht SPHINX, our exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S-Class anniversary vehicle epitomizes craftsmanship, elegance, and attention to detail. We congratulate Robbe & Berking on their anniversary and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration,” said Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Oliver Berking, Managing Director of Robbe & Berking GmbH, expressed similar sentiments: “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.”
Interior: A Luxurious Maritime Aesthetic
Inside, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is adorned with Maybach MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather in crystal white, featuring diamond quilting for a luxurious touch. This exquisite material graces the seats, headliner, door center panels, and the storage compartment under the central display. The orion grey topstitching on the white leather evokes the craftsmanship of sail making. Complementing this opulence, the wood walnut trim with light-colored aluminum strips mimics the appearance of a ship’s deck.
The rear of the vehicle offers customized nappa leather cushions, blending a smooth, triangular silver grey pearl surface with crystal white leather, accentuated by orion grey diamond topstitching and MAYBACH embossing. Silver grey pearl nappa leather piping completes the design, enhancing the sophisticated ambiance.
For ultimate comfort, the vehicle features electric comfort doors at the rear, MANUFAKTUR door sill trims with red illuminated MAYBACH lettering, and the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system. The MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system and a cooling compartment with two silver-plated champagne goblets from Robbe & Berking further elevate the luxury experience. Since 2002, these goblets have added a special touch to Mercedes-Maybach models and continue to be a favored choice among discerning customers. This exclusive S-Class has already been reserved and is no longer available for sale.
The Restoration of the Legendary SPHINX Racing Yacht
The SPHINX, a member of the prestigious “12 Metre R class” (12mR yacht), epitomizes classic yacht design and has been a coveted dream for sailing enthusiasts since its creation. These yachts, built between 1907 and 1987, competed in the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987, symbolizing the pinnacle of sailing luxury and elegance.
Constructed in 1939 by the renowned Abeking & Rasmussen boatyard for the North German Regatta Association (NRV) in Hamburg, the SPHINX was the last of ten 12-metre boats. Throughout its storied history, the yacht changed hands multiple times, including a stint with the German Navy under the name “Ostwind” from 1958 to 2004, serving as a training vessel for officer candidates. It won the Blue Riband for the fastest yacht on the Flensburg Fjord nine times.
In 2005, Oliver Berking, along with two friends, acquired the SPHINX and meticulously restored it to its original splendor. The restoration honored the yacht’s historic design, making the classic wooden vessel a celebrated figure in the sailing world once more. This restoration inspired the founding of the Robbe & Berking Classics yacht shipyard in 2008, a globally recognized specialist in restoring classic sailing yachts and constructing faithful replicas of lost classic boats.
Mercedes-Maybach and Robbe & Berking’s collaboration is a testament to their shared values of craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless beauty, celebrated both on land and at sea.
