Anyone who thinks they are driving the most exclusive of all Mercedes S-Classes in a Maybach is floating on rose-colored clouds and is mistaken. For over six decades, the automotive benchmark—with or without the star—has been the Pullman version. In the current W223 series, the automotive climax is simply unavailable. This is reason enough to take a reflective glance back in the gently curved side mirror. 

 There has never been a Pullman off the shelf, and the Mercedes Maybach S 650 Pullman of the W222 generation is no exception. At 6.52 meters long, it offers ample space to make every unusual wish an automotive reality. It is understood that such a luxury model requires several months of planning and handcrafting, consistent with what one expects from similar luxury models from Bentley or Rolls-Royce. The three tons of empty weight of this super S-Class are felt more by the chauffeur walking in the footsteps of Wolfgang Wöstendieck through the substantial wheelbase of 4.42 meters than by the charged V12 turbo with six litres of displacement, 453 kW / 630 hp, and 1,000 Nm of maximum torque, which purrs as quietly as a modern electric model while providing a similar thrust when desired. At the customer’s request, this leviathan can reach speeds of 210 km/h, and even at maximum highway speeds, occupants in this rolling one-room apartment hardly notice anything thanks to a cornucopia of soundproofing material. That the seats can be climate-controlled and adjusted electrically into a lying area is self-evident, as are the rear doors that can be operated at the push of a button, which in everyday life are usually opened by the staff after one has enjoyed a massage and rested one’s head on soft leather cushions. If desired, the Pullman rear can even accommodate four people, as two leather-covered emergency seats slide out in opposite directions at the push of a button—typically used for protocol staff or security personnel.

If you want to survive an apocalypse in style, the S Guard is what you need.

A car racing through the countryside, dodging sniper bullets and surviving explosions, and through all the smoke and debris, the passenger inside is completely safe and unharmed in a luxurious cocoon. For most of us, that’s a scene from a high-octane spy movie, but for a few, that’s real life and that’s exactly what the Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard is built for.

With a VPAM VR 10 spec – the highest ballistic certification for civilian vehicles – this car is not only bullet-proof, but is resistant to explosive charges too. But you can’t simply buy one; you have to be thoroughly vetted and fulfil certain criteria before Mercedes will let you have the S Guard. Lucky me though, I got to experience what it feels like to be an invincible VVIP for a day.

High in the Tyrolean alpine region, on a snowy, icy test track, I found out what it’s like to drive this 4.2-tonne armoured vehicle as if I were in one of those movie chases. The day began with a comparative braking test between the regular S-Class and the S Guard. While one can quickly feel the physics of the extra 2 tonnes of weight come into play, especially under acceleration and in stopping distances, the actual difference is quite remarkably small. I expected the armoured vehicle to go sliding a lot longer under braking, especially on the wet snowy track.

Look at it from a distance and it’s hard to tell it apart from the regular S-Class. When you go closer, small details give it away. The shiny chrome flag holders on the sides, the alloys and the thicker window frames, and finally the S 680 badge at the back. 

While the car may look and feel like a regular S-Class inside and out, every little detail has been engineered keeping passenger safety in mind. There would never be a sunroof in the S Guard, nor would there ever be a keyless go that can be hacked. No fancy flush handles would ever replace conventional ones, and heavy steel brakes ensure the car stops in time.

After a day with the S Guard, I certainly felt a little more important and amazed too at how well the performance, transmission and suspension have been tuned to accommodate the extra weight. These make this battle tank-like car feel as close to a regular S-Class as possible. While they can’t bend the rules of physics, I’d say Mercedes has warped them enough to offer the highest levels of luxury with  the highest level of protection you can get.

Stronger than time: The G-Class has always been a symbol of superior offroad performance, and its design reflects this legacy. Its robust front end, the prominently displayed spare wheel on the rear door, and the striking wheel arch claddings all contribute to its iconic look, making it unmistakably G-Class. Discover the Mercedes-Benz G-Class exterior design highlights, available in three distinct lines: PROFESSIONAL Line EXCLUSIVE Line , and the sporty AMG line!

In the front, a range of high-grade carbon fiber elements implemented into the BRABUS front fascia such as the BRABUS radiator grill featuring an LED backlit BRABUS logo ensures an unmistakable BRABUS look that harmonizes perfectly with the Geländewagen’s all-black color scheme. The BRABUS Powerdome attachment for the hood was designed to complement its uncompromising off-road power while additional high-gloss carbon fiber cladding the door handles adds additional sporty accents to the BRABUS 800 4x4 unique appearance. 

The muscularly sculpted wheel arch flares emphasize the vehicle's massive look and provide new visual highlights with carefully positioned features. The strikingly styled BRABUS fender attachments at the front and rear axle give the off-roader unmistakable looks from the sides as well. The LEDs integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the running boards and BRABUS logos integrated into the fender attachments.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR bodywork modifications also include new fasciae at the front and rear. The new front fascia is designed to transition into the wheel arch flares seamlessly and make the front of the off-roader even more distinctive. The integrated LED position markers below the side air intakes add visual highlights and optimize the active safety in addition.

State-of-the-art engine technology, now including BMW mild hybrid technology, provides the basis for the engine’s high performance reserves and effortless power delivery.

A characteristic feature is the high torque output of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) which is available from just 1,800 rpm all the way to 5,400 rpm. The engine’s high power reserves are effortlessly and readily available at all times, which is what the superior ALPINA driving experience is all about.

The V8 engine with bi-turbo charging generates 457 kW (621 hp) from 4.4 litres of displacement and delivers exceptional driving performance: the luxury 7-seater SAV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, hits the 200 km/h mark in 14.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).*

The latest transmission generation from ZF (8HP80) with integrated 48v mild hybrid technology offers both comfort and performance at the highest level. Depending on the chosen drive and transmission mode, the 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission offers unparalleled shift comfort and the capability to execute shifts in tenths of a second. Effective torque distribution is guaranteed by the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system and an electronically-variable limited-slip differential on the rear axle.

The BMW ALPINA XB7 is equipped with the latest suspension technology, opening a new dimension in both ride comfort and driving dynamics in the performance luxury Sport Activity Vehicle segment. The two-axle air suspension with ALPINA specific damper and kinematic set-up are primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort.

The XB7 is blindingly fast in a straight line. It’s almost frightening how forcefully such a vast machine is able to pound its way along a road, the prow rising as the rear squats down and all four tires smear themselves into the road surface. The engine is massively torquey as well and impressively responsive, while the eight-speed auto works flawlessly. The exhaust note isn’t the deep, distant bellow you might expect, but instead a throaty and surprisingly high-pitched V8 yowl. And yet, none of that is what really stands out about this car.  

Extraordinary Moments are Worthy of Extraordinary Vehicles. The ABT RSQ8 Legacy Edition combines uncompromising performance with exclusive individuality. As one of only 125 examples worldwide, it embodies the essence of our 125-year company history and forms the impressive completion of the Legacy trilogy. 

Powerful Elegance

With an enormous power increase of 120 hp to 760 hp (559 kW) and a maximum torque of 980 Nm, the 4.0 litre V8 Biturbo catapults you into a new dimension of driving culture after its power upgrade. The specially developed ABT intercooler and the perfectly harmonised engine management system guarantee maximum reliability and constant performance. 

 The ABT silencer system in stainless steel including ABT 4-pipe tailpipe trims with Ø 105 mm ensures adequate sound and appearance.

The further exterior refinement also presents itself as a harmonious synthesis of form and function. Elegant carbon components in a matt finish, from the striking front lip and the typical Legacy Edition bonnet inserts to the aerodynamically optimised rear wing, underline the athletic character of this exceptional SUV. Every detail has been manufactured with the utmost precision and ensures a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. 

Sports Car Agility thanks to Precisely Harmonized Technologies

The dynamic combination of the ABT Level Control (ALC) electronic air suspension, the continuously variable adaptive damping system and the electronic roll stabilisation (eAWS) adapted by our engineers ensures maximum driving stability, agility and athletic performance in every driving situation, which can only be found in the sports car sector. The sporty tuning of the damper system, roll stabilization and level lowering was developed in direct cooperation with the manufacturer. 

This sophisticated suspension system provides the RSQ8-LE with maximum driving stability, agility, and athletic performance typically found only in sports cars. In corners and during load changes, the suspension system impresses with enhanced lateral dynamics while reducing body roll, giving the RSQ8-LE razor-sharp handling and superior driving comfort. 

Luxurious Interior with Sporty Accents

Exclusive materials and handcrafted finishes await you in the interior, making every moment a special experience. The ABT sports steering wheel covered in Alcantara, the carbon-fibre shift paddles and the elegant interior applications create an atmosphere of sporty luxury. Further details such as the logos embroidered into the headrests, the elegant ABT door sill trims, RSQ8-LE floor mats and much more testify to the exclusivity of this Limited Edition.

Every ABT RSQ8 Legacy Edition is developed in our factory in Kempten by our experienced engineers to the highest quality standards. The perfect symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology makes each of the 125 RSQ8s a unique masterpiece.

The Range Rover P615 4.4L SV LWB with the Brabus 700 package is a high-performance, luxurious SUV that combines the standard Range Rover's capabilities with enhanced power and unique styling. Brabus, a well-known German tuner specializing in Mercedes-Benz, has applied its expertise to this Range Rover, significantly boosting its performance and aesthetic appeal.  

• Santorini Black paint with contrasting Serenity roof in Corinthian Bronze finish
• BRABUS 24" Monoblock ZV “Platinum Edition” wheels
• Carbon-fiber front apron attachments, rear diffuser, rear apron attachments, door sills, rear spoiler
• Digital LED headlights with DRL and image projection, privacy glass, laminated side glass
• Sliding panoramic roof, heated windscreen, advanced tow assist, powered gesture tailgate
• Electronic air suspension with Dynamic Response Pro, Terrain Response 2

• Full extended Caraway + Perlino leather upholstery, Caraway headlining and carpets
• Four-seat Executive Class Comfort Plus layout with 24-way heated/cooled seats and hot-stone massage
• SV Signature Suite with club table, integrated fridge, front console armrest
• Meridian Signature Sound System
• Gloss white ceramic controls, soft-close doors, heated steering wheel

• PowerXtra LR44-700 performance kit boosting output to 700 hp
• SportXtra lowering module for improved handling and stance
• BRABUS aluminum footrest and pedal pads for a racing-inspired feel

The mid-engine Corvette C8 redefined the modern price-to-performance equation, and the Z06 version hones it to a razor's edge. The naturally aspirated 670-hp 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 sings its siren song to 8500 rpm while the chassis works to defy physics. Helping the cause are larger air intakes and a distinctive—and aerodynamically effective—rear wing; carbon-fiber wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP race rubber that measures more than 13.5 inches wide at the rear are optional. So equipped, the Z06 hit 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds at our test track, shaving two-tenths of the time required by a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3; 100 mph came up in 5.9 seconds stretching the gap to seven-tenths. Despite its performance, the Z06 can also reel in the hysterics enough to make it possible to drive daily without fear. It took Chevrolet an extraordinary amount of engineering to package so much performance in such a versatile package at such a comparatively attractive price, and the automotive universe is a better place for it. The Z06 kills. As one of our favorites in its segment, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025. 

Performance is explosive: at our test track, the Z06 coupe blasted to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and sailed through the quarter-mile mark in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. The convertible Z06 needed just 0.1 second longer to reach 60 mph in our testing. We also tested a 2023 Corvette Z06 as part of a 0-to-150-to-0 speed test where it returned to a stop in just 22.5 seconds, beating its nemesis, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, by almost two seconds.

 The Corvette earns EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. We subjected it to our own 200-mile, 75-mile highway fuel-economy test and recorded 26 mpg, 1 mpg less than its rating. The last generation—remember the Corvette with the engine in the front?—managed a 27-mpg result in the same test. For more information about the Corvette's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.