From LeBron’s Vision to your Garage: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class individualized by LeBron James through MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure heads to auction for a good cause

• A near-identical twin to LeBron James’ own personalised Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class will be auctioned by Gooding Christie’s at Retromobile New York in November
• Proceeds from the auction will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its “I PROMISE” programme
• Ahead of the auction, the vehicle is on public display at different locations in New York City, where fans and prospective customers can experience it in person

Among the highlights of this year’s charitable automotive calendar is a Mercedes‑Maybach S 680 individually curated by LeBron James through MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure. The project began as a deeply personal vision for James’ own Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class and has evolved into a near-identical twin for collectors. While the first model remains part of James’ personal collection, its twin will now be auctioned in support of the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF).

Two of a kind. One goal.

The story began with a one-of-one Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class, designed by LeBron James for his own use. Inspired by the result and because of the enormous public response to the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz and James decided to create a second, near-identical example – this time with the shared goal of supporting his charitable work. The auction vehicle offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of automotive craftsmanship while making a meaningful impact.

Its design translates LeBron James’ personal references into tangible details:

• A MANUFAKTUR-exclusive light ivory non-metallic exterior
• Blue “Stormy Weather” Nappa leather interior with porcelain contrast stitching
• Personalised cushions, floor mats and headrests carrying James’ individual signature
• For the first time in Maybach history, the traditional V12 badge has been replaced by a bespoke badge featuring James’ personal logo
• A discreet badge referencing the coordinates of Akron, Ohio – a tribute to James' hometown and the community at the heart of his 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. To now have the opportunity to uplift my community and the families we serve through this auction means everything to my Foundation as we continue to build an ecosystem of supports that allows them to live out their dreams as well.”
LeBron James

A showcase for MANUFAKTUR craftsmanship

The highly individualised Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class serves as a powerful showcase for MANUFAKTUR, Mercedes‑Benz’s cross-brand individualisation programme for top-end models. MANUFAKTUR brings personality to life through exclusive paint finishes, refined interior materials and handcrafted details such as stitching, embroidery, leatherwork and steering wheel craftsmanship. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure expands these possibilities even further: customers work one-to-one with Mercedes‑Benz specialists to translate a personal idea, colour inspiration or symbolic detail into a technically feasible, highly personalised vehicle. In the LeBron James-personalised S 680, that philosophy becomes especially visible: craftsmanship is not an abstract promise, but something collectors can see and touch in every bespoke detail.

On public display in NYC

Ahead of the auction, the vehicle will be on display at Mercedes‑Benz Manhattan from 9 to 16 November 2026, before moving to the Javits Center in New York City for display from 19 to 20 November. Additional public appearances and exhibition opportunities ahead of the auction are being explored and will be announced in advance through Mercedes‑Benz channels.

The auction

The near-identical twin for collectors will be auctioned at Retromobile New York – the U.S. edition of the iconic Rétromobile, originating from Paris – held at the Javits Center from 19 to 22 November 2026. Gooding Christie’s serves as the event’s official auction house. Retromobile New York is a premium collector car event combining rare and historic vehicles with luxury and cultural automotive storytelling and is globally established as one of the leading events in the collector car space, with a strong international reputation and credibility.

A legacy that gives back

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its work in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio. Recognising the life-changing importance of education, the Foundation invests its time, resources and attention in the children of Akron. Through its “I PROMISE” programme, the Foundation serves Akron-area students and their families, providing the programmes, support and mentors they need to succeed in school and beyond. Providing resources in education, housing, healthcare, home ownership, job training, financial literacy and more, the programme is rooted in the promises LeBron James and the students make to themselves, their families and each other – to be the best they can be in everything they do.

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history that is currently underway. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that runs through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S‑Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes‑Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes‑Benz Community.

¹ The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed measurement procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedures). The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a passenger car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of fuel or the respective energy carrier by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.