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Mercedes-Maybach Broke Two Major Rules When Designing LeBron James’ Custom Car. And Now You Can Own a Copy Of it.

Mercedes-Maybach Broke Two Major Rules When Designing LeBron James’ Custom Car. And Now You Can Own a Copy Of it.

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Dave McQuilling

Oct 16, at 6:30pm ET

A-listers often have a thing for custom vehicles and those vehicles are generally “one of a kind.” When money is no object, excessive customization (along with agreements a similar vehicle will never officially be made) is often the only way exclusivity happens.

But there is one exception. There’s an exact replica of LeBron James’ custom Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and you may even be able to buy it (if you can cover the undoubtedly excessive price tag). Or at least see it up close, if you’re less affluent and visiting New York City in the near future.

The Maybach in question has a number of custom features. The non-metallic “light ivory” paint job is a MANUFAKTUR-exclusive. This is contrasted on the inside by a blue Napa leather interior, featuring plenty of porcelain stitching that stands out while almost matching the vehicle’s exterior.

LeBron James' logo replacing the V12 badge on his custom Mercedes Maybach
Credit: Mercedes

Then we get to the personalized aspects. James’ “individual signature” appears on the cushions, floor mats, and headrests. Maybach even did something established coachbuilders almost never do, no matter who the client is. They switched out their own badge, specifically the Maybach V12 badge, for the basketball star’s own personal logo. Yes, it’s not the main “Maybach” badge, and this is likely still off-limits. But the level of customization James was allowed goes well beyond anything Maybach has approved previously.

Despite the overwhelming affluence of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, there’s also a nod to Lebron James’ more humble roots. A discreet badge has been added which references the LA Lakers legend’s hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Here’s how you can own, or at least see, the only other LeBron-Maybach on Earth.

The interior of LeBron James' Custom Mercedes-Maybach
Credit: Mercedes

The “2 of 2” version of LeBron’s custom Maybach is set to go on display at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan between November 9-16, 2026. People visiting the showroom will be able to look at the vehicle up close, though it will likely be ringed by a velvet rope. The ultra limited luxury ride is then making a move to the Javits Center where it will sit on display from November 19 to November 20. Additional public appearances and display options are apparently being explored, so there’s a chance it will crop up elsewhere in November too.

The move to the Javits Center is significant, as the ride is part of Gooding Christie’s auction during the first ever Retromobile New York. Rétromobile, which is held every year in Paris, is one of the world’s foremost premium collector car events. It sees a multitude of rare and historic vehicles, along with cutting edge and extravagant luxury cars, housed under one roof. Some are on display, some are up for sale, and New York getting its own edition of the iconic event illustrates just how prominent the American luxury and enthusiast vehicle space has become in the last few years. The US has always had world-leading events for vehicle enthusiasts, and now it’s getting its own version of prestigious international events too.

Proceeds from the auction, which are likely to be pretty significant, are going to a good cause. Any profit from the sale is going to the LeBron James Family Foundation which funds childhood education in James’ hometown through its I PROMISE program. This is achieved through “programs, support and mentors they need to succeed in school and beyond.” The program also provides resources in education, housing, healthcare, home ownership, job training, financial literacy and more.

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Dave McQuilling

Dave McQuilling

My time as an automotive journalist has put me behind the wheel of some of the world's fastest cars, flown me around the world to see the covers come off a variety of modern classics, and seen me spend a worrying amount of time hunched over a laptop in a darkened living room. Thanks COVID! I have bylines in a variety of publications, including Digital Trends, Autoblog, The Manual, SlashGear, The Gentleman Racer, Guessing Headlights, with my work also being syndicated to the likes of MSN and Yahoo Life. AutoNotion has promised me the opportunity to let loose creatively, and produce pieces I'm genuinely proud to put my name to. How could I turn that down? I hope some of it entertains you, informs you, or at least helps kill a few minutes while you're waiting for a train.
Contact: info@autonocion.com
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