The final time the Mercedes-Maybach subbrand supplied a droptop was in 2016 with the limited-run S-Class Cabriolet, and since then loyal Maybach clients have been asking the model for not solely one other convertible, however a sports activities automotive at that. Enter the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Collection, an opulent and outlandish model of the seventh-generation SL roadster. Whereas nonetheless clearly an SL, there’s so much about this new mannequin that makes it distinctly a Maybach, from styling adjustments to reworked engineering.
The launch spec is painted Garnet Crimson Metallic, a deep, gorgeous new coloration wherein the crimson base coat is already blended with the primary layer, after which extra layers of clear are positioned on prime. Each Maybach SL has an Obsidian Black hood, and the hood itself has a brand new design that ditches the AMG SL’s energy bulges for subtler creases and a distinguished heart backbone fabricated from chrome that runs all the best way to the hood decoration on the entrance. That’s proper, the Maybach is the primary SL with a standing three-pointed star on the nostril.
Optionally, you possibly can have the hood printed with a repeating Maybach brand sample, a course of that required the event of a brand new machine. After the hood’s first layer of paint is clear-coated and sanded, the Graphite Gray logos are printed on, after which two layers of matte clear are utilized and sanded. It’s excessive, and isn’t that the entire level? I can already hear you groaning and saying “ugh, it seems like a designer purse,” however the individuals who will really purchase this automotive see that as a constructive, not a unfavorable. In any case, the common Maybach proprietor is now even youthful than the common Mercedes proprietor (which is round 50 years outdated), particularly within the U.S. and China.
The Maybach brand motif is used because the grille mesh for the broad intakes within the redesigned entrance bumper, with no pretend consumption plastic panels used, and chrome trim wraps across the form of the openings. The grille is similar form because the AMG SL’s, however it has Maybach’s signature vertical slats and, for the primary time, an illuminated encompass and script. Additionally particular to the Maybach are the wheel designs, entrance fender trims which have the double-M brand, new facet skirts with a big chrome insert and a stamped Maybach script, a painted rear bumper with a subtler design and rectangular chrome exhaust ideas, a chrome windshield encompass and a brand new font for the rear badges. Oh, and the Maybach additionally has rose gold accents within the headlights and tweaked taillights.
Your solely inside choice is Crystal White, with the Nappa leather-based used liberally all through the cabin, even on the headliner and decrease trim panels. The seats have a brand new stitching sample formed just like the Maybach brand, with the double-M mark embossed within the seat heart, and silver trim surrounding the headrest and seatback has the Maybach script on the entrance and the emblem on the again. There at the moment are bodily controls for the power-folding roof, a response to buyer suggestions, and the Maybach has a unique steering wheel with a piano black rim. The chrome steel door sills and pedals are all Maybach-branded, too.
The place the AMG SL has two small again seats, a primary for an SL within the U.S., the Maybach eliminates these in favor of a leather-lined parcel shelf that has built-in Burmester audio system and the identical stitching sample because the seats. Protecting the shelf is a set aero cowl with a refined double-hump design and a small glass wind deflector, which supplies the Maybach a singular profile with the highest down. Not solely is the material roof coated within the repeating Maybach brand sample, however the black leather-based that covers the cowl, the tops of the doorways and the highest of the dashboard on the base of the windshield additionally has the identical motif.
Beneath the pores and skin, Mercedes modified much more of the SL’s engineering than you’d anticipate, particularly as a result of each different model of the brand new SL is an AMG — there’s no extra comfort-oriented Mercedes-Benz SL to work off of. It makes use of the identical twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 because the SL63, with the identical 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. (Mercedes says the SL63 S E Efficiency’s PHEV setup wasn’t thought of as it will eat up an excessive amount of trunk area.) With a 4.0-second 0-to-60-mph time and a 161-mph prime pace, the Maybach SL680 is 0.5 seconds and 35 mph slower than an SL63, however it’s nonetheless the quickest Maybach ever made.
Along with a bespoke exhaust system that’s quieter till increased RPMs, the Maybach has new transmission software program that particularly offers smoother shifts between second and third, and third and fourth gears. Except for Particular person, the one drive modes are Consolation, Maybach and Sport, and there’s no launch management. The Maybach additionally has a tweaked steering ratio and new rack, extra upright entrance camber, new springs and rear damper valves, retuned engine mounts, a unique stability management system and extra acoustic foam within the doorways, tires and wheel arches. The all-wheel-drive system will get extra of a central bias, versus the rear-bias setup within the SL63. Regardless of the entire adjustments, Mercedes says the Maybach is simply round 176 kilos heavier than an SL63.
For at the very least the primary mannequin 12 months the Maybach SL680 will solely be accessible on this Monogram Collection guise, which could be very restricted by way of spec. You may both go for the Crimson Atmosphere or the White Atmosphere, the latter of which makes use of Moonlight White Magno paint, and you may select between these multispoke wheels or monoblocks. Get the monoblocks. The one different choice is the printed logos on the hood. Get that too.
Not like the 2017 Maybach S650 Cabriolet, of which solely 300 had been made for world consumption, Mercedes isn’t limiting manufacturing of the SL680 Monogram Collection. Given the SL63 S E Efficiency begins at $208,150, I wouldn’t be stunned to see the Maybach are available near $250,000. The common Maybach buyer already owns about half a dozen automobiles, in order that shouldn’t be an issue.
