For car lovers, the Maybach nameplate is a bit of an enigma. The Mercedes-Benz sub-brand is best known for endowing the fleet with a healthy smattering of luxury and performance, but its latest effort adds a new element to the mix; performance. Unveiled at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours in California, the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series is the sub-brand’s first-ever two-seater and fills an important, if not entirely superficial, category in the luxury coach market. Described as “the sportiest model in the Maybach brand’s history”, it is based on a full-fat AMG SL63, complete with burbling twin-turbo V8 and a decidedly statelier demeanour.
“Our customers love something special,” Daniel Lescow, head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG said. “The Mercedes‑Maybach SL Monogram Series adds a sporty two-seater to our model family for the ultimate open-air pleasure. It combines a dynamic driving experience with everything that characterises a Mercedes-Maybach: excellent craftsmanship, exquisite design details and fine materials.”
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series Key Stats
| Metric | Statistic |
| Cylinder arrangement/number | V8 |
| Displacement | 3,982cm3 |
| Rated power | 430kW/585hp |
| Rated torque | 800Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.1 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 260km/h |
| Drive | Fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm |
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series Design
Design-wise, Maybach has transformed the traditional SL model, adorning it with a suite of impressive new features and highlights. Most notably, the front end of the SL680 strikes a more authoritarian pose personified by the upright Mercedes star and a chromed fin, while the large chrome-finished radiator grille with Maybach lettering is a not-so-subtle change over a garden-variety SL63.
The bumpers have been subtly rounded off to complement the striking 21-inch Maybach-specific wheels and drivers can add an obsidian black bonnet to contrast with the paint. Then there are the details including the interior of the headlights being finished in rose gold to the chrome-lined windscreen frame.
Other changes include the fact that the ‘acoustic soft top’ is finished with the Maybach pattern subtly incorporated in anthracite. Behind the seats, there is also an aerodynamically designed double scoop.
Interior
The interior meanwhile has been finished with sustainably tanned, crystal white Nappa leather which provides a stellar contrast with the galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim. Other Maybach specific elements include the digital instrument display and the electrically adjustable centre display being reconfigured while the steering wheel, the stainless-steel pedals and the stainless-steel door sill trims are also exclusive to this car.
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series Performance
Maybach claims that the SL680 is quieter and more dignified with a noise-optimised exhaust system, more insulation, and calm ride. This is explained by the softer engine mounts and the re-tuned suspension. A 4MATIC+ all-wheel system, a standard nine-speed auto and a rear-axle steering also feature in this car.
“The combination of a 4.0-litre biturbo engine with 430 kW (585 hp) and smooth-shifting 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with adapted accelerator pedal characteristics ensures the supremely dynamic driving pleasure expected of a Maybach,” the brand wrote in an official release. “The fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers high traction even in slippery road conditions, thus increasing driving safety. The standard-fit rear-axle steering combines agility and stability for a manoeuvrable and safe driving experience.”
Availability
With more personalization and a clear focus towards greater luxury, the Maybach SL680 will carry a hefty premium over the standard SL63 AMG pricing but the exclusivity along with the Maybach badge will make it more desirable. This has been an attempt to make the slightly hard-edged SL a more convincing grand tourer to take on the likes of Bentley and Aston Martin while a launch in Australia is likely albeit for only a handful of units.
Mercedes-Maybach has confirmed that market rollout starts in Europe in spring 2025, with other markets to follow. There is no official pricing at this stage.
