2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL: A Luxurious Evolution in the SL-Class
In a groundbreaking move that merges the elegance of Maybach with the sportiness of the SL-Class, Mercedes has unveiled the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. This new addition to the Maybach lineup is not your typical limousine or SUV but a luxurious roadster designed to offer unparalleled comfort and style. The vehicle boasts a series of upgrades that set it apart from its predecessors, focusing on both exterior aesthetics and interior opulence. The most striking changes are visible on the car’s exterior, where buyers can choose between two distinct design concepts: red ambience or white ambience. Each option offers a unique visual appeal, ensuring that the car stands out whether it’s parked or in motion.
The exterior of the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. One of the most eye-catching features is the illuminated grille, which adds a futuristic touch to the car’s front fascia. Complementing this is the iconic Mercedes tri-star emblem prominently displayed on the hood. The vehicle also incorporates rose gold accents and chrome-finished windshield frames, enhancing its luxurious appearance. The 21-inch wheels further contribute to the car’s imposing presence on the road. The black soft top is adorned with a subtle anthracite pattern of Maybach logos, a design element that can also be extended to the hood, adding a layer of sophistication and exclusivity.
At the rear, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series continues to impress with specific Maybach taillights, a redesigned rear fascia, and unique exhaust outlets. These elements collectively create a cohesive and elegant look that is unmistakably Maybach. The interior of the car is equally luxurious, featuring crystal white nappa leather that covers various parts of the cabin. Even the space behind the front seats is enveloped in this premium material, providing a sense of continuity and refinement. While it’s uncertain if rear seats will be offered as an option, the current configuration focuses on maximizing comfort for the front occupants.
The steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, and door sills are all specific to the Maybach SL, adding to the vehicle’s bespoke feel. Mechanically, the car shares similarities with the AMG SL63, featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the car comes standard with rear-axle steering. These features ensure that the vehicle offers a balanced and dynamic driving experience, despite its focus on luxury. The emphasis on comfort is evident in the improvements made to sound-deadening, exhaust, suspension, and engine mounts, making the car a joy to drive over long distances.
Performance-wise, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is no slouch. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. These figures make it one of the fastest cars in its class, combining speed with luxury in a way that few other vehicles can. The price for this exquisite machine has not yet been announced, but given its features and the Maybach brand’s reputation, it is expected to command a premium. Deliveries are slated to begin in the second half of 2025, giving prospective buyers ample time to configure their dream car.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series represents a significant milestone for the Maybach brand, marking its first-ever entry into the SL roadster category. The vehicle’s 577-horsepower V8 engine, softer engine mounts, and luxurious design elements inside and out make it a standout in the crowded luxury car market. The Maybach brand, resurrected by Mercedes in 2014, has traditionally been associated with sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. This new roadster expands the brand’s portfolio, offering a more sporty and aggressive driving experience without compromising on luxury.
While the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series may not be as imposing as the 2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet concept, it still makes a strong visual impact. The Maybach logo is prominently featured on various parts of the car, including the front air intake and soft-top roof. Customers can opt for even more Maybach branding, such as a chrome bonnet fin, to further personalize their vehicle. Brightwork elements like the windshield surround, bespoke Maybach grille, and illuminated Mercedes star add to the car’s allure, making it a head-turner wherever it goes.
The interior of the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a blend of familiar SL elements and Maybach-specific touches. The crystal-white leather seats, unique animations, and graphics create an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication. Despite being called the SL680, the car does not feature a V12 engine like the similarly-named S680 sedan. Instead, it is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the SL63 model. This engine produces 577 horsepower and is likely lighter than the V12, contributing to the car’s agile performance.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph. The vehicle features softer engine mounts, a recalibrated throttle pedal, and a noise-optimized exhaust system designed to make the V8 feel like a V12. Additional sound insulation and a softer suspension setup enhance the car’s refined driving experience, making it more luxurious than other SL models. Unlike the current SL, which has a 2+2 seating arrangement, the Maybach SL680 is strictly a two-seater, with the rear seats replaced by an aerodynamic cover that extends the rear deck to the front-seat headrests.
This is not the first time Maybach has ventured into the two-seat car market; another model was released almost 90 years ago. Prices for the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series have not been revealed, but they are expected to be significantly higher than the $187,000 cost of the SL63. Deliveries will begin in Europe in the spring of 2025, with other markets receiving the car later in the year. The vehicle’s combination of luxury, performance, and exclusivity makes it a compelling choice for discerning buyers.
The development of the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series was driven by numerous requests from existing Maybach owners and celebrities for a convertible model. This is the first Maybach to be based on a car developed by AMG, adding a layer of performance pedigree to its luxurious foundation. Engineers faced several challenges due to the car’s shorter wheelbase, but they overcame these obstacles by incorporating features from the SL63, such as air suspension and active control interconnected hydraulically controlled dampers. The steering system is also Maybach-specific, with a different ratio and more upright front camber, ensuring a unique driving experience.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series features a nine-speed AMG transmission with different software for a smoother driving experience. The car has a more balanced front-to-rear power split than the AMG version, contributing to its refined handling. The exhaust system has been retuned to produce a different tone, although the car does not have a sport+ mode. The Maybach SL680 has a slower 0-60 mph time than the SL63 due to its heavier weight and lack of a race start function. However, these compromises are offset by the car’s luxurious features and unique design elements, making it a desirable option for those who prioritize comfort and exclusivity.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a unique offering in the luxury car market, blending the best of Maybach’s opulence with the sportiness of the SL-Class. The car’s numerous Maybach logos, rose gold accents, and light-up grille make it a standout vehicle. Available in two wheel options, the car does not have a back seat but instead features a leather-lined parcel shelf with an aerodynamically-designed tonneau cover. This decision was made to appeal to Maybach’s target audience, who prioritize luxury and exclusivity over practicality. The car will be showcased at Monterey Car Week and is expected to have a high price tag, reflecting its premium features and brand heritage.