Key Takeaways
Mercedes-Benz reveals the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series at Monterey Car Week. The ultra-luxury roadster combines AMG power with Maybach luxury for the first time. Solely available as a two-seater, the sportiest Maybach yet will reach Mercedes dealerships in late 2025.
The new Mercedes SL debuted a few years ago and was quite a departure from previous iterations of the German roadster. The latest version, available exclusively in AMG guise, is perhaps the sportiest and most aggressive version since the original debuted in the ’50s. But now there’s a new version in town, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, combining AMG power with Maybach luxury, while somehow looking sexier than the SL 63 it’s based on.
While the basic shape and styling remain unchanged, the SL 680 receives special Maybach-specific touches, the most obvious being the grille. For the first time on an SL-badged Benz, there’s an upright Three-pointed Star and a traditional Maybach grille which, of course, is illuminated. This provides the drop-top Maybach with a distinctive appearance.
The Fanciest SL Money Can Buy
The SL 680 – billed as the sportiest vehicle in Maybach’s history – is available in two design concepts: Red Ambiance and White Ambiance. The former pairs Obsidian Black Metallic over Manufaktur Garnet Red Metallic paintwork with a Manufaktur Crystal White Exclusive Nappa leather interior. The upholstery has been sustainably tanned and is paired with silver chrome cabin inlays. White Ambiance brings Obsidian Black Metallic with Manufaktur Moonlight White Magno paint.
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Two unique wheel designs, a Maybach-exclusive 21-inch forged Monoblock and a multi-spoke design, complement the eccentric design of the car. Perhaps the most polarizing aspect of the design is the light black cloth top, which has a rather over-the-top Maybach pattern. Maybach, like Bentley and Rolls-Royce, is about understated luxury, and brandishing the roof with the vehicle logo is rather conspicuous. The rear end of the SL 680 receives unique taillights with Maybach lighting signatures, a model-specific diffuser, and tailpipe finishes with horizontal-style bars.
“Our customers love something special. 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 characterizes a Mercedes-Maybach: excellent craftsmanship, exquisite design details and fine materials.”
– Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach
Leather-Lined Palace For Two
Behind the seats, you’ll find aerodynamically designed double scoops that lend the SL 680 a hint of sportiness and replace the rear seats of the standard AMG SL. Other Maybach-specific upgrades include a chrome windshield frame and side sills. Like the fabric roof, the hood can be adorned with a Graphite Grey Maybach pattern that is applied through a very complex process. First, the hood receives a base paint coat and is then sanded by hand. Then, the hood is painted in a clear matte coat, before being sanded again and receiving another clear matte finish.
Related New Limited-Edition Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Comes With Exclusive Paint Job
Just 100 examples of the SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast will be produced.
Inside, you’ll find more than just Crystal White Nappa leather. The leather itself has a gorgeous geometric design and, unlike other SL models, the leather trim extends beyond the seats – it can even be found in the space behind the pews. The digital driver’s display and the power-adjustable center display boast unique Maybach start-up animations and displays. The door sills, steering wheel, and pedals are also unique to the Maybach SL.
Familiar Powertrain Offers Plenty Of Grunt
While 680 signifies a V12 in the Maybach S-Class, that’s not the case here. While a 12-cylinder SL would be great, the SL 680 makes do with the 577-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine used in the AMG SL 63, although it’s interesting that Maybach didn’t opt for the monstrous 805-hp electrified powertrain found in the SL 63 S E Performance.
Pricing Expected To Be A Sky-High Affair
There’s no word on pricing, but Mercedes says the specially curated Maybach SL 680 designs will arrive at American dealerships in the second half of 2025. Seeing as the regular SL 63 has a base MSRP of $188,150, we expect the Maybach SL 680 will retail for closer to $250,000. Let’s not forget that Mercedes has plans to introduce an even more exclusive SL, previewed by the PureSpeed Concept.