Mercedes-Maybach’s First Two-Seater Is the SL 680 Monogram Series

Mercedes-Maybach is ready to have some fun.

The German marque’s ultra-luxury sub-brand unveiled its first two-seater, the SL 680 Monogram Series, during this year’s Monterey Car Week. The stunning roadster is Maybach’s expectedly decadent reimagining of the powerful AMG SL 63 roadster.

The Maybach SL may look like the AMG SL at a glance, but take a closer look and the difference really comes through. The athletic convertible has been given the full Maybach treatment, even if its shape and stance remain untouched. The biggest change is the sub-brand-exclusive two-tone paint scheme. For the first year, at least, the convertible two-seater will only be available in metallic Red Ambiance or glossy White Ambiance. Regardless of what hue drivers opt for, the car will feature a black hood, an illuminated version of the Maybach grille, and 21-inch multi-spoke wheels. Other luxe details include even more chrome trim than usual and a black soft top that, like the hood, is covered with a pattern of Maybach logos that calls to mind one of Louis Vuitton’s monograph bags.

Inside, the entire cabin, regardless of color scheme, the Maybach SL is covered in Crystal White Nappa leather. Other than that, the interior looks almost identical to that of the AMG SL, with the exception of a model-specific steering wheel and stainless-steel pedals and door sills. The cabin has also been outfitted with sound-deadening material to keep engine noise down, as well.

That’s because the Maybach, just like its cousin, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The mill is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to each wheel and delivers 577 hp and 590 ft lbs. That’s an awful lot of oomph, of course, but the car isn’t a beast like the AMG SL. In addition to the sound-deadening material that’s been added to the cabin, the newest version of the roadster is equipped with a quieter exhaust and has its suspension recalibrated to provide a smoother ride. The resulting car is heavier and takes four seconds to reach 60 mph, which is a half-second slower than its AMG counterpart. Top speed sits at 160 mph, which, while more than adequate for most drivers, is 36 mph slower than before.

Mercedes has yet to announce how much the Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series will cost. Considering the price difference between the sub-brand’s cars and their less luxurious counterparts it figures to be steeper than the $187,000 the AMG version starts at. The roadster is expected to launch sometime in the second half of next year as a 2026 model.

Click here for more photos of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series.

See Also

Rimac Launches a Self-Driving Ride-Share Service. Here’s What We Know.