In an exciting development for luxury car enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its prestigious Maybach lineup with a groundbreaking new model: the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram. This marks the brand’s first foray into the convertible segment, following its earlier successes with luxury sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles since its revival in 2014. While this new model shares its underpinnings with the existing SL, it brings a fresh and opulent twist to the convertible market.
The SL680 makes a bold statement with its design, featuring extensive use of Maybach branding that recalls the lavish decoration of high-end fashion items. The prominent display of the Maybach logo on various exterior elements, including the front air intake and soft-top roof, adds a distinctive touch. For those seeking even more exclusivity, options are available to further customize the hood with Maybach emblems and a striking chrome bonnet fin.
This chrome fin is just one of the many luxury touches on the SL680. In contrast to the current trend of subdued or color-matched trims, this model incorporates bright chrome accents around the windshield, the lower front air intake, the custom Maybach grille, and the nose-mounted Mercedes star, emphasizing its high-end credentials.
A standout feature of the SL680 is its two-seat configuration. Unlike the latest SL models that return to a 2+2 layout—a design not seen since the late 1980s—the SL680 opts for a more streamlined approach by replacing the rear seats with an aerodynamic cover. This design choice extends the rear deck up to the front-seat headrests, echoing the historic two-seat Maybach SW38 produced nearly 90 years ago.
Inside, the SL680 continues to set itself apart with an interior that exudes luxury. While it maintains the standard SL dashboard and portrait touchscreen layout, it features unique Maybach-specific start-up animations and graphics for the media display and digital gauge cluster. The cabin is lavishly appointed with crystal-white nappa leather on the steering wheel, seats, lower dashboard, and door panels. This pristine interior, while visually stunning, may require careful maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Despite its name suggesting a possible connection to the S680 sedan’s powerful 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine, the SL680 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine. This engine, used in the SL63, delivers 577 horsepower and is paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel-drive system. Although this engine does not match the V12’s 603 horsepower, its performance is likely competitive due to the SL680’s lighter weight.
Mercedes has not disclosed the exact weight difference between the SL680 and the SL63, but performance data indicates that the SL680 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, slightly slower than the SL63’s 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 260 km/h, down from the SL63’s 315 km/h. Enhancements such as additional sound insulation and a softer suspension aim to provide a more luxurious and comfortable ride, though at the expense of some of the sportiness found in other SL models.
Although the exact price of the SL680 has yet to be announced, it is expected to start well above $210,000, given that the SL63 is priced at $187,000. Special editions like the Monogram Series Red Ambience and White Ambience will likely command even higher prices. Deliveries for European customers will begin in spring 2025, with other markets, including the United States, receiving their vehicles later in the year.