Mercedes-Maybach Lineup Expands With a Departure

Mercedes-Maybach is expanding, with a departure. The luxury arm of Mercedes-Benz today debuts the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series convertible coupé. The model is a design departure from the company’s large super luxury vehicle heritage.

The model, billed as the “sportiest model in brand history”, debuted as part of a private event at the Pebble Beach golf course during Monterey Car Week in California.

Mercedes-Maybach has elevated the SL consumers can buy at their local Mercedes-Benz dealership with first-to-market equipment, ultra luxury appointments and unique tuning.

“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,” said Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG in a press release.

The company will offer the model in two design concepts, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience is shown on the stand at the event. A white version of the model, SL 680 Monogram Series White Ambience, is also on sale.

SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience features a two-tone paint job which features Obsidian Black Metallic and Manufaktur Garnet Red Metallic. The White Ambience version pairs the Black with Manufaktur Moonlight White Magno.
Designers have used the colors to project the vehicles’ strength and lightness.

The same goes for the cars’ accents and the use of chrome. They enhance the proportions of the model, making the SL look wider and longer to the eye.

The car’s interior is a step up and forward from the traditional SL, breaking new ground in treatments for the brand. The Manufaktur Crystal White exclusive Nappa leather is accented by chrome.

Its ties to other Maybachs are unmissable. The links start up front at the Maybach-specific chrome grille and integrated Maybach lettering, both of which feature illumination. The center line of the grille extends downward toward to a split in the fascia and upward to a crease that appears to emanate from the company’s three-point star logo.

Buyers can opt for an Obsidian Black Metallic hood that features incorporated Graphic Grey detailing. The look is possible thanks to an intricate process that includes multiple layers of paint and a base coat that is sanded by hand.

Rose gold accents feature on the headlights and windshield frame.

The convertible wears 21-inch Maybach forged wheels in a five-hole Monoblock or multi-spoke design.

Behind the driver, the insulated acoustic soft top is covered by a black fabric that features multiple Maybach logos. A similar use of multiple badges can be found on the front of the model, but all in a glossy black finish inlayed below the grille.

Subtly placed Maybach imagery features on other places in the car, like on the side jewelry. The car’s seats wear a new pattern that incorporates the logo into a flower-like line design.

Those seats, with extra cushioning the company only makes available for Maybach customers, are made of Crystal White Nappa leather that extends to the door panels and center console.

Mercedes-Maybach has tuned the car’s exhaust system to ensure a quite and serene drive experience. The suspension and tuning have been honed with this in mind as well. The drive experience is said to be less aggressive than the AMG version of the SL.

That’s not to say that the car isn’t gutsy. Its 4.0-liter biturbo engine is capable of generating 577 horsepower. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive and rear-axle steering are standard.

The model is the beneficiary of a new damping system, which is having its first deployment in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and will trickle down into forthcoming models as they debut.

Mercedes-Maybach will commence production of the model, expected to cost well over $200,000, in the first part of 2025, with the first U.S. deliveries occurring the second-half of next year. It will join the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, EQS Sedan, S-Class sedan and GLS SUV on the market.