What’s in the SL680 That Even the Mercedes SL63 AMG Lacks?

I confess that, for us mere mortals whose extravagances are limited to shopping mall sales rather than beachfront properties, it’s somewhat surreal to imagine a world where the already opulent $188,000 Mercedes-AMG SL63 isn’t a sophisticated enough convertible. It already comes with an adjustable central screen, massaging seats, and Airscarf vents in the headrests. What else could anyone want? Rose gold accents and a monogrammed hood? Well, for Mercedes-Maybach, the answer is a resounding yes!

What Makes the Maybach SL680 So Exclusive?

Mercedes-Maybach, known for taking luxury to stratospheric levels, answers with a loud “yes.” The newest member of its fleet of floating, two-tone VIP transports is the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680, which offers everything we didn’t even know was missing from the SL63. We’re talking monograms, lots of monograms, almost like a designer handbag on wheels. It’s a bold move, especially by adding a two-seater sports car to a lineup known for limousines, evoking the exclusivity of models like the Mercedes-AMG GT APXGP The Limited V8.

Daniel Lescow, head of Mercedes-Maybach, says the decision to create a car more focused on the pleasure of driving (in the traditional, non-autonomous sense) came directly from customer feedback. Apparently, there’s an audience that desires this combination of extreme luxury and the experience of being behind the wheel. And, let’s be honest, Maybach exists to satisfy the desires of this selective oligarchy.

How Does the Maybach SL680 Differ from the AMG SL63?

While the AMG SL is described as a “tough guy in designer clothes,” the Maybach SL, though still muscular and well-dressed, is less likely to lose its composure. Maybach softened the AMG SL beast with a smoother suspension, greater sound insulation, and a more civilized performance tuning, while amplifying the visual impact with two-tone paint schemes and Maybach-specific design elements. These changes, plus the added weight of soundproofing and rose gold details, should add nearly a second to the 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds we got from the SL63. But hey, if this is your “just-for-the-island” car, surely there are track monsters in your continental garage.

The heart of the beast, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, remains physically unchanged from the non-hybrid SL63, producing 577 horsepower and 602 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering. The sound of that powerplant, by the way, is something Mercedes-AMG proudly keeps alive, even with futuristic touches. However, the driving modes and chassis tuning are exclusive to Maybach, offering a smoother ride with less emphasis on high-speed lateral action and brutal launches. According to Car and Driver, this smoothing is noticeable and appreciated, especially on less-than-perfect roads.

What Design Details Shout “Maybach”?

The Maybach SL body isn’t radically different from the SL63, but it gains a distinct personality through a unique front end and 21-inch Maybach-forged wheels in five-hole monoblock or spoked designs. Where the standard SL has a “shark mouth” flanked by wide air intakes, the Maybach fills its grille with delicate vertical slats. Below, an open lower fascia that, upon closer inspection, is composed of a mesh of interlinked Maybach logos – a recurring theme throughout the car, from the fabric roof to the optional hood pattern.

Even the smallest details, like the copper-toned frames around the LED headlights or the chrome badges along the sides, leave no doubt this is a Maybach. The debut SLs come in two ready-made Monogram Series specs: White Ambience and Red Ambience. Both include Crystal White napa leather interiors and fluffy white floor mats – a true testament to “disposable income” that would require a carpet cleaner on your payroll (or one of your yachts).

Does the Focus on Comfort Compromise the Driving Thrill?

Definitely not, it just redefines it. Maybach removed the tiny rear seats from the SL in favor of a leather-lined luggage tray, making the cabin less cluttered and, perhaps, offering some extra “mental space.” The front seats are softer than those in the Mercedes version, with extra padding on the backrest and seat cushion. This difference is noticeable and welcomed, especially in places with more speed bumps than electronic beats, like Ibiza, where the car was tested.

Maybach sacrificed some of the visceral agility of the SL63 in favor of comfort that soaks up road imperfections, with reduced camber, recalibrated dampers, softer springs, and greater cushioning at suspension mounting points. In Maybach mode, the steering is relaxed and there’s even a certain “luxury lag” in throttle response. In Sport mode, adaptive dampers firm up, steering tightens, and throttle response sharpens, though Maybach claims the SL680 Sport mode is still smoother than the SL63 Comfort mode. This quest for a balance between power and comfort makes me think of how other models, like the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, also strive for harmony between luxury and performance.

Heavyweight (and Pricey) Rivals

• Bentley Continental GTC
• Aston Martin DB12 Volante
• Ferrari Roma Spider
• Rolls-Royce Dawn (used)

Is the Estimated $250,000 Price Worth It?

Here’s the million-dollar question (or rather, the quarter-million-dollar question). The Maybach SL’s luxuries, like Airscarf, massaging seats, and a 15-second retractable roof, are fabulous but not exclusive, as they are shared with the Mercedes SL. An industry source, Motor1.com, already speculated about a high price even before the launch. Would the Maybach buyer simply opt for the top-tier SL63 S E Performance and consider that enough?

The price, not yet officially announced but estimated by Car and Driver at $250,000, is considerably higher than the AMG SL63’s $188,300. Do a flashy hood and softer springs justify the difference, especially when the buyer gets less in some respects – no back seat, less impressive performance numbers? Many wonder if the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, with its high-power hybrid setup, would be a more logical choice for someone seeking the SL top trim. It’s an interesting debate about the value of exclusivity and branding.

Estimated Technical Data (Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series 2026)

• Vehicle Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 2-seater, 2-door convertible
• Base Price (Est. C/D): $250,000
• Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 DOHC 32 valve, aluminum block and heads, direct injection
• Displacement: 243 cubic inches (3982 cc)
• Power: 577 hp @ 6500 rpm
• Torque: 602 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (converted from 81.6 kgf.m)
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Wheelbase: 106.3 inches (269.9 cm)
• Length: 185.0 inches (470 cm)
• Width: 75.4 inches (191.5 cm)
• Height: 53.5 inches (135.9 cm)
• Trunk Volume: 7.97 cubic feet (226 liters)
• Weight (Est. C/D): 4,700 lbs (2132 kg)
• Performance (Est. C/D):
  • 0-60 mph: 3.8 sec (converted from 0-100 km/h)
  • Top Speed: 161 mph (converted from 259 km/h)
• EPA Fuel Economy (Est. C/D): Combined/City/Highway: 14.8/12.9/20 mpg (converted from 6.3/5.5/8.5 km/l)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the main difference between the Maybach SL680 and the AMG SL63?
  The Maybach focuses more on luxury and comfort, with a softer suspension and exclusive design, while the AMG is sportier.
• Is the Maybach SL680 faster than the AMG SL63?
  No, due to extra weight and comfort-oriented tuning, it’s expected to be slightly slower.
• What are the “Monogram Series” specifications?
  They are two launch configurations (White Ambience and Red Ambience) featuring exclusive color combinations and finishes, including Crystal White leather interiors.
• Does the Maybach SL680 have rear seats?
  No, the rear seats were removed to create more space and a leather-lined luggage tray.
• What engine does the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 use?
  It uses the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as the SL63, with 577 hp but tuned for smoother driving, a feature common in many current high-performance V8 cars that seek a balance between power and refinement.

In the end, the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series is a statement. It’s a car for those who have not only made it but want everyone to know—with as much comfort and style as possible. If the logic of “less for more” applies, it’s a matter of perspective. For the target audience, exclusivity and the Maybach brand alone may justify the investment. It’s a nearly forgotten pleasure to be able to accelerate hard without feeling every bump in the road vibrating through your spine.

And you, what do you think of this luxury machine? Do you believe Maybach nailed it or is it an unnecessary extravagance? Leave your comment below!