2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL

Mercedes is coming out with a new Maybach version of its SL convertible. Technically, this new model's name is a mouthful: the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. It's the sub-brand's first convertible since the S 650 Cabriolet (well, unless you count the absurd G 650 Landaulet), and it's based on the newest SL, though many changes set it apart from its less civilized AMG siblings.

Red or white, take your pick

When the Maybach SL Monogram Series goes on sale, it'll be offered in one of two configurations. The first is what you see in these photos: Garnet Red with a Crystal White interior. Customers can only choose from a few options, including whether or not you want the 21-inch multi-spoke (no) or the chunky five-spoke monoblock (yes) wheels. You can also opt to not have the many Maybach logos painted into the multi-layer black hood, though, honestly, it kind of works with the whole motif.

The other option is a Moonlight White Magno exterior paint — "Magno" is Mercedes-ese for "matte" — which can be paired with the same hood and wheel choices, as well as the white interior. We'll admit it's a little odd to see Maybach taking such a strict approach to personalization with this SL, but the company is sticking with it.

Maybach design details

The Maybach SL wears extensive exterior brightwork, including chrome trim around the windscreen, a stand-up hood ornament, illuminated veins in the grille, and 3D-embossed Maybach logos in the lower fascia. What's more, that whole bottom section is enveloped in a solid piece of chrome lip gloss — you won't see a single break. Around back, the rear fascia is completely body-colored, which gives the Maybach a more elegant appearance than other SLs.

Moving to the interior, you'll notice Mercedes has extended the decklid cover with two formed haunches that meet the backs of the front seats, turning the otherwise four-seat SL into a two-seat roadster. Sure, the SL's rear seats are technically still there, but you can use this space to hold bags or jackets instead. The Maybach SL's front chairs look amazing, with sumptuous quilting and attention to detail. But good luck keeping those white carpets clean.

V8 power and a sublime top-down experience

The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 shared with the SL 55 and SL 63 is a peach, producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft in the SL 680. Combined with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, Maybach's roadster will sprint to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, nearly matching the time of the SL 63.

The fabric soft top is power-operated and takes a fraction of a minute to complete its task. You can put the top up or down while driving at speeds up to 37 mph — a useful feature should you encounter a sudden summer shower. With the roof down, you can hear the V8 engine fire up and settle into a muffled purr, and it'll stay relatively muted unless you select the Sport driving mode, which opens the exhaust flaps up by an additional 40%.

The Maybach is more softly tuned than other SLs by default, and you'll notice this while driving in the standard Comfort mode; the experience is downright serene. Select Maybach mode — the logo is "C" with a diamond — and things get even more plush. But at the same time, the SL becomes significantly less responsive. Mercedes' engineers said they intentionally built in a delay to the steering and throttle response in Maybach mode and reprogrammed the transmission to make it less eager to downshift. I get it; this car is a cruiser. But even so, slushy, vague steering and a lazy gearbox aren't things typically associated with Mercedes-Benz products — even other Maybachs.

Sport mode tightens the steering ratio, resulting in quicker responses to inputs while not having to turn the wheel quite as far. It also stiffens the electronically controlled dampers, giving the SL 680 a firm ride more like that of an SL 55 or SL 63. Driven like this, the SL performs admirably, with the suspension keeping the body stable and the electronic rear differential distributing power between the wheels for more proficient, sure-footed cornering.

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 will cost more than twice the price of a base SL 43 roadster, $100,000 more than a V8-powered SL 55, and some $60,000 more than the SL 63. Heck, at around $250,000 to start, it'll even have a $50,000-ish premium over the plug-in-hybrid SL 63 S E Performance. Is it different enough from the standard SL to be worth the added cost? I'm not so sure. But maybe the better question is, will prospective Maybach SL buyers even care? After all, Maybach isn't just selling a car; it's selling a luxury experience. And if money's no object, well, there are certainly worse ways to stand out.