Mercedes-Maybach has always symbolized the ultimate in opulence, innovation, and uncompromising performance. The unveiling of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 represents a monumental evolution in the marque’s legacy. Combining the elegance and exclusivity of Maybach with the iconic SL roadster DNA, the SL 680 is more than just a grand tourer—it is a statement of style, power, and privilege. For the first time ever, Maybach enters the roadster segment, and it does so with an unmistakable flourish.
This machine is not only an engineering marvel but also an artistic expression of what’s possible when no compromises are made. The SL 680 is designed for those who demand the best of all worlds—thrilling performance, roof-down luxury, and unmatched prestige.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: Design: Aesthetic Grandeur from Every Angle
At first glance, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 captures attention with its elegant proportions and imposing presence. This isn’t just an SL with more chrome; it’s a completely reimagined SL sculpted with Maybach philosophy in mind. The front fascia features a reworked grille, bearing the iconic Maybach vertical slats finished in high-gloss chrome. The large Maybach emblem sits proudly atop the hood, a classic touch that immediately separates it from the standard AMG models.
The roadster silhouette is retained but enriched with bespoke Maybach design elements. Two-tone paintwork is available in a selection of ultra-luxurious hues that take up to a week to apply by hand. The retractable soft top blends seamlessly into the sleek profile of the car and operates at speeds up to 50 km/h. The 20- or optional 21-inch wheels feature an intricate, turbine-style Maybach design, and the lower bodywork is accentuated with subtle chrome inserts that highlight the car’s flowing lines.
Every detail, from the door handles to the side mirrors, has been customized for Maybach’s clientele, ensuring an ultra-premium identity.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: The Lap of Supreme Comfort
The cabin of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is where the Maybach badge truly asserts its superiority. Opening the door feels like entering a five-star suite on wheels. The interior is cloaked in Nappa leather, real wood veneers, and metal accents, all hand-finished to perfection. The dashboard design is largely carried over from the AMG SL, but Maybach has enhanced it with exclusive trims, ambient lighting options, and redesigned air vents inspired by the world of haute horlogerie.
The twin 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are integrated within the MBUX system. However, in the Maybach SL 680, the interface is tailored to reflect Maybach styling, offering custom animations, themes, and additional luxury controls. Voice recognition, gesture control, and haptic feedback make using the infotainment system feel futuristic yet intuitive.
Heated, cooled, and massage-enabled seats come standard, along with the iconic Maybach fragrance system that disperses a bespoke scent throughout the cabin. Airscarf neck-level heating and climate-controlled armrests ensure top-down comfort regardless of weather. With only two seats, the focus is exclusively on front-occupant luxury, creating a cocoon of comfort, serenity, and cutting-edge tech.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: Engine and Performance: Thunder Beneath the Silk
Beneath its sleek hood, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 hides a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine, a rarity in today’s increasingly electrified world. This powerplant delivers an awe-inspiring 621 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque, propelling the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Despite its luxury-first mission, the SL 680 can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with pure sports cars in terms of raw performance.
The engine is paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and features 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for superior traction and balance. Active suspension, rear-axle steering, and adaptive damping provide an exceptional driving experience, whether you’re cruising on the highway or carving mountain roads. This car glides like a Maybach and attacks corners like an AMG.
However, unlike its AMG siblings, the SL 680 has been tuned for refined delivery rather than brutal force. Acceleration feels majestic rather than aggressive, and the exhaust note is deep, authoritative, but never obnoxious. It’s performance with poise—a perfect match for the Maybach clientele.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680Technology: Intelligent Innovation at Its Finest
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 doesn’t just ride on luxury and power—it is also a technological powerhouse. The latest MBUX operating system brings with it advanced driver-assistance systems, AI-enhanced personal assistants, and over-the-air software updates. Features like active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, traffic sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking ensure top-notch safety and convenience.
The head-up display projects navigation, speed, and safety data directly onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road. The car is equipped with a 3D surround-view camera system, augmented reality navigation, and a semi-autonomous driving mode that can handle most urban and highway conditions with minimal driver input.
The audio system deserves special mention—Maybach has equipped the SL 680 with a Burmester High-End 4D surround sound system, integrating speakers into the seats and door panels for an immersive listening experience. Whether it’s classical, jazz, or your favorite podcast, the cabin transforms into a concert hall on wheels.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 craftsmanship: every detail matters
Mercedes-Maybach stands apart due to its relentless attention to detail and craftsmanship, and the SL 680 is a masterclass in both. Every surface, stitch, and component has been obsessively engineered and executed. The leather upholstery can be customized in unique Maybach colors like “MANUFAKTUR Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl” or “MANUFAKTUR Mahogany Brown/Black,” while open-pore wood trim options range from brown walnut to black piano lacquer.
Personalization is limitless. Buyers can opt for embroidered Maybach crests on headrests, bespoke ambient lighting sequences, and even have initials stitched into the seats. The door sills are illuminated with Maybach branding, and every touchpoint—from the steering wheel to the gear selector—feels like it was designed for royalty.
It is this dedication to perfection that elevates the SL 680 from an exceptional roadster to an heirloom-quality luxury vehicle.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Driving Experience: Effortless Excellence
Driving the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is unlike any other roadster experience. It doesn’t shout—it whispers confidence. Whether you’re gliding through a coastal highway or maneuvering through city traffic, the ride remains composed, supple, and serene. Road noise is virtually eliminated thanks to enhanced sound insulation and acoustic glass, while the suspension system soaks up imperfections with supernatural smoothness.
Top-down driving in the SL 680 is a magical experience. The Aircap wind deflector system automatically activates to prevent air turbulence in the cabin, making conversation and comfort effortless even at high speeds. The climate control system adjusts automatically to maintain consistent temperature, and the seat-level climate features ensure that the luxury doesn’t fade with the wind.
For owners who prefer to be driven, the Maybach SL 680 accommodates chauffeur mode, which softens acceleration, smooths out gear changes, and adds subtle driving cues that prioritize passenger comfort.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Exclusivity and Prestige: A Collector’s Dream
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 isn’t just a car—it’s a rare breed. It marks the first time Maybach has extended its opulent identity into the two-seater roadster realm. With limited production numbers and exclusive customization options, owning one guarantees entry into an elite circle of automotive connoisseurs.
This model will undoubtedly attract collectors and enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, performance, and exclusivity. It’s a perfect blend of heritage and modernity, bringing together the timeless appeal of the SL-Class and the modern luxury that defines Maybach.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: Pricing and Market Position
While official pricing may vary by region, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is expected to start well above the $250,000 mark, depending on options and customization. That places it in a league with vehicles like the Bentley Continental GTC, Rolls-Royce Dawn (now discontinued), and high-end Aston Martins. However, none of these competitors offer the unique combination of German engineering, V12 power, and Maybach-level luxury.
For buyers in this ultra-premium segment, the price is less of a factor than the experience, the badge, and the sense of ownership that comes with something so rare and well-executed.
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: Sustainability and Future Outlook
While the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is a traditional V12-powered gasoline vehicle, it also reflects Mercedes’ transitional phase in embracing electrification. This model may very well be the last V12-powered roadster in the lineup, serving as a grand finale to a legendary era of combustion engines.
Mercedes-Benz is pushing forward with its EQ range and plans to offer an all-electric Maybach in the coming years. However, for purists and enthusiasts, the SL 680 will remain a cherished and irreplaceable symbol of classic luxury performance.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Expression of Open-Top Grandeur
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 stands at the pinnacle of automotive luxury. It combines the rich heritage of the SL nameplate with the unparalleled refinement and prestige of Maybach. It is not just a car—it is a celebration of design, engineering, and craftsmanship.
Whether admired from afar or experienced from behind the wheel, the SL 680 leaves a lasting impression. It’s for those who want to travel in style, to feel the wind on their face without ever compromising on comfort or class. It’s for the rare few who don’t settle for “best-in-class” but insist on the best—period.
In a world rapidly moving toward uniformity and electrification, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is a majestic salute to the golden age of luxury motoring. A true icon is born.