If, somehow, for whatever reason, a ‘normal’ Mercedes just isn’t luxurious or posh enough for you, there are always the Maybach models. They’ve been expanding their Maybach range for quite some time now, starting with the more upscale Mercedes models like the GLS SUV and S-Class saloon. It was only a matter of before the ultra-opulent Maybach treatment made its way to sportier Benzes, and we’ve now seen what this looks like, with the all-new SL 680. This technically makes it the sportiest, sharpest, and most dynamic model in the Maybach line-up, but that doesn’t mean you’re not getting an abundance of luxury and bespoke touches.
Personally, I’m going to start off with the new Mercedes-Maybach’s SL 680’s speed and power, my favourite element in any car. Being built atop the revived SL, it shares a familiar 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, outputting a healthy 585hp and 800Nm of torque. It’s then paired with a slick-shifting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, mated to a fully-variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. Altogether, this luxury roadster ought to be surprisingly nimble and sharp through the corners. Plus, it even comes with rear-axle steering, offering you improved agility and stability, which complements its speedy 4.1-second 0-100km/h time and 260km/h top speed well.
An Ultra-Luxurious, Open-Top Rocket Ship
Of course, performance is just the tip of the iceberg for the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, which amplifies its poshness and elegance elsewhere, too. There’s a huge, Maybach-specific chrome front grille, dominating the silhouette of the SL 680, alongside the massive set of 21-inch alloy wheels, forged, and available in either a multi-spoke or 5-hole design. There’s also a very cool-looking bonnet design, with your typical Mercedes star, and a lovely chrome fin running along its centre, and uniquely, you can have it customised with Maybach patterns. Typically finished in graphite grey, it’s a complex, multi-layered hand-finished process, with a lot of lacquer.
Speaking of chrome, there’s a lot more of that where it comes from, with chrome trim running along the windscreen frame, sill cladding, and its rear skirt. For me, another impressive aspect of the Maybach SL 680 is the fact that they added rose gold accents inside the headlights. It’s not just looks that Maybach has added onto the Mercedes SL roadster, but they’ve paid close attention to the aero, too. The soft top, for instance, doesn’t just have the Maybach pattern, but it’s made to improve noise insulation. Additionally, further in the back, the SL 680 comes with double scoops behind the seats, as well as a huge rear diffuser to help with downforce.
A Bespoke Benz For Distinguished Motorists
You’ll find a tonne more changes to the Maybach SL 680 once you take a step inside. Amongst the sea of soft leathers and shiny chrome trim, Maybach has even gone as far as changing the SL roadster’s digital gauge cluster and infotainment system to show a Maybach-specific UI and graphics. It just adds a bit more refinement that you already get a lot of with a Mercedes, as is the Maybach-specific steering wheel, and distinct stainless steel pedals. To add another degree of special-ness to the SL 680, at launch later in the spring of 2025, starting with Europe, you could get one of two unique design concepts… The Red Ambience, and the White Ambience.
The former comes with a striking two-tone paint finish, with obsidian black metallic contrasting neatly against the bright garnet red metallic. Meanwhile, the latter features the obsidian black metallic paintwork again, but this time, contrasting against opalite white magno. Of course, if you’re one with deep pockets, you could pick from an endless palette of personalised, custom colours. On top of that, the optional Maybach Icons of Luxury collection grants you even more fancy accessories, including a leather jacket, sneakers, a scarf, a tote bag, and a dog bag. So, if you’re looking for the next tier up above the regular SL roadster, this might just do it for you.
