Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series

A striking open-top display of uncompromising luxury

In a world where high-performance and high-luxury rarely coexist with subtlety, the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series stands apart. It marks Maybach’s first true foray into the luxury two-seat roadster space, a bold and unapologetic expression of open-top opulence.

Based on the SL platform but dramatically reinterpreted through the lens of Maybach craftsmanship, the SL 680 Monogram Series isn’t just a convertible grand tourer — it’s an automotive fashion statement designed to turn heads, whisper status, and deliver a unique driving experience.

The Monogram Series is unmistakably Maybach from the moment you set eyes on it. The commanding grille is not only adorned with vertical chrome slats but also illuminated with Maybach script, a feature that makes its presence known long before the exhaust note does.

Headlights are finished with rose-gold detailing, complementing a carefully curated dual-tone exterior. Buyers can choose from two standard design themes: the “Red Ambience,” a dramatic pairing of Obsidian Black Metallic with Garnet Red, or the more elegant “White Ambience,” which combines the same deep black with Moonlight White Magno.

Perhaps the most controversial design flourish is the monogram pattern that stretches across the bonnet. For some, it’s a piece of automotive haute couture; for others, it treads dangerously close to ostentation. Regardless of personal taste, it cannot be accused of being forgettable.

The folding fabric roof, which completes its motion in a brisk 16 seconds, is not only acoustically insulated for whisper-quiet cruising but also patterned to match the Maybach motif. Roof up or down, the SL 680 Monogram Series maintains its silhouette perfectly. The roadster’s low, wide stance and long bonnet communicate classic proportions, but the detailing sets it clearly apart from any AMG or standard Mercedes-Benz variant.

Inside, the transformation is even more pronounced. Maybach has crafted a space that feels less like a cockpit and more like a private lounge for two. Gone are the token rear seats found in the AMG SL. In their place is an uncompromising focus on comfort and craftsmanship. The seats, dash, and doors are swathed in Manufaktur Crystal White Nappa leather, punctuated by floral-inspired geometric stitching that reinforces the Maybach design identity. Rose-gold trim, soft ambient lighting, and bespoke digital graphics complete the effect. Every element, from the air vents to the speaker grilles, feels milled, considered, and genuinely luxurious.

This new Maybach SL is not just about what you see and touch — it’s also about what you don’t hear. The cabin is acoustically refined to an exceptional degree. Engine mounts have been softened. Additional sound insulation has been added. The exhaust has been tuned not to shout, but to sing in hushed tones. The result is an open-top experience that, even at speed, retains a serene atmosphere that most convertibles can only dream of.

Under the sculpted bonnet sits a hand-assembled 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing 577 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. It sends power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The car will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over four seconds and push on to a limited top speed of 260 km/h. These numbers place it squarely in the performance bracket, but make no mistake — this is not a sports car in the AMG sense. The steering is tuned for grace over aggression. The suspension, equipped with hydraulic roll stabilisation and rear-axle steering, is calibrated to cushion rather than corner. Every system prioritises composure and comfort, making it a consummate grand tourer rather than a Nürburgring record-setter.

That said, the SL 680 Monogram Series handles itself admirably on winding roads. Thanks to clever rear steering, the car feels more agile than its weight and size would suggest. At low speeds, it glides over rough surfaces, and at higher speeds, it delivers a confidence-inspiring ride. Highway cruising is where it shines the brightest — top down, music playing through the optional Burmester audio system, and the road disappearing into the horizon. It’s a car built for long journeys, leisurely escapes, and elegant arrivals.

Practicality, predictably, is not a strong suit. There are only two seats, and boot space is modest by grand tourer standards, ranging from approximately 213 to 240 litres, depending on the roof position. Fuel economy is also firmly in the luxury-car category, with thirsty V8 consumption to match its size and performance.

But for the clientele this car is aimed at, such concerns are largely irrelevant. This is not daily driver territory. This is a statement purchase — the sort of car one chooses because it says something about who they are and how they like to travel.

What the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series offers is an experience that goes beyond horsepower and performance metrics. It’s a sensory blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and confidence — a car that doesn’t just take you from place to place but makes every journey feel ceremonial.

This isn’t a car you’ll see every day. It’s a collector’s piece, a brand ambassador on wheels, and perhaps the ultimate in convertible indulgence. For buyers who value luxury and presence before lap times, it may well be the finest expression of open-top motoring currently on offer.