2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is an Ultra-Lux Droptop

Maybach's first two-seater of the 2020s will arrive "extremely limited quantities" late next year.

Mercedes-Maybach late Friday debuted the SL 680 Monogram Series on the lawn at Pebble Beach. Simultaneously the most sporty modern Maybach and the most laidback and luxurious SL, the two-door brings a droptop back to the Maybach lineup. True to form, it does so with serious chrome and more than a few influences from the world of high fashion.

The look is distinctive, with new bumpers front and rear, redesigned sills, and the choice of five-hole monoblock or traditional multispoke wheels, both in 21-inch sizes. A new grille features vertical slats, with an illuminated frame and Maybach wordmark. The thicker center bar mirrors a chrome spar running the length of the hood, with—of course—a proper, stand-up hood ornament out front. Around back, Maybach has tidied up the SL's vented bumper and extended the body color down into the exhaust surrounds. Speaking of, the Monogram Series will be available in just two colors: the resplendent Garnet Red you see here, or Moonlight White Magno.

Other exterior details include a chrome windshield surround and bits of rose gold in the headlights. For a bit of haut couture, owners can choose a Maybach logo pattern for the standard contrasting black hood, not unlike that of a Louis Vuitton bag. It's a labor-intensive extra-cost option, mind you: first comes the base coat, then sanding by hand, the logos are applied, one layer of matte clear, another hand-sanding, and finally one more coat of clear. Oof.

You'll find the pattern on the "extensively insulated" soft top as well, in a similar black-and-grey treatment. When the top is stored, Monogram Series owners will get to appreciate a unique rear deck, with twin fairings behind the seats like old race cars.

Inside, the SL680 features a white Nappa leather cabin, including Maybach-specific seats featuring a new, very cool geometric stitching pattern. The digital instrument cluster is of course reskinned for Maybach duty, as well. The biggest change is the removal of the vestigial rear seats, making way for a leather-lined parcel shelf. It's a good thing the car comes with matching luggage then...

Despite the badging, the SL680 keeps the 577-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 of the SL63 we drove last summer. It's got the 4Matic all-wheel drive and nine-speed auto 'box, too. Even though this is the first Maybach version of a purely AMG vehicle, there have been plenty of changes under the skin to align it to the brand's driving signature. Maybach engineers have retuned the AWD system for a more balanced split between front and rear axles. The air suspension and active hydraulic dampers also feature unique tunes for Maybach duty, with an understandable focus on comfort. Of course, ample levels of sound deadening and a unique exhaust tune keep things civilized.

The SL680 does the dash to 60 mph in four seconds flat, around a half-second slower than the SL63. Likely culprits include the heftier curb weight and the Maybach's lack of launch control—a feature that's just oh so gauche, darling.

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series will arrive in the back half of 2025. Pricing is unknown at this point, but considering an SL63 currently starts around $190,000 (or $225,000 CAD), we're expecting the Maybach to add at least 25 percent to that.

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