2025 Mercedes Maybach SL - The Most Opulent Roadster?!

Mercedes-Benz returns to this year's Monterey Car Week with something you'd definitely expect to see cruising along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. It's the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, or to put it more succinctly, the new Maybach SL. 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 new SL-Class roadster, though a whole mess of chassis changes set it apart from its less civilized AMG siblings.

Of course, the Maybach is an SL — specifically, an SL 680 Monogram Series. Power comes from the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, with 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. To make this SL drive less like an AMG SL 63 and more like a swanky open-top cruiser — Mercedes says it actually benchmarked the aforementioned S 650 Cabriolet — the Maybach has softer damper settings, a less boisterous exhaust, different transmission tuning, recalibrated engine mounts and unique steering calibration. The car is also privy to an "extensive sound insulation and absorption package," according to Mercedes. How's it all work on the road? We'll tell you if and when we get a crack at driving one when they arrive in the U.S. next year.

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.

Mercedes-Benz says the Maybach SL will arrive in the U.S. in the second half of 2025, and it won't be a limited-production vehicle like the previous S 650 Cabriolet. It also won't be cheap. Pricing is still to be decided, but the SL 680 will surely be well above $200,000, though it might not stretch as high as the V12-powered S 650 Cabriolet, which crested well into the mid-$300,000 mark.

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