2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series gilds the classic roadster

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series to arrive in Red Ambience and White Ambience versions
Maybach SL changes to a two-seater with a softer suspension tune
Uses the 577-hp twin-turbo V-8 from the Mercedes AMG SL 63

The Mercedes SL convertible is coming in for the Maybach treatment. On Friday during Monterey Car Week, the German luxury brand announced an ultraluxury version of its open-top sports car, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series.

The Monogram Series will be offered in two variants, which comes down to two color choices, the Red Ambience or White Ambience. The former sports two-tone Obsidian Black Metallic over Manufaktur Garnet Red Metallic paint, while the latter gets the same black over Manufaktur Moonlight White Magno (matte) paint. The black is found only on the hood, and clear is mixed with the red for the base coat, then clear coated to give that color more depth.

The most notable change to the standard Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is the switch from a 2+2 to a two-seat roadster body style with aerodynamic double scoops rendered in leather behind the seats. The former rear seat area is now a leather-lined storage area.

2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series

Versus a standard-line SL, the Maybach has a lot more chrome, including on the windshield surround, rocker panels, the surround of the pinstripe Maybach grille, down the center of the hood, and on new trim pieces where you might find gills on the front fenders. Other exterior changes include illumination for the grille, the Maybach pattern molded into the lower air intake, an upright Mercedes star hood, rose gold trim on the headlights, and unique 21-inch wheels in a five-hole Monoblock design or a multi-spoke design. The hood can be ordered with a Louis Vuitton-like Maybach logo pattern, which is accomplished by printing the pattern in Graphite Grey over a base coat, then covering it with two coats of matte clear sanded to perfection.

The black roof also carries a subtle anthracite Maybach pattern, the taillights get a Maybach light signature, and the rear end features chrome accents, a unique diffuser, and tailpipes bisected by a horizontal bar.

2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series

Inside, the Monogram Series SL sports Manufaktur Crystal White Exclusive nappa leather upholstery that also covers the door panels and center console. The door tops are upholstered in black and also feature the Maybach logos. The pattern on the standard comfort seats is an exclusive geometric design inspired by the Maybach pattern from the lower front air intake. Matte chrome trim is found throughout the cabin.

The standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch center touchscreen get Maybach-specific start-up animations and display themes. The two-tone leather steering wheel is also a Maybach part, and the car also comes with stainless-steel pedals and door sills.

Mercedes also employed some measures to make the car quieter and more comfortable. To reduce noise, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 flows through a quieter exhaust system and the car has more sound insulation in the wheel arches and doors. The tires also change from Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss to Pirelli P Zeros that have acoustic foam inside to reduce noise.

The suspension and engine mounts are tuned for more comfort. The car has less negative camber up front, softer front and rear spring rates, softer dampers, new steering hardware with a slower ratio, and and an all-wheel-drive system with more of a center bias rather than a rear bias. Rear-wheel steering still comes standard. The engine makes 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, just as it does in the AMG SL 63 model, but the throttle mapping is revised for smoother starts. The idea is to create a quieter, more comfortable, more sedate driving experience in a car that is still powerful and still has the ability to carve corners.

Mercedes says the SL 680 Monogram Series should sprint from 0-60 mph in about 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 161 mph.

The SL 680 Monogram Series is set to arrive at dealers in the second half of 2025. Expect premium pricing to be released closer to the on-sale date. Other colors or versions may arrive in the future.

This article was originally published by Motorauthority.com. Read the original article here.