The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 represents a dramatic shift in what it means to drive an SL. For decades, the SL badge has been synonymous with grand touring glamor, but more recent generations, especially under AMG’s influence, have leaned heavily into performance and athleticism. Now, Maybach has re-entered the scene to return the SL to its original mission: delivering a sense of indulgent, road-going luxury that coddles the driver and passenger alike.
With a price expected to hover around $248,000, the SL680 doesn’t aim for the mainstream. It’s tailored for those who view a car not merely as transportation, but as a personalized, rolling retreat. This two-seater convertible is designed to impress not with brute force or aggressive styling, but with poise, craftsmanship, and a remarkably smooth driving experience.
At the heart of the SL680’s transformation is its recalibrated suspension setup. Built on the seventh-generation R232 SL architecture, which launched in 2022, this Maybach-tuned version features substantially softened suspension components. Spring rates have been reduced—25% at the front and 22% at the rear. The adaptive dampers have been reengineered to allow a freer flow of hydraulic fluid, and the bushings have been retuned for greater compliance. Together, these changes yield a ride that is notably gentler than anything previously offered on this platform.
In practical terms, this translates to a driving experience that truly isolates passengers from the imperfections of the road. Driving along the winding, sun-dappled routes of Ibiza, the SL680 glides effortlessly over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven terrain. Mercedes-AMG’s advanced Active Ride Control system remains in place to manage body movement, and even with its softened calibration, the car stays impressively flat in corners.
A new “Maybach Mode” takes the comfort one step further. This exclusive setting dulls throttle input, relaxes the steering feel, and softens the suspension to an even greater degree than the default Comfort mode. In Maybach Mode, the SL680 feels more like a personal luxury lounge than a traditional convertible. It maintains an even keel across long distances, providing an almost unreal level of serenity—ideal for cruising through seaside towns or slipping silently into a luxury hotel driveway.
Despite its focus on comfort, the SL680 hasn’t completely abandoned performance. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, offering ample thrust when desired. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is estimated at 4.0 seconds, which is more than respectable for a car that prioritizes ease over intensity. In Sport mode, the throttle sharpens, the steering tightens, and the powertrain feels eager, providing a taste of AMG’s traditional dynamism.
But the SL680 is most at home when it’s calm. That’s evident in the way its drivetrain performs during gentle takeoffs. Unlike other SL models that sometimes exhibit a judder from their wet-clutch start mechanism, the SL680 remains smooth and refined, particularly in Maybach Mode, where the throttle curve is tuned for gradual acceleration.
Inside, the car delivers a truly bespoke environment. The digital gauge cluster features Maybach-specific graphics that recall the styling of the Vision 6 concept car. The ambient lighting, upholstery, and stitching are all executed with the kind of attention to detail expected from the Maybach name. Even minor ergonomic updates, like the return of physical buttons to operate the power-folding roof, show how the SL680 has been designed with usability and elegance in mind. Gone are the frustrating touchscreen sliders that plagued earlier SL models—now replaced by intuitive and tactile switches.
Sound management is another hallmark of the SL680’s luxury focus. The exhaust system has been fitted with fiberglass-packed mufflers that mute the engine’s tone in Comfort and Maybach Modes. This keeps the cabin hushed and refined, allowing conversations and music to be enjoyed without distraction. For those who want a bit more drama, switching to Sport Mode opens valves in the exhaust and activates enhanced synthetic engine sounds through the cabin speakers. The result is a throaty, vintage V8 note that evokes the ambiance of a wooden speedboat rather than a modern performance car.
Customization plays a major role in what makes the SL680 special. Originally, Mercedes-Maybach offered just two curated Monogram Series color schemes, both of which included contrasting black hoods and white leather interiors. However, following customer feedback, the brand expanded its offerings to include 50 additional exterior colors from its broader 1,000-color palette. These options are paired with unique hood treatments, including body-color, traditional black, and a striking PixelPaint design.
The PixelPaint hood is a standout feature. Created using a high-tech printing process that deposits microscopic droplets of paint with exacting precision, it results in a surface dotted with Maybach logos in a pattern reminiscent of luxury leather goods. Priced at roughly €6,500 in Europe, this hood is a clear example of how the SL680 caters to buyers seeking individuality and opulence.
Against its competition—the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, Maserati GranCabrio, and Bentley Continental GTC—the Maybach SL680 carves out a unique identity. While those rivals might boast more exclusive bodywork or more horsepower, few can match the SL680’s blend of comfort, modern technology, and access to Mercedes-Benz’s global service infrastructure. Additionally, Mercedes-Maybach has a storied heritage and a reputation for reliability that many boutique luxury brands can’t always guarantee.
More than just a halo car for Maybach, the SL680 has the potential to reshape the broader SL lineup. Enthusiasts and longtime SL fans have long yearned for a return to the model’s boulevardier roots. With the SL680, Mercedes has proven that comfort need not come at the expense of sophistication or desirability. This opens the door for a possible non-AMG SL variant—perhaps an SL450—that could feature similar ride tuning and comfort features at a lower price point.
Such a move would bring the SL back to a wider audience, particularly those who remember and love the softer, more relaxed SLs of past decades. It would also give Mercedes a compelling reason to diversify the SL range, offering a lineup that serves both performance enthusiasts and luxury traditionalists.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 isn’t just a car—it’s an experience. From its whisper-quiet ride to its jewel-box cabin and extensive personalization options, it represents the most refined expression of open-top motoring that Mercedes has ever offered. While its exclusivity and price tag put it far out of reach for most, it sets a new benchmark for what a luxury convertible can—and should—be.
In a world where performance specs often dominate the conversation, the SL680 boldly reminds us that luxury is about how a car makes you feel. And in the case of this Maybach, that feeling is unmatched serenity.
