2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Droptop Says, Pimp Mein Ride!

• Mercedes’ Maybach luxury division debuts an all-new luxury interpretation of the SL roadster.

• The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series shares the 577-hp V8 from the AMG SL but gets its own distinct take on what luxury means to some buyers.

• Look for it in showrooms next summer.

There’s more to the Maybach SL than the logos, of course, but the logos are everywhere.

At a secure location at a Malibu Hills home a few weeks ago, we got an early peek at a full-size 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. The first thing your eyeball are drawn to is not the tomato-red paint, the million-spoke wheels, nor the elegant proportions. It’s those damned double Ms everywhere.

Why are they there?

“This is a standard thing among luxury brands,” said Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener in a separate interview. “It was a no-brainer.”

Indeed, you see the Louis Vuitton logo rollerpainted across purses, T-shirts, and socks, just as you see the Ralph Lauren logo across so many fashion designs. There are surely others. Whether it looks good on a hood is up to you. We report, you decide. But something tells me it’ll be popular, both as an aspirational vehicle and as a sales success.

Why did Maybach bring in its own take on the Mercedes SL roadster? Maybach the brand is growing, not only in sales but in its portfolio of model offerings. You can get a Mercedes Maybach S-Class sedan, all-electric EQS SUV, and GLS SUV. But customers who wanted a luxurious, uber-premium two-seat convertible had to go elsewhere. And the Mercedes SL was just sitting there. So…

The car is not set up like a standard Mercedes SL, or the sporty AMG SL, which is sporty as an AMG must be. But the Maybach is sporty. In fact, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the sportiest model in Maybach brand history, management says.

“The Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series adds a sporty two-seater to our model family for the ultimate open-air pleasure,” said Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach. “It combines a dynamic driving experience with everything that characterizes a Mercedes-Maybach: excellent craftsmanship, exquisite design details, and fine materials.”

Its 4.0-liter V8 makes the same 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque as the AMG SL 63 Roadster, both of which are a couple clicks above the standard Mercedes SL 43 and SL 55 models. Mated to Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic and 4Matic+ AWD, it will get to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 161 mph, Maybach says. We didn’t get to drive it yet, but there’s no reason to think it’ll be anything less than satisfying behind the wheel.

The difference is aesthetics. It’ll come in two flavors: Red Ambiance and White Ambiance. We saw the red in our sneak peek.

“The exceptionally brilliant red and elegant white hues embody sensuality, beauty and lightness,” Mercedes Maybach says. “These also perfectly express the philosophy and driving experience of the all-new model. The interior features sustainably tanned, Manufaktur Crystal White Exclusive Nappa leather and gleaming silver chrome accents.”

While the sheetmetal maintains the same form as other models of the SL, the car gets its own illuminated chrome radiator grille. The hood is “obsidian black metallic.” The double-M Maybach logo pattern printed on the hood is optional, but Maybach thinks most buyers will go for it. If they don’t, they can also get it in graphite grey.

More Maybach details include: rose gold accents around the headlights, chrome windshield frame and side sill panels, and those 21-inch Maybach forged wheels in your choice of five-hole Monoblock or multispoke designs. If you could buy a car at a liquor store next to the Elvis decanters, this would be it.

The double-M brand is slathered over the insulated acoustic top, too, while the rear of the car gets more Maybach double-Ms in the taillights. The rear fascia is distinct from other SLs, as is the rear diffuser element.

Inside, you get Nappa leather on the door panels, center console, and seats, the latter done up in a unique geometric design. Even the start-up animation on the digital driver display and center multimedia screen feature Maybach-specific electronic dances.

How much will all this set you back? We won’t know until closer to its US launch next summer as a 2026 model. But regardless of price, Wagener assures us it’ll be, “a tasteful offering.”

What are your thoughts about car brands roller-painting their logo on body panels? Please comment below.