¿What can come out of combining an AMG engine, a Mercedes-Benz design and all the luxury that characterises Maybach? Without a doubt, a truly exclusive product and that is precisely the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, the new jewel of the luxury division of the Stuttgart firm, with which it intends to differentiate itself from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, betting on a more dynamic vehicle with a sportier approach but without sacrificing comfort.
Mercedes-Benz is making the most of the platform and development of the new SL, creating from it not only the current generation of the roadster, but also other derivatives such as the Mythos PureSpeed and now this new product that will be marketed under the Maybach umbrella but based on a vehicle from the star brand, as is the case with the S-Class.
Starting from the SL, Maybach applied several changes, some subtle, others not so much. The basic design is the same, but it adds details such as the grille with vertical chrome bars with the brand name on the upper part and the classic Mercedes star on the hood. The front air intake also adds a chrome frame, as well as the windshield frame, the side gills and the lower plinth, which are combined with the 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with a diamond finish. Looking at the vehicle more closely, we find other peculiarities such as the lattice that replicates the Maybach logo on the air intake grille, which is also present on the hood –black in contrast to the bodywork– and even in the print on the canvas roof. Finally, at the rear it also adds chrome appliqués on the lower part of the bumper and on the exhaust outlets.
Inside, the SL’s dashboard is taken from the car but adds exclusive white upholstery with Crystal White Nappa leather. From the images, the rear seats appear to have been removed or possibly offered as an option. It also features a specially designed steering wheel, pedals and stainless steel door sills.
Mechanically, it shares the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with the SL 63 4Matic+: it delivers an impressive 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system, also featuring rear-axle steering. The changes are in the set-up: it has better soundproofing, suspensions with a setting that aims more towards comfort and smoothness, as well as a quieter exhaust system. Even so, the performance is remarkable, as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 257 km/h (electronically limited).
The company has not yet revealed the price of the SL 680 Monogram Series, only reporting that first deliveries are scheduled for mid-2025.
