It’s easy enough to imagine the kind of driver who’ll be attracted to the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 – someone who appreciates comfort and craftsmanship but also values motoring performance.

This isn’t a traditional Mercedes-Maybach designed to chauffeur you from one destination to another in a cocoon of comfort and style; instead, it reimagines the Maybach formula through a sports-car lens. The result is a vehicle that sits in a unique space: an open-top grand tourer with a level of refinement and exclusivity typically reserved for chauffeured limousines.

Design and ambience: unmistakably Maybach

Visually, the Maybach SL 680 makes a deliberate statement. The brand’s signature aesthetic remains, but it’s been reworked to include the familiar long-bonnet and short-deck proportions of the SL.

A chrome fin runs along the centre of the bonnet, while a chrome-heavy grille with vertical slats, intricate badging and extravagant two-tone paint options immediately set the vehicle apart. The available MANUFAKTUR Exclusive finishes take this a step further, allowing drivers to personalise their car with bespoke colour combinations that emphasise the sculpted surfaces. Exclusively available on this model is the obsidian black bonnet with an integrated Maybach pattern in graphite grey.

The exterior design strikes a careful balance; it introduces an assertive and athletic stance to the Maybach line-up without compromising on the marque’s hallmark elegance. Every element – from the wheels to the surfaces and trims – subtly reinforces the car’s sporting character.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed extensively in high-grade nappa leather upholstery, with intricate stitching patterns and Maybach-specific detailing throughout. Seat comfort is a clear priority, with generous cushioning and a focus on long-distance usability. The overall atmosphere is quiet and cocooning, helped by additional insulation and material choices that elevate perceived quality.

The cockpit wraps you in technology. With a 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, augmented reality navigation and a retractable roof at your fingertips, the focus is clearly on the driving experience.

On the road: performance redefined

Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing substantial power and torque. Acceleration is strong and immediate; 0–100km/h can be achieved in just 4.1 seconds.

The nine-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission enhances this experience. In the dedicated MAYBACH drive program, shifts are smooth and unobtrusive, prioritising refinement over urgency. There’s still ample performance on tap when required, but the car encourages a more measured driving style.

What defines the Maybach SL 680 most clearly is its chassis tuning. Maybach-specific calibration, combined with ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension, gives the car a notably composed ride. Body movements are tightly controlled, yet the suspension absorbs imperfections with a suppleness that’s unusual in this class. Even on bumpy or uneven roads, the car maintains a sense of calm, insulating occupants from harshness without making them feeling disconnected from the outside world.

Rear-axle steering plays a key role in usability. At lower speeds, it reduces the turning circle, making the car feel more manageable in tight urban environments. At higher speeds, it contributes to stability, helping the Maybach SL 680 track cleanly through sweeping bends.

Steering feel is consistent with the overall character – accurate and reliable. The focus is on ease and confidence. Similarly, the front axle lift system adds a practical dimension, allowing the car to clear speed bumps and driveways without concern, reinforcing its everyday usability.

With the roof down, the experience becomes more immersive but still controlled. Wind management is effective, and the AIRSCARF heating system built into the headrests is designed to keep you comfortable even at cooler temperatures. With the roof up, it’s remarkably quiet.

As the sportiest model in the Maybach line-up, the Maybach SL 680 offers a truly unique experience to drivers. It reimagines what a Mercedes-Maybach can be, with a stronger focus on performance, agility and responsiveness.

For Maybach lovers, this roadster introduces a more dynamic experience without sacrificing the brand’s core values. For SL enthusiasts, it offers a new level of opulence and exclusivity.

Get to know the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680.