I Drove the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 and It Completely Changed My Expectations
A short while ago, I had the opportunity to spend real time with the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. Not a rushed media drive. Not a quick spin. I wanted to understand what this car actually offers beyond its badge and price tag, and whether it truly feels like a Maybach or just an SL wearing expensive clothes.
Before turning the engine on, I had certain expectations. I thought it would be loud, stiff, and overly dramatic, the kind of car that looks beautiful but tires you out after an hour. After all, it is still based on the SL platform. I was wrong almost immediately.
Under the hood, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 stays true to its performance roots, but it delivers that power in a very different way. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 577 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. On the road, the car feels quick without being aggressive. It builds speed smoothly, never rushing the driver or demanding attention.
Rather than throwing numbers at you, the SL 680 focuses on how everything works together, and that balance becomes clear once you look at what this car offers overall.
Key Features of the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 577 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (4MATIC+) |
| Suspension | Comfort-focused adaptive suspension tuned by Maybach |
| Driving Character | Smooth, quiet, and relaxed with strong performance |
| Exterior Highlights | Maybach grille, exclusive badging, unique wheels, optional Monogram two-tone paint |
| Interior Materials | Premium Nappa leather, fine stitching, luxury trim, white carpets |
| Front Seats | Heated, ventilated, and massage functions |
| Comfort Features | Airscarf neck heating for top-down driving |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch digital driver display |
| Infotainment Screen | 11.9-inch central MBUX touchscreen |
| Smartphone Support | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Seating Layout | Two usable seats, rear seats mostly symbolic |
| Trunk Space | Limited, especially with roof down |
| Starting Price | Around $225,000 |
| Main Rivals | Aston Martin DB12 Volante, Maserati GranCabrio |
Once you experience these features together, the personality of the SL 680 becomes very clear. This is not a car designed to impress with raw performance alone. Every system, from the suspension to the interior tech, is tuned to make driving feel effortless.
The exterior makes a bold statement. The Maybach grille, unique wheels, special badging, and optional two-tone Monogram paint finish leave no doubt about what this car is. It is visually loud, clearly intentional, and unapologetically premium.
Inside, the cabin feels like a luxury lounge. Soft Nappa leather, fine stitching, white carpets, and premium materials cover nearly every surface. The seats are heated, ventilated, and include massage functions, while Airscarf neck heaters make top-down driving comfortable even in cooler weather. The 12.3-inch digital cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen run the latest MBUX system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
Rear seats are basically symbolic, and trunk space is limited, especially with the roof down. But practicality is not the goal here.
With a starting price around $225,000, the SL 680 competes with the Aston Martin DB12 Volante and Maserati GranCabrio. What sets it apart is how calm, polished, and effortless it feels. By the end of my drive, it was clear. This is not just a luxury SL. It is a Maybach experience, and it genuinely changes what you expect from a convertible.
