2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Review: The Drop-Top for the One Percent

Mercedes-Maybach doesn’t do subtle. It doesn’t cater to the budget-conscious or the practical-minded. It builds cars for those who believe a luxury Mercedes just isn’t quite luxurious enough. The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a rolling statement piece, a two-seater chariot for the ultra-wealthy, and a V12-powered yacht for the road.

This isn’t your typical SL-Class. It takes everything you know about Mercedes’ legendary grand tourer and dials it up to billionaire status. More leather, more power, more opulence…because why settle for a regular SL when Maybach can coat it in elegance and give it an even more exclusive badge?

Let’s dive into what makes the SL 680 Monogram Series a cut above, where it stacks up against competitors, and what perhaps could have made it even better.

What Makes the SL 680 Monogram Series Special?

Mercedes could have just slapped a prestigious Maybach badge on an SL, thrown in some extra top-grain leather, and called it a day. That’s not what happened here. This car is a statement of excess, crafted for those who want the best and then some.

Standout Features of the SL 680 Monogram Series:

• Handcrafted 6.0L twin-turbo V12
  • 621 horsepower / 738 lb-ft of torque
  • Top speed: Electronically limited to 186 mph
• 9-speed automatic transmission with 4MATIC+ AWD
• Monogram Series-exclusive two-tone paint finishes
• Hand-stitched Nappa leather interior with Maybach badging
• Bespoke wood and aluminum trim options
• Adaptive suspension with Maybach tuning for ultra-smooth cruising
• Rear-wheel steering for better handling at low and high speeds
• Burmester 4D surround sound system with seat-mounted resonators
• Monogram Series-exclusive 22-inch forged wheels
• Fully digital cockpit with Maybach-specific graphics

The V12 engine is the crown jewel of this machine. While the standard SL lineup maxes out with AMG-tuned V8s, Maybach refuses to play in that sandbox. The SL 680 demands twelve cylinders. That means effortless acceleration, a deep and refined exhaust note, and enough torque to make highway passing feel like a mere suggestion of the right foot.

Even the suspension tuning is tailored for Maybach expectations, meaning it floats over imperfections while still feeling composed when you’re carving up a scenic coastal road on the way to your beach house. This is grand touring in its purest form, except with more leather, more tech, and a price tag that starts somewhere north of reasonable.

Luxury Options That Make This a Millionaire’s Dream

The Monogram Series seems like an excuse for Maybach to go balls deep on customization. The base car is already draped in extravagance, but for those who want something truly unique, Mercedes offers a list of options that reads more like a personal shopping experience than a car configurator.

Some of the Most Exclusive Options:

• Bespoke two-tone paint schemes (Choose from curated combinations or create your own)
• Personalized embroidery in the seats and headrests
• Gold-plated trim pieces (Yes, real gold)
• Exclusive Maybach fragrances for the in-cabin scent system
• Matching Maybach luggage set crafted from the same leather as the interior
• Champagne chiller with Maybach-branded flutes
• Rear-view mirror with built-in display for digital concierge services

Everything about this car pronounces “I have arrived”, whether you’re rolling up to a five-star resort in Monaco or just heading to brunch in Beverly Hills.

Who Dares to Compete with This?

Luxury grand tourers aren’t exactly common, but the SL 680 Monogram Series does have a few worthy adversaries in the world of top-tier open-top motoring.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Convertible (Rumored for 2026)

• • All-electric, ultra-luxurious grand tourer
  • Silent but powerful, with over 600 hp and Rolls-Royce’s signature “magic carpet ride” suspension
  • Opulence on another level, but lacks the soul of a V12

Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner W12

• • Twin-turbo W12 with 650 hp
  • All-wheel drive and Bentley’s legendary interior craftsmanship
  • Not quite as exclusive as the Maybach, but arguably just as refined

Aston Martin DB12 Volante

• • Twin-turbo V8 with 671 hp
  • Sharpened for performance but still draped in British luxury
  • Lighter and more driver-focused than the Maybach

Each of these cars offers its own brand of ultra-luxury, but the Maybach SL 680 sets itself apart with sheer exclusivity. The others may be luxurious, but this car wears a badge that whispers old-money elegance instead of shouting about performance.

What Could Be Better?

Perfection is a lofty goal, and while the SL 680 Monogram Series gets a lot right, there are still a few things we’d tweak if we were calling the shots in Stuttgart.

• The price tag is… ambitious. Expect to cross the $300K mark easily, and that’s before personalizing it with exclusive finishes. This is Rolls-Royce and Bentley money, so will buyers be swayed by the Maybach badge at that level?
• Limited trunk space. The SL-Class already wasn’t the most practical car, and the Maybach version does nothing to fix that. If you plan on long-distance grand touring, pack light.
• More separation from the AMG SL. Yes, it has a V12, but from certain angles, it still looks a lot like an AMG SL with extra chrome. A little more distinct styling wouldn’t hurt.
• Will it age well? This is an ultra-limited luxury car, but Mercedes-Maybach models don’t always hold their value the way Rolls-Royces and Bentleys do. Long-term collectibility could be a gamble.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the ultimate top-down statement car. It blends the elegance of a Maybach, the performance of an SL, and the exclusivity of a Monogram Series model into a V12-powered work of art.

Is it practical? Hell no!
Is it necessary? Not even a little.
Is it one of the most extravagant, drop-dead gorgeous ways to experience grand touring? Without a doubt.

For those who crave a level of exclusivity beyond a “regular” Benz, this car delivers in spades. The V12 is unfortunately a dying breed, the luxury is second to none, and the presence is undeniable.

Would you drop Rolls-Royce moola on a Maybach roadster, or does one of its rivals tempt you more? Let’s hear it in the comments…unless you’re still daydreaming about winning the lottery.