The $224,900 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680: A Bold Choice for the Fearless

“LA is the bleakest and most unforgiving of American cities,” Jack Kerouac once stated.

I can’t dispute that. Yet, perhaps he would have had a more enjoyable experience if he had the chance to drive a remarkable car. It’s quite ironic that Kerouac never got a driver’s license, especially considering how On the Road inspired countless free spirits.

In Los Angeles, distinctive vehicles can forge connections, particularly when they are eccentric or innovative. People tend to value unique perspectives; it ignites discussions and opens doors to interaction in this tribal city. Just last week, a stunning two-tone 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 convertible—decked out like a Louis Vuitton handbag—arrived at my door. Priced at $224,900, the convertible captured attention with its gigantic 21-inch forged wheels, causing traffic to halt in my neighborhood and sparking friendly chats with previously unknown neighbors.

One neighbor, who revealed he runs an exotic car rental service, excitedly pulled up in his Mercedes-AMG G 63, nearly tumbling out of his vehicle as he grabbed his iPhone to capture the car I’d soon be driving 320 miles to Monterey Car Week. I was thrilled to meet someone new and enjoyed his enthusiasm.

This is the intriguing quality of the SL 680 Monogram Series. Although the “Maybach” branding on the trunk, hood, and door sills can appear frivolous or excessively flashy, the SL 680 serves a distinctive purpose for a luxury vehicle: it elicits a deep emotional response.

In a sea of ordinary vehicles pretending to be luxury SUVs and even supercars starting to blend into one another, I welcome any hint of individuality I can find. And if the lavish exterior doesn’t appeal to you, the spacious interior, robust engine, and elegant design of the SL 680 may just win you over.

The essentials

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the first two-seater convertible in Maybach’s legacy. It’s designed to attract a younger demographic, averaging 41 years of age globally, contrasting with the over-50 audience typical in the luxury car segment.

Rooted in the athletic Mercedes-AMG SL 63, it features a 577-horsepower V-8 biturbo engine generating 590 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds, achieving a top speed of 161 mph.

I drove a model in a lustrous garnet finish, complemented by a contrasting black hood and soft-top featuring an anthracite Maybach pattern. The cabin was a flawless snow-white. (Another standard color combination is a matte white exterior with a black hood and top. Additionally, there are fifty other color options available for an added fee. If I were in your shoes, I’d explore those possibilities, maybe choosing a midnight blue or shark gray.)

Design highlights include a backlit Maybach grille showcasing the rare upright Mercedes-Benz trident star, reminiscent of a classic Mercedes wagon, rather than the flatter, contemporary emblem. Rose gold accents, Maybach-branded tail lights, and chrome-laden facades enrich the car’s hyperbranded look.

The good

The sporty character of the SL 680 can be largely credited to enhancements from Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach (AMG), Mercedes’ performance division. Features like a new lightweight aluminum chassis and all-wheel drive significantly improve performance. During my five-hour journey to Carmel-by-the-Sea, I appreciated the car’s stability and balance. The luxurious, supportive seats combined with an active ride-control suspension made the drive comfortable rather than cumbersome.

Besides the thrilling driving dynamics of the SL 680, there are several other reasons I would willingly select this car for extended trips. I enjoyed the spacious cabin, providing ample head and legroom for someone my height, and I found the intuitive mix of analogue and digital controls in the well-designed space very user-friendly. Tasks like playing music and navigating were straightforward, while cup holders, charging ports, and seat adjustments were positioned with thoughtful consideration—an attention to detail often overlooked in luxury automobiles.

I was pleasantly surprised by the generous trunk space for a convertible, easily accommodating my two rolling suitcases, a weekend bag, a handheld steamer, and a beautiful yet bulky shearling coat. There was still extra room if needed, and a shelf behind the seats offered additional storage options.

The bad

It’s difficult to understand why anyone would select white for a car’s interior. It is an absolute nightmare. This isn’t just a simple white finish over inexpensive plastic or faux leather, easily wiped clean. This is genuine crystal-white Napa leather that absorbs stains like a thirsty runner. It was everywhere. I worried so much about damaging the pristine, deep-pile floor mats that I placed a towel in the driver’s footwell. I can only imagine how this interior would look after six months of regular use.

Moreover, the cabin could be quieter. While some road noise is expected in any convertible, a car flaunting Maybach logos should deliver an exceptionally peaceful ride.

If you remember one thing

I started with a quote, so I’ll conclude with one as well. This car reminds me of the saying from the late Vogue editor Diana Vreeland: “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a dash of bad taste; it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I believe we could all use more of it. No taste is what I oppose.”

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series showcases a hefty dose of bad taste. Yet it’s executed with such finesse and an air of nonchalance that you might just find yourself enchanted.

© 2025 Bloomberg

Follow Moneyweb’s extensive finance and business news on WhatsApp here.