The Maybach SL 680 embodies the glorious tradition of luxury cars. Le Boulevardier… [+] It glides along beautifully on tarmac, yet has the power to easily overtake all but the most extreme supercars.
Mercedes-Maybach
A Maybach is a Mercedes-Benz… only more. Every Maybach is a luxurious take on an already superb Mercedes. To paraphrase my favorite afternoon tea party philosopher of Wonderland, the Mad Hatter might argue that a Maybach is everything and more – much better – than anyone thought possible.
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 will be available in two colors at launch: the SL 680 seen here is Garnet Red… [+] Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic bonnet. In person and in photos, the red paint shines gold in the sun. The front fascia – the soft bodywork that covers the bumper and extends downward to form the air intakes – emphasises the width of the car with chrome trim and horizontal spears. The SL 680’s polished finish is a modern interpretation of Art Deco elegance.
Mercedes-Maybach
The Maybach SL 680 has the opulence needed for glamorous living in California, South Florida, and perhaps a few other hidden wonderland enclaves scattered between Connecticut and Seattle, and I spent an hour in it in a wonderland worthy of opulence: Hollywood Hills.
The Maybach interior is finished in Crystal White leather. The steering wheel design is unique to Maybach, but… [+] Mercedes touch-sensitive controls for the cruise control and audio functions are mounted on the left and right spokes – note the Maybach signature start-up graphic on the touch screen – and slim rear glass between the headrests limits the amount of air that escapes to the rear, keeping the cabin quiet when viewed from above.
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Many Americans prefer to get behind the wheel to enjoy the power and performance of a luxury car, and it was Americans who demanded the two-seater convertible Maybach, designed for the man behind the wheel, not for a chauffeur-master.
Maybach uses a unique design with primary and secondary gauges displayed directly on the flatscreen… [+] Ahead of the driver, a design nod to the classic era of the 1920s and ’30s is presented with modern technology. Note the rose gold highlights, a 21st century interpretation of luxury car details from the Art Deco era.
Mercedes-Maybach
The SL 680 is an evolution of my favorite gentleman’s sports tourer, the already-great Mercedes-AMG SL 63, a car with scintillating performance, exceptional design and a sleek, leather-clad cockpit. Powered by a version of the same 577-horsepower, hand-built AMG V8 found in the Maybach SL 680, the AMG SL 63 can rip through mountain roads in style. AMG’s SL 63 is an iron fist wrapped in a nicely tailored velvet glove.
The Maybach-specific chrome radiator grille outline is illuminated and finely integrated… [+] The word MAYBACH.
Mercedes-Maybach
The Maybach SL 680 embodies another glorious tradition of luxury motoring: “Le Boulevardier” – a handsome, sophisticated car that glides over beautiful tarmac with the ability to effortlessly overtake all but the most extreme supercars.
Crystal White Nappa leather is used on the door panels, center console and seats. The center stack is… [+] There’s a wide touchscreen like the one seen in the SL and other Mercedes cabrios and coupes, and the interior includes LED accent lighting, as seen in the turbine-like central section of the vents.
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The SL 680 is admirably relaxed to drive, with acceleration that could sweep away the mediocre crowds at its garnet-red doors on the Sunset Strip or Frank Sinatra Boulevard. There’s still plenty of muscle in the fist, but Maybach’s emphasis has shifted to the velvet glove. The SL 680’s suspension, steering and powertrain are tuned to provide plenty of laid-back luxury.
If my screenplay sounds like a lame tidbit inspired by a recent re-reading of Alice in Wonderland with my kids who think I’m the Mad Hatter, the short answer is this is a gorgeous, elegant and luxurious two-seater vehicle that is superior to anything short of a truly exotic supercar. Is that summary enough?
The Maybach interior is finished in Crystal White leather. The steering wheel design is unique to Maybach, but… [+] Mercedes touch-sensitive controls for the cruise control and audio functions are mounted on the left and right spokes – note the Maybach signature start-up graphic on the touch screen – and slim rear glass between the headrests limits the amount of air that escapes to the rear, keeping the cabin quiet when viewed from above.
Mercedes-Maybach
Gordon Wagner and the Mercedes design team defined the Maybach aesthetic, and the SL 680 was initially available in only two colors: vibrant garnet red and matte white. Unlike other luxury brands that believe anything goes, Wagner & Co. doesn’t allow amateur Mad Hatters and March Hares to concoct one-off Maybachs in outlandish color combinations. Maybachs are for the few, and perhaps not for the craziest of weirdos.
The Maybach SL 680 is equipped with the same hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine found in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63,… [+] 577 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque. But the powertrain, and the entire car, is tuned differently to provide a gentler, more serene driving experience. Rather than a gentleman’s sports tourer like its sibling, the AMG SL 63, which excels on two-lane mountain roads, the Maybach SL 680 offers a ride that feels like it’s on cloud nine.
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Mad Hatter customers can hire Mercedes MANUFAKTUR’s craftsmen to order a one-off car, but Waggener and his designers guide the process to ensure the result is a car that’s appropriately elegant and won’t embarrass the brand at a Monterey auction 10 years from now.
The second color palette offered: Obsidian Black Metallic Hood and MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White… [+] Magno.
Mercedes-Maybach
In the end, Wagner’s good taste ends up decorating the Maybach tea table: the March Hare is accepted but not allowed to run wild.
At the bottom of the front of the car there is a grilled air intake with the Maybach logo – note the Art Deco chrome finish. [+] Around the air intakes at the bottom of the front fascia.
Mercedes-Maybach
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2025. A window of opportunity opens this weekend at Pebble Beach, and it’s time to put your money down and wait.
Multi-spoke wheel design.Long luggage includes cashmere blankets to keep passengers warm. [+] A moonlit drive on a cold night. The second piece is a bucket for storing small items, perfect for the March Hare or White Rabbit.
Mercedes-Maybach
Available in Garnet Red or Matte White, the SL 680 will make a statement in the cities of Rancho Mirage, Newport Beach and Laguna.
The Maybach SL 680’s interior offers plenty of space for tall drivers. Let’s say an NFL quarterback would be happy… [+] But without modifying the seat tracks, that won’t be possible for most NBA players. Mercedes-Maybach has a MANUFAKTUR customization program, and if an NBA power forward really wants to, he might be able to move the driver’s seat back a few inches. Maybach did away with the rear +2 jump seat, giving taller drivers a little more room to stretch out.
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