Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster: Price, Specs, Review
The Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster is an ultra-luxury two-seat convertible based on the AMG SL, but it has a different purpose. The SL 680 Monogram Series prioritizes material quality, craftsmanship, open-air comfort, and an unmistakable Maybach look over maximum track performance.
It combines a 577-hp twin-turbo V8, 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, active suspension, and a two-seat cabin finished with Maybach-specific leather, trim, audio, and detailing. There are no rear seats and only limited luggage room, so it is a car for two people who value the occasion of ownership as much as the drive.
The current U.S. lineup contains one model: the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series.
WheelPedia Rating: 7.4/10
The Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster earns a 7.4/10 WheelPedia Rating for its powerful V8, exceptional cabin finish, distinctive convertible design, extensive comfort equipment, and all-weather traction.
Its low value and practicality scores reflect its $225,900 starting price, two-seat layout, small cargo area, poor fuel economy, and expensive ownership. This is a highly specialized luxury purchase rather than an all-purpose grand tourer.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.3/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.8/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 4.5/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 9.5/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 5.5/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 7.4/10 | — |
See how WheelPedia rates cars for the full scoring method.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $225,900 MSRP in the U.S., before destination, taxes, registration, and dealer charges.
- Available solely as the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series.
- Powered by a 577-hp, 590-lb-ft 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
- Standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and active ride-control suspension.
- Mercedes-Benz claims a 0–60 mph time of 4.0 seconds.
- Two-seat roadster with a three-layer Maybach-pattern fabric roof.
- Maybach-specific Nappa leather, heated and massaging seats, AIRSCARF neck heating, and a 1,220-watt Burmester High-End 3D audio system are included.
- Returns an EPA-estimated 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
- Cargo capacity is listed at 7.5 to 8.5 cubic feet.
- Best for buyers seeking a rare, two-seat luxury roadster rather than the fastest version of the SL.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series |
| Vehicle type | Ultra-luxury two-seat convertible |
| Seating capacity | 2 |
| Roof | Power-operated three-layer fabric soft top |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Power | 577 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph | 4.0 seconds, manufacturer claimed |
| Fuel economy | 13 city / 20 highway mpg |
| Cargo capacity | 7.5–8.5 cu. ft. |
| Length | 184.9 in. |
| Width without mirrors | 75.4 in. |
| Height, roof up | 53.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in. |
| Fuel requirement | Premium unleaded gasoline |
Expert Tip:
Buy the Maybach SL for its craftsmanship and two-seat roadster experience, not as a substitute for a four-seat grand tourer. If you need rear seating or want a lower entry price with similar V8 performance, compare the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster.
About the Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster
The Maybach SL is the first two-seat roadster to wear the Mercedes-Maybach name. Its engineering foundation is shared with the AMG SL 63, but its tuning, design, materials, and ownership proposition are distinct.
Where the AMG SL 63 focuses more directly on aggressive driving, the Maybach SL 680 places greater importance on comfort, styling, and exclusivity. Its suspension is tuned for smoother road use, its exhaust has a different character, and its cabin replaces the AMG’s rear seats with a leather-trimmed parcel shelf behind the two front seats.
It is a personal luxury car, not a chauffeur vehicle like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class or Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The main attraction is intimate, top-down travel for driver and passenger.
Price and Model
The Mercedes-Maybach SL range has one current U.S. model. Final cost can rise substantially with paint, personalization, accessories, destination, taxes, and dealer pricing.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Claimed 0–60 mph |
| Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series | $225,900 | 577-hp 4.0L twin-turbo V8 | AWD | 4.0 sec |
Which Mercedes-Maybach SL Is Best?
There is only one current Maybach SL: the SL 680 Monogram Series. The buying decision is therefore about specification, color, and personal preference rather than trim selection.
The two primary design directions are Red Ambiance and White Ambiance. Both use Maybach-specific detailing, while MANUFAKTUR personalization offers a broader choice of paint and interior combinations. Confirm final equipment with the selected vehicle, as personalized features and availability can vary.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
The SL 680 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power goes through a SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
| Specification | Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 577 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph | 4.0 sec, manufacturer claimed |
| Top speed | 161 mph, electronically limited |
The output matches the AMG SL 63, but the Maybach SL is tuned for a calmer, more polished character. Its active ride-control suspension and rear-axle steering help keep the car composed, while the V8 gives it effortless passing ability and strong acceleration.
The vehicle’s priority is fast, relaxed grand touring rather than repeated hard track laps. Buyers looking for the sharpest AMG roadster should choose the AMG SL 63; buyers who want a more individual, two-seat luxury convertible should choose the Maybach.
0–60 MPH Performance
Mercedes-Benz claims the Maybach SL 680 reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. That is quick for any luxury roadster, though it is slower than the related AMG SL 63’s 3.5-second claim.
The difference is intentional. The Maybach version has a more comfort-oriented setup and is not marketed as the performance leader of the SL family. Its V8 still delivers more than enough power for relaxed highway merging, passing, and long-distance touring.
Driving Experience
The Maybach SL is designed to feel more relaxed than the AMG SL 63. Active ride control, rear-axle steering, and all-wheel drive give it confident road manners, but its suspension and exhaust tuning aim for a less aggressive experience.
The 21-inch forged wheels, wide summer tires, and low body still demand care on damaged pavement. A front-axle lift function can raise the car for steep driveways and ramps, and the system can remember locations through GPS-based settings.
With the roof up, the insulated three-layer top helps make the cabin quieter. With the roof down, AIRSCARF neck heating, heated seats, massage functions, and wind management make the SL more usable in cooler temperatures.
This is not the model to choose for regular track days. Its appeal is effortless V8 power, open-air comfort, and the feeling of a specially commissioned car.
Fuel Economy
| Model | City | Highway | Fuel Requirement |
| Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series | 13 mpg | 20 mpg | Premium unleaded gasoline |
The Maybach SL uses an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. Its 13-mpg city rating reflects the combination of a twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, wide performance tires, and substantial luxury equipment.
Fuel economy is not a purchasing priority at this price point, but buyers should still expect regular premium-fuel costs, particularly in urban driving.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Maybach SL’s interior is its main differentiator. Rather than providing 2+2 seating, it has two deeply appointed front seats and a leather-lined space behind them. Materials and details are unique to Maybach, including patterned Nappa leather, metallic trim, and Maybach-specific display graphics.
Standard and available features include:
- MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather with Maybach-specific stitching
- Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
- AIRSCARF neck-level heating
- 12.3-inch digital driver display with Maybach themes
- 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen with power tilt adjustment
- MBUX voice control and connected-services capability
- Burmester High-End 3D surround sound with 17 speakers and 1,220 watts
- Head-up display
- Augmented-video navigation availability
- GUARD 360° vehicle monitoring
- Heated windshield-washer system
- ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL cabin-air filtration
The two-seat layout makes the Maybach SL less practical than the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster, but it creates a more personal and carefully finished cockpit. It is suited to couples and owners who rarely need additional passenger capacity.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 184.9 in. |
| Width without mirrors | 75.4 in. |
| Width with mirrors | 82.7 in. |
| Height, roof up | 53.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in. |
| Front headroom | 37.7 in. |
| Front legroom | 41.4 in. |
| Front shoulder room | 56.3 in. |
| Cargo capacity | 7.5–8.5 cu. ft. |
| Seating capacity | 2 |
Mercedes-Benz lists cargo space as a 7.5- to 8.5-cubic-foot range. It is sufficient for a pair of soft bags, golf-day items, or small weekend luggage, but it is not designed for long family trips or large hard-sided suitcases.
The SL 680 is strictly a two-seater. Buyers who need rear passengers should move to the AMG SL, a Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, or a larger Maybach model.
Exterior Design
The Maybach SL looks very different from the AMG SL, even though the two cars share core architecture. It has an illuminated Maybach grille, chrome trim, a hood-mounted Mercedes star, Maybach-specific LED taillight details, and 21-inch forged wheels.
The fabric top has an Anthracite Maybach pattern that remains visible when the roof is raised and when it folds into its rear-deck position. Red Ambiance and White Ambiance introduce contrasting two-tone exterior themes, while MANUFAKTUR choices let buyers specify more individual combinations.
The result is more formal and ornate than the AMG SL. It will appeal to buyers who want the Maybach identity to be immediately visible.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Maybach SL includes a substantial set of driver-assistance, lighting, parking, and security features. These tools can reduce driving workload, but they do not replace a driver’s attention or overcome poor road conditions.
Standard and available features include:
- Active Brake Assist
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Traffic Sign Assist and active speed-limit assistance
- ATTENTION ASSIST driver monitoring
- Crosswind Assist
- Surround-view camera system
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlamps
- GUARD 360° vehicle monitoring
- Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service
IIHS has not published a crash-test rating for the current Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster. Buyers should check IIHS vehicle ratings and NHTSA’s current listings before purchase in case a rating is released.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Maybach SL is a very complex luxury car. It has a twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, active suspension, rear-axle steering, performance tires, advanced electronics, a powered fabric roof, and bespoke interior components. Parts, repairs, cosmetic restoration, and specialist labor may be expensive once warranty coverage ends.
Routine maintenance remains important even when annual mileage is low. Follow the scheduled service plan, keep the roof and seals clean, inspect the tires and wheels after poor road surfaces, and maintain the battery if the vehicle is stored for long periods.
| Coverage | Length |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Federal Emissions Warranty | Up to 8 years / 80,000 miles on selected components |
| Scheduled maintenance interval | Once per year or 10,000 miles |
Mercedes-Benz offers prepaid maintenance and extended-warranty coverage. A used Maybach SL should be evaluated by a Mercedes-Benz or Maybach-capable specialist, with careful checks of service history, paintwork, wheel condition, roof function, electronics, and accident history.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Distinctive Maybach design and interior craftsmanship
- Strong 577-hp V8 performance
- Standard all-wheel drive and rear-axle steering
- Two-seat cabin feels more special than a conventional 2+2 layout
- Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
- Powerful Burmester High-End 3D audio system
- Insulated Maybach-pattern soft top
- Extensive driver-assistance and security equipment
What We Don’t Like
- Very high starting price
- Two seats only
- Limited luggage space
- Poor fuel economy
- Summer performance tires are not suited to snow or ice
- Repairs, maintenance, insurance, and cosmetic work can be expensive
- No current IIHS crash-test rating
Competitors
The Maybach SL competes in a very small group of open-top luxury cars:
- The Bentley Continental GTC is a more practical four-seat luxury convertible with a different design approach.
- The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is aimed at buyers who prefer a sharper, more sporting grand-tourer character.
- The Ferrari Roma Spider is for drivers who place more weight on Italian performance-car styling and response.
- The Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster is the closest alternative for buyers who want similar V8 performance with rear seats and a much lower starting price.
- The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the better Maybach choice for buyers who want rear-seat luxury and a chauffeur-friendly cabin.
Related Content
Before financing an ultra-luxury roadster, review car loan preapproval and the difference between APR and interest rate on a car loan.
Used-car buyers should read how to check a car’s accident history and how to read a VIN number before making an offer.
For other Mercedes-Maybach options, compare the SL with the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and the electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV.
Should You Buy the Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster?
Buy the Maybach SL if you want a rare, two-seat V8 convertible with a hand-finished cabin, an unmistakable design, and enough performance for effortless touring. It is for owners who value exclusivity, personalization, and top-down comfort more than passenger capacity or cost efficiency.
The decision is simple because there is one current model: the SL 680 Monogram Series. Spend time selecting the exterior and interior specification, then confirm the equipment on the actual car.
Skip the Maybach SL if you need rear seats, a generous trunk, low running costs, or a car that will spend much of its time in winter conditions. An AMG SL, luxury coupe, sedan, or SUV will be a better fit.
FAQs
How much does the Mercedes-Maybach SL cost?
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series starts from $225,900 MSRP in the U.S. Destination, options, taxes, registration, and dealer pricing increase the final amount.
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 have?
The SL 680 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach SL fast?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz claims the Maybach SL 680 reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. It is quick, but its setup is focused more on luxury touring than maximum track performance.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach SL all-wheel drive?
Yes. The SL 680 uses 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
Does the Mercedes-Maybach SL have rear seats?
No. The Maybach SL is a two-seat roadster. It replaces the AMG SL’s 2+2 rear-seat arrangement with a leather-trimmed area behind the front seats.
What fuel economy does the Mercedes-Maybach SL get?
The SL 680 is rated at 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. It requires premium unleaded gasoline.
How much cargo space does the Mercedes-Maybach SL have?
Mercedes-Benz lists 7.5 to 8.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It is suited to soft bags and small weekend luggage, not large suitcases.
Does the Mercedes-Maybach SL have a fabric roof?
Yes. It has a three-layer power fabric soft top with an Anthracite Maybach pattern.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach SL better than the AMG SL?
Neither is better for every buyer. The Maybach SL is the right choice for two-seat luxury, bespoke details, and exclusivity. The AMG SL is better for buyers who want rear seats, a wider choice of prices and powertrains, or a more performance-centered experience.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach SL safe?
It includes Active Brake Assist, active cruise control, lane and blind-spot assistance, parking cameras, and other driver-assistance features. However, IIHS has not published a current crash-test rating for the Maybach SL.
Final Verdict
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is one of the most individual luxury cars Mercedes-Benz sells. It takes the core performance of the AMG SL 63 and shifts the focus toward craftsmanship, comfort, and visual presence.
Its strengths are clear: a powerful V8, a beautifully finished two-seat cabin, advanced technology, and a convertible experience that feels distinct from mainstream luxury roadsters. Its compromises are also clear: price, fuel use, limited cargo space, and the absence of rear seats.
For a buyer who wants a two-person, top-down luxury experience and values Maybach detailing more than practical utility, the SL 680 is a compelling choice. For almost everyone else, the AMG SL provides a more rational route into the same basic roadster platform.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety ratings, and feature availability can change by model year, trim, and market.