New $225K 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 in Downtown L.A.

A new 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 driving in Downtown Los Angeles. Introduced in August 2024 during Monterey Car Week, the SL 680 is based on the R232-generation SL-Class and features a chrome front grille and chrome design accents, a bespoke Maybach interior, improved acoustic insulation, and Maybach-specific active suspension. The open-top two-seater has a starting price (MSRP) of $224,900 and is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This example is finished in "White Ambience”, which features Manufaktur Moonlight White Magno (matte) paint with contrasting Obsidian Black Metallic hood, and is equipped with 21-inch Maybach forged 5-hole wheels and Manufaktur Crystal White Nappa leather interior.

This car is absolute proof of Mercedes' identity crisis since establishing AMG and Maybach as sub-brands. The original AMG GT was what many thought the SL-Class (which by then had become more of a big luxury tourer) should have been, so for its latest SL, Mercedes turned to the car's performance-focused roots and offered it only under the Mercedes-AMG brand, keeping the SL name for familiarity's sake but now preventing AMG's own GT from having a direct convertible variant with corresponding naming. And for some reason, the more performance-focused and athletically-styled SL actually gained rear seats. Then somebody had a few too many beers and decided the sporty roadster should be given the ultra-luxury Maybach treatment. So now the SL is sold as two distinctive models, one under Mercedes-AMG and one under Mercedes-Maybach, still without a standard Mercedes-Benz model like with previous iterations. And while Maybach cars are best known for rear passenger luxury and comfort, the Maybach SL ditched its rear seating completely in favor of a two-seat layout.

So exactly what the heck is this car trying to be? Lord only knows. And its design is no less puzzling that its identity. To be fair, the chrome grille/trim and contrasting hood actually look quite nice. But there's absolutely no reason a car like this needs 21-inch wheels, which look comically oversized especially with this wheel design. They may work well if the car were in a rap music video. But I really miss the good ol' days when Mercedes kept their factory designs classy while letting the aftermarket take care of those who wanted more. At least this example doesn't have the ridiculous optional hood plastered with Maybach logos.

What are your thoughts on the new Mercedes-Maybach SL? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!