Summer is nearly here and there’s no better way to spend a sunny day than in a sporty convertible with the roof down. As for which convertible to choose, you aren’t exactly short of options. But if you demand a perfect blend of performance, prestige, and luxury then it’s hard to look past the Mercedes-Maybach SL680.
While its twin, the Mercedes-AMG edges it in performance terms, you do get the same powertrain, a more comfortable ride, and plenty of Maybach touches on the luxury model.
The Mercedes-Maybach SL680 offers a perfect balance of speed and handling
Historically, I’ve had some pretty horrendous luck with convertibles. Usually when I get my hands on one I’m greeted with one afternoon of sunshine and six days of torrential rain. This time though, the weather was perfect and as a result I could not stay out of the SL680.
I’ve driven it around every lake I could find, through various mountain passes, and on every minor errand I could complete. So it’s been pretty thoroughly tested. On most of those excursions, the top was down. You can drop and raise the top via a couple of switches on the center console with the whole process taking less than 20 seconds. You can technically drop or raise the top at any speed up to 37 mph, but I often found myself finding a spot where I could pull over to make sure it’s done properly.
We need to talk about the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 roaring away under the Maybach’s hood too. Its performance, the kind that will propel you from 0-60 in under four seconds, is matched only by the sounds this thing produces. A sound you can enjoy even more when the top is down.
Like Ferrari’s V12s, that powerful motor will be a little quiet when you’re driving around town, take it somewhere where you can get the hammer down and you’re in for a symphony. Beyond that, if you’re moving from a section of road where you were limited to say 25 and moving on to a section where you’re at the state speed limit, putting your foot down makes you think thunder is cracking overhead. It was a bit of a shock the first time I heard it.
The engine’s output works its way through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission, which is frankly superb. It seems to constantly find the right gear for whatever you’re doing. Though if you do need a quick burst of speed using the paddles to drop down a few gears is still recommended.
To assist with downforce, there’s an active spoiler. For those who are unaware, this kind of spoiler offers you the best of both worlds. At lower speeds (under 50 mph in this case) it’s flush with the vehicle’s rear, reducing drag. Once you hit 50, it pops up and creates a good amount of downforce, driving the back end of the vehicle into the road and giving your rear wheels more grip. On the SL680, the spoiler’s angle also adjusts based on your speed, so you continue to get the optimal downforce to drag ratio whatever speed you’re doing.
And all of that engineering does pay off. Even at higher speeds on challenging roads, the SL680 feels as if it’s on rails. G-forces will be pulling your body from side to side, but you’ll struggle to even get a squeak out of the tires.
It’s obviously not a practical vehicle. You get two seats and a rear shelf, which is often the case with this type of car. The trunk offers 8.5 cubic feet of space, which drops to 7.5 if you have the roof down. It also absolutely drinks gas in an urban setting, with an EPA estimate of 13 MPG in the city and my real world testing putting it closer to 10.
But you don’t buy something like this for practical reasons. It’s something you buy to have fun in, it’s something you buy to show off in, and it excels at both tasks.
It’s all a bit Louis Vuitton
If we’re talking body shape, the SL680 is one of the best looking convertibles on the market. The long hood and sporty profile combine to provide that mixture of performance and elegance that the vehicle ultimately delivers.
In terms of styling, I can see the SL680 coming across as a little divisive. If you’ve spent the extra money, around $60,000 in this case, for a Maybach as opposed to a Benz or an AMG, then it’s understandable you’d want people to know about it. As far as Maybach branding goes, it’s very hard to miss on this vehicle.
Firstly, the Maybach logo is repeated across the hood, door panels, lower intake, seats, passenger shelf, the roof, and plenty of other places. This sort of turns the vehicle into the automotive equivalent of a Louis Vuitton handbag.
That styling even carries over to the infotainment screen. If you look closely at the 3D representation of the SL680 when you’re using the surround camera, you’ll see the logo repeated on the soft top and hood, just as it is on the car.
If that didn’t stand out enough, you’re treated to a mini light-show when the vehicle is turned on. Maybach, and the brand’s logo, is projected onto whatever is in front of you, and it all dances around for a few seconds as the vehicle is getting ready.
In short, this is not a low profile vehicle. It’s not inconspicuous. It’s very much in your face. From the sound of that fantastic V8, to the overall styling of the convertible. This is not for everyone, but I can see many enjoying that extravagance.
Let’s take a look at the specs
Engine & Performance
Engine:
Handcrafted 4.0L V8 BiturboHorsepower: 577 hp @ 5,500–6,500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2,500–5,000 rpm
Acceleration: 0–60 mph in approx 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 161 mph (electronically limited)
Drive Configuration: 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive
Transmission & Handling
Transmission: 9G-TRONIC SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic
Steering: Rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability
Suspension: ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL with active hydraulic roll stabilization
Drive Modes: Comfort, Maybach, Sport, and Individual
Design & Exterior
Wheels: Exclusive 21-inch Maybach forged wheels
Grille: Illuminated Maybach grille with an upright Mercedes-Benz star
Hood: Available two-tone contrasting concepts and optional PixelPaint or Maybach-logo hood patterns
Rear: Maybach-branded taillights and chrome-accented diffuser
Interior & Comfort
Seating: Two-seat roadster configuration with uniquely padded MANUFAKTUR Crystal White Exclusive Nappa leather and Maybach emblems
Sound Insulation: Extensively insulated soft top and cabin for maximum serenity
Displays: Maybach-specific digital start-up animations and display styles
Storage: Custom luggage shelf behind front seats with floral design seam layout
Fuel Economy & Dimensions
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg city 20 mpg highway, 16 combined
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Cargo Capacity: 7.5 cubic feet
PricingMSRP:
Starting: $224,900
As reviewed: $243,950
For those who can afford it, the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is almost a must buy
If you have the funds, and need something fun, then the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is a fantastic vehicle. I drive a lot of things throughout the year, and I really enjoy a good number of those vehicles. But few leave me genuinely upset when I have to hand the keys back. The SL680 is one of those.
It’s just something that can bring you absolute joy. And something I’d definitely have if I needed a sporty, comfortable, convertible for my fleet. The only snag is part of me thinks I’d prefer the extra spurt of performance from the AMG SL 63 over the Maybach’s excessive opulence and comfort. But it’s pretty much personal preference at that point.
