Mercedes dropped the 2026 Maybach SL 680, a two-seat convertible that abandons restraint entirely. The company pushed opulence to extremes with this open-air grand tourer, piling on luxury where most manufacturers would show restraint.
Road & Track tested the machine and found substance beneath the excess. Yes, the Maybach SL 680 courts controversy through sheer theatricality. The styling screams excess. The price tag demands a second look. Yet the engineering delivers where it counts.
The powertrain, interior craftsmanship, and chassis tuning prove that Mercedes engineered this machine to perform, not merely to flaunt wealth. The dual-turbo V12 engine produces serious performance. The suspension balances comfort with precision. The cabin materials showcase obsessive attention to detail.
This vehicle targets a specific buyer. That buyer wants everyone watching to know they succeeded. The Maybach SL 680 accomplishes that mission without apology. Whether that appeals to you depends entirely on your tolerance for automotive maximalism.
The verdict stands clear. Taste remains subjective. Competence does not.