Mercedes-AMG SL 63 transforms into a Maybach roadster

Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled a car it called “the sportiest in [its] entire history”: the SL 680 Monogram Series. Based on the stock AMG SL 63, it lost its back seats in favor of impeccable style, luxury features and chassis tweaks prioritizing utmost comfort over raw performance.

As any self-respecting Maybach, this one boasts an illuminated front grille and rides on 21-inch wheels available in two different designs. It also sports a tri-point star on the hood, rose gold accents in the headlights, exclusive taillight patterns, and a new diffuser with tailpipes. The windshield flaunts a chrome bezel, and there are Maybach badges all over the cloth top. Paying extra gets you a matching hood cover, but it’s an expensive option because some the logos have to be applied by hand. There are two standard color schemes – black/red and black/white, but you may as well go for a custom combination.

The interior is dominated by white leather and chrome accents. The steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and kick plates are new. The infotainment display and the digital dash sport new UIs. Maybach also points out enhanced noise proofing all around, a reworked exhaust system, tuned suspension and better engine mounts.

The engine is a 4.0-liter V8 boosted to 585 PS (577 hp / 430 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft). It still uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission to drive both axles via the company’s 4Matic+ AWD system. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time is 4.1 seconds – that’s half a second slower than the stock AMG SL 63. The top speed also goes down from 315 to 260 km/h (from 195 to 161 mph) in this version.

Sales in Europe are slated to begin next spring, with the other major markets set to follow later. You will find the car on sale in Maybach Icons of Luxury boutiques, along with new thematic wear and accessories. There will be a leather jacket, running shoes, a scarf and assorted bags on the list.