Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series lands in Malaysia from RM2.25 million

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, a two-seat roadster that now sits at the very top of the local SL range, priced at an estimated RM2,250,000 on the road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.

Maybach has built coupes, saloons, even an electric vehicle and one famously long limousine, but never a proper drop-top. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia describes this as the first fully open-top Maybach in the brand's history. It is also the first Maybach with just two seats, since the AMG SL it is based on offers a 2+2 layout and this one drops the rear bench entirely.

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What sits underneath is no mystery. The Monogram Series runs the same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 as the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, rated at 585 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, with 800 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, driving through a nine-speed automatic.

Mercedes lists 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for this model globally, and though the local material only details the rear-axle steering and the electronic rear axle locking differential, we also expect this one to also receive the 4MATIC+ all wheel drive system.

The engineering effort has gone into calming the thing down rather than sharpening it. Soft engine mounts, a noise-optimised exhaust, a comfort-oriented suspension set-up and a heavy insulation and absorption package are all there to push the V8 into the background. The accelerator pedal mapping has been reworked too.

That has a measurable cost. The Maybach does 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and tops out at 260 km/h. The AMG SL 63 4Matic+, which launched here at RM1,898,888, does the same sprint in 3.6 seconds and carries on to 315 km/h using the identical engine. Malaysian buyers are being asked for roughly RM350,000 more to go slower. That is entirely the point of a Maybach, but it is worth stating plainly rather than dressing it up.

Kerb weight is 2,050 kg with a payload of 145 kg, which is a tight figure even for a two-seater. Two adults and a weekend bag is about the ceiling.

Two colour concepts, one very complicated bonnet

The car presented at the opening of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Kuala Lumpur 2026 is the Red Ambience, finished in obsidian black metallic over MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic. A White Ambience version pairs obsidian black metallic with MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno.

The bonnet is the party piece. It is finished in obsidian black with the Maybach pattern applied in graphite grey uni, and the process is partly done by hand. A base coat goes on first and is hand sanded, the pattern is printed on, then it gets a coat of clear matte lacquer, another round of hand sanding, and a final clear matte coat.

Elsewhere there is an illuminated chrome radiator grille with lit MAYBACH lettering, rose gold accenting inside the headlights, a chromed fin running down the centre of the bonnet, a chrome windscreen frame and chrome sill inserts. It rides on 21-inch forged wheels in a five-hole design, and the silver brake callipers carry MAYBACH lettering.

The acoustic soft top is black fabric with the Maybach pattern woven in anthracite, so it only really shows up in the right light. At the back there are rear lights with the Maybach signet, a brand-specific rear skirt, a dedicated diffuser and tailpipe trims with a horizontal bar. Behind the seats sits an aerodynamic double scoop that gives the car its profile with the roof down.

Crystal white everything

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in sustainably tanned crystal white MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Nappa leather across the door panels, centre console and seats, with a new floral pattern on the upholstery. The area behind the seats is leather too, and the roof liner is crystal white MICROCUT microfibre. Galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim break up all that white.

Screens are a 12.3-inch driver display and an electrically adjustable 11.9-inch centre display, both running Maybach-specific start-up animations. There is a wood and leather steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and illuminated Maybach door sills.

Standard kit includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating, the ENERGIZING Package Plus with multi-contour massage seats and climate control, a Burmester 3D surround system, head-up display, high-pile floor mats and a white key with a rose gold surround.

For local conditions, the more useful item is the front axle lift system, which raises the nose by up to 30 mm. On a car this expensive with this much front overhang, that is the difference between clearing a basement ramp in Bukit Bintang and hearing a noise you will remember for weeks.

Also fitted are ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension, the Driving Assistance Package, Parking Package with Memory Parking Assist, MAGIC VISION CONTROL and GUARD 360 vehicle protection Plus.

"Mercedes-Maybach represents the highest expression of luxury within our brand portfolio. With the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, we are offering our customers a distinctive expression of this philosophy, bringing together our heritage of craftsmanship with a modern interpretation of luxury," said Martin Schulz, CEO and President, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia.

"The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is designed for customers who value individuality and exceptional detail. Its sporty two-seater character, open-top freedom, and exquisite Maybach design come together to offer a truly special driving experience," added Nadia Trimmel, Chief Operating Officer, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia.

At an estimated RM2,250,000 on the road without insurance, the Monogram Series is the most expensive SL on sale in Malaysia, sitting above the AMG SL 63 S E Performance at RM2,168,888 and the AMG SL 63 4Matic+ at RM1,898,888.

Look outside the showroom and there is not much doing exactly what this does.

Rolls-Royce has not offered a series production convertible since the Dawn bowed out in 2023, and Bentley's fourth-generation Continental GT Speed starts at RM3.12 million here in coupe form alone.

That leaves the Aston Martin DB12 Volante and Ferrari's new Amalfi Spider as the nearest cross-shops, and both are far more interested in going quickly than in insulating you from the road. The Maybach is chasing something else entirely.

Buyers can configure the car through the Mercedes-Benz configurator at mercedes-benz.com.my/maybach-sl-monogram.

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