- The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL was seen testing in Germany, revealing some hidden exterior features.
- Features a Panamericana grille similar to Mercedes-AMG vehicles but with more vertical slats and chrome for the Maybach touch.
- New design with a single air vent stretching across, differing from the multiple vents on the AMG SL 63 S E Performance.
- Cleaner design with cutouts for two oval exhaust pipes, moving away from the aggressive diffuser of AMG models.
- Expected to use a 4.0L bi-turbo V8 engine, similar to the one in the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4Matic, possibly offering up to 496 horsepower.
- A V12 engine seems improbable due to fitting challenges and cost, despite being available in the S 680 4Matic.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL has been spotted testing on public roads in Germany, giving us a glimpse of the luxury treatment soon to be applied to the AMG-developed roadster. This prototype, with much of its exterior under wraps, hints at some exciting developments for the Maybach lineup.
The front end of the car, partially obscured by vinyl stickers, seems to feature the iconic Panamericana grille, typical of Mercedes-AMG vehicles but possibly with more vertical slats and additional chrome for the Maybach variant. The front bumper looks new, with a single air vent stretching across its length, unlike the multiple vents seen on the AMG SL 63 S E Performance. Side skirts appear different, and the camouflage on the front fenders likely hides new trim and the Maybach logo.
The rear bumper sports a clean design with cutouts for two oval exhaust pipes, suggesting a departure from the aggressive diffuser of its AMG counterpart. Interestingly, the wheels seem identical to those on the SL 63 S E Performance, but the absence of a charging port indicates that this model does not feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
In its AMG SL 63 S E Performance guise, the powertrain combines a 4.0L bi-turbo engine with an electric motor to deliver a whopping 805 horsepower and 1,047 pound-foot of torque. This setup propels the car to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and tops out at 197 mph. The new Maybach SL could offer a similar or slightly detuned version of this powerhouse, but with a focus on luxury and comfort.
Speculation surrounds the engine options for the Mercedes-Maybach SL. The most likely candidate is the bi-turbo V8 with a 4.0-liter displacement, similar to the one used in the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4Matic, which produces 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Given the SL’s smaller and lighter body, it could be significantly quicker than the S-Class, achieving 0-60 mph in well under 4.7 seconds.
A V12 engine, like the one found in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic, seems less likely due to potential fitting challenges and cost implications. The handcrafted 6.0-liter V12 produces 621 horsepower and 664 pound-foot of torque but would require serious modifications to fit into the SL’s engine bay. Additionally, the SL’s performance needs are already well met by the various V8 options available.
If Mercedes-Maybach follows the naming conventions of its S-Class siblings, we could see the new SL offered in SL 580 and SL 680 configurations, both likely featuring bi-turbo V8 engines. The official launch is expected at the end of this year or in 2025, positioning it as a 2026 model.
Pricing for the Maybach SL will undoubtedly be steep. The AMG SL 63 starts at $187,000, while the SL 55 begins at $144,500, and the four-cylinder SL 43 at $111,800. The Maybach SL 680 could easily surpass the $200,000 mark, with the SL 580 potentially slightly lower.
As we await further details on the first-ever Mercedes-Maybach SL, the anticipation grows. Will it redefine luxury in the roadster segment? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new model from Mercedes-Maybach.
