Mercedes-Maybach is poised to redefine luxury motoring by extending its opulence beyond the confines of its established S-Class, GLS, and EQS SUV models. The iconic SL roadster, a masterpiece engineered by Mercedes-AMG, is set to undergo a lavish transformation under the Maybach banner.
Recent sightings of heavily camouflaged prototypes have ignited anticipation, and now, the German automaker has officially confirmed the upcoming model’s grand debut. The world stage for this extraordinary revealing will be the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, 2024, where the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach SL will grace the Concept Lawn.
Distinguishing itself from its AMG counterparts, the Maybach SL will showcase a distinctive design language characterized by a bespoke grille that embodies the brand’s signature vertical slat pattern and opulent chrome accents. The front bumper will undergo a meticulous redesign, featuring a singular air vent that complements the aesthetic.
Subtle refinements to the side skirts and a less aggressive rear diffuser further emphasize the model’s luxurious character. The Maybach SL will proudly display its heritage through exclusive badging on the front fenders and trunk lid, while a duo of oval exhaust tips will grace the rear.
To raise its exclusivity, the model will offer an array of bespoke paint finishes and meticulously crafted wheels. Intriguingly, while the latest spy photos revealed the prototype adorned with wheels from the high-performance SL 63 S E Performance, the absence of a charging port suggests that the Maybach variant will explore a different powertrain configuration.
While rumors suggest the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach SL will forego electrification in favor of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, concrete details remain elusive. Expected to be offered in two power outputs, the SL 580 and SL 680 (tentative names) are poised to deliver performance comparable to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which boasts a 496 horsepower V8 in the S 580 and a 621 horsepower V12 in the S 680.
The absence of a V12 option for the SL, despite the model’s potential to accommodate such a powertrain, is surprising. Given the SL’s performance-oriented nature, the potent V8 should suffice, but a V12-powered Maybach SL would undoubtedly be a fascinating addition to the lineup, and perhaps a way for Mercedes to redeem its recent downsizing decisions.
The Mercedes-Maybach SL is poised to redefine luxury motoring when it arrives in the United States for the 2025 model year. This opulent roadster will undoubtedly occupy the zenith of the SL lineup, commanding a substantial premium over its standard counterparts.
Anticipate a starting price well into six figures, with the range-topping SL 680 likely surpassing $200,000. Beneath the hood, expect potent V8 powertrains meticulously tuned to harmonize with the Maybach ethos.
Inside, an oasis of opulence awaits, featuring lavish leather, exquisite trim, and an array of amenities that epitomize the brand’s commitment to unparalleled luxury. Mercedes-Maybach has a penchant for the extraordinary, so it’s conceivable that the SL will boast unique features such as champagne coolers and unparalleled acoustic isolation, transforming open-top driving into an even more indulgent experience.
