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Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Drive Bach to the ’30s
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 combines old-timey double doors with 21st century luxury and speed. Perfect for showing off
Ibiza, a playground for the mega-rich, served as the ideal locale to experience the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. This isn’t just another Maybach; it marks a historical return to the two-door body style last seen in the 1930s.
This is an ultra-exclusive car. Only three units are destined for India. At a staggering ₹4.2 crore, it’s certainly not for the faint of wallet. But what does this level of rarity actually offer?
The SL 680 shares its foundation with the AMG SL 63. But it reinterprets the sporty roadster ethos by simply being more indulgent. The same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 resides under the bonnet, producing a potent 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Here the power is not to set track records, but to effortlessly cruise and mark your arrival.
Even the Maybach colours set it apart. Our test cars were a rich pomegranate-inspired, garnet red and a sophisticated two-tone obsidian-black-and-opalite-white. There’s an extensive colour palette from which to customise. The “Monogram” bonnet is a talking point, a repeating pattern of tiny Maybach logos, reminiscent of Louis Vuitton bags.
True to Maybach tradition, there’s lots of chrome. The grille, badging, bonnet fin, A-pillars, and rear apron all gleam with polished accents. The 21-inch alloy wheels offer a choice between an elegant multi-spoke design and a striking five-spoke monobloc.
The bright, all-white interior is finished in sustainably tanned Nappa leather. It seems airy and undeniably Maybach: Diamond-stitched seats, a dual-tone steering wheel, and trim patterns reminiscent of a luxury yacht. But how it holds up in India’s dusty and wet climate is questionable. And while most of the cabin feels bespoke, the central touchscreen, also found in more mainstream Mercedes models, slightly detracts from the otherwise opulent vibe.
Where the Maybach SL 680 truly excels is in its comfort. The ride is genuinely sublime, absorbing bumps like few other convertibles can. The three-layer fabric roof operates quickly and quietly, even at moderate speeds. It feels equally serene with the roof up or down, aided by over 18 kg of sound-deadening material that effectively isolates wind and road noise. A dedicated Maybach Drive mode further softens the throttle response and smoothens gear shifts. Even the Sport mode retains a hint of sharpness without becoming harsh.
The Maybach SL 680 is quick, and the V8 engine produces a pleasing, subdued rasp. The steering has been retuned with a slower ratio for relaxed cruising, ideal for various road conditions. The handling prioritises composure over razor-sharp agility. This is a car that fuses open-top motoring with Maybach’s signature luxury. While the monogrammed bonnet might not appeal to all, and the shared infotainment screen is a minor disappointment, these are small points in a car that largely delivers on its promise of making every journey feel special. For the select few who can afford it, the Maybach SL 680 is a lavish expression of wealth and taste – excessive and perhaps unnecessary, but undeniably desirable.
From HT Brunch, May 24, 2025
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