Cover The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series makes its highly anticipated arrival in Singapore
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series makes its highly anticipated arrival in Singapore
1 / 1
Mercedes-Maybach unveils its most extravagant and sporty creation to date: the SL 680 Monogram Series
Mercedes‐Maybach has always occupied a singular position in the luxury automotive landscape, where engineering precision meets unparalleled refinement. Now, with the introduction of the open‐top SL 680 Monogram Series, its first two‐seater, the marque ventures into uncharted territory.
Since its reintroduction in 2022, Mercedes-Maybach has steadily expanded its presence in Singapore with the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach S -Class, GLS, and EQS SUV. “Singapore is a market that embraces individuality and exclusivity, and this is reflected in our more than 80 percent growth in top-end vehicle sales this year,” said Marcel Luis Mustelier Perez, president and chief executive of Mercedes Benz Singapore. “Mercedes-Maybach has been a clear highlight of this momentum, and with the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, we now bring a dynamic, open-air expression of Maybach luxury tailored for the most discerning customers.”
Read more: Supercars owned by the world’s most famous celebrities
Two visions of automotive artistry
Above The all‐new Mercedes‐Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series presents itself through two design concepts: Red Ambience (pictured left) and White Ambience
The all‐new Mercedes‐Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series presents itself through two design concepts: Red Ambience (pictured left) and White Ambience
1 / 1
The SL 680 Monogram Series presents itself through two curated design concepts that reimagine Maybach’s signature two‐colour paintwork. White Ambience combines Obsidian Black Metallic in the upper section with Manufaktur Opalite White Magno below, while the more dramatic Red Ambience switches out the white for the newly developed Manufaktur Garnet Red Metallic—a tinted clearcoat that achieves remarkable vibrancy through its special depth effect. (Customisation is also an option, with a choice of more than 50 additional Manufaktur paint colours that draw inspiration from precious stones, minerals and natural phenomena.) The interior, meanwhile, reveals Maybach’s mastery of spatial luxury. As with the door panels and centre console, the seats and the space behind them, both adorned with an elegant floral motif, are upholstered in sustainably tanned Manufaktur Exclusive Nappa leather in Crystal White, creating a sense of roominess while maintaining the signature Maybach cocooning effect. Galvanised seatbacks and other silver chrome trim parts provide glamorous contrast.
Distinctive visual identity
Above The interior features full leather upholstery and new stitching in a Maybach‐specific pattern
The interior features full leather upholstery and new stitching in a Maybach‐specific pattern
1 / 1
Instantly recognisable as a Mercedes‐Maybach, the SL 680 Monogram Series flaunts striking stylistic signatures such as Maybach’s hallmark chrome‐finished radiator grille with fine vertical slats and delicately integrated “Maybach” lettering. Only this time, it boasts an A-shape contour—making its debut here—that shifts the visual centre of gravity downwards. Strengthening the car’s night‐time presence, both the grille contour and branding come illuminated, and are complemented by rose‐gold‐accented headlights.
Further announcing the brand’s presence is the dedicated bonnet bearing the characteristic upright Mercedes star and chrome‐plated longitudinal fin along with a Maybach monogram rendered using the innovative PixelPaint technology. An extremely precise colour application process, PixelPaint utilises robots and inkjet‐like paint heads, each with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, to apply microscopic paint drops at speeds exceeding 1,000 drops per second. Producing no spray mist, the process is not just efficient, but also reduces waste and lowers emissions. Once the motif has been applied, the bonnet receives four coats of clear lacquer and three hand‐sanded layers, with each sanding requiring several hours of precise craftsmanship to create an extraordinary depth effect.
This same Maybach print, also created using PixelPaint but rendered in a discreet anthracite hue on a light, black fabric, adorns the acoustic comfort soft top. Other brand indicators include tail lights featuring the Maybach logo; a brand‐specific rear apron with chrome trim and a dedicated diffuser design; a double scoop behind the seats that serves as both a visual and an aerodynamic feature; and 21‐inch Maybach‐forged wheels.
All-round roadster
Above The open‐top SL 680 Monogram Series is the marque’s first two‐seater
The open‐top SL 680 Monogram Series is the marque’s first two‐seater
1 / 1
Melding robust performance with sophisticated styling, the SL 680 Monogram Series is driven by a 4.0 -litre biturbo V8 engine that produces 430kW (585hp) and 800Nm of torque, paired with the Speedshift MCT 9G transmission. One of the factors behind the engine’s outstanding willingness to perform is this transmission’s remarkable versatility. For relaxed cruising in the Maybach drive programme, it delivers unagitatedly smooth gear changes, optimised for maximum comfort. In the Sport and Sport+ drive programmes, the gearshifts are correspondingly more uncompromising in line with the driving situation. The transmission delights with enormously short and crisp gear changes—in Sport+ mode also underpinned by an emotional double -declutching kick.
The fully variable all-wheel drive system and an electronically controlled rear -axle locking differential provide excellent traction, with the standard rear axle steering affording agility and stability across the different driving programmes. Elsewhere, other features work in tandem to elevate ride comfort. The suspension system, for one, boasts semi -active hydraulic roll stabilisation, with hydraulic elements replacing conventional anti -roll bars to compensate for body roll in fractions of a second. Maybach -specific valves, softer steel springs, and new front -axle head bearings further enhance comfort for all occupants. Comprehensive measures have also been undertaken to keep the cabin quiet. These include the use of acoustic fleeces, aluminium butyl surfaces and acoustic foams that work to reduce road noise, as well as a noise -optimised exhaust system incorporating the maximum proportion of noise -insulating materials and featuring a muffler with recyclable fibreglass textile inlays for enhanced quietness.
Beyond the vehicle
To complement the launch of the SL 680 Monogram Series, Maybach Icons of Luxury offers a collection of lifestyle items—think jackets, sneakers and bags—that draw from its aesthetics. Just like its inspiration, it is a delightful meld of skilled craftsmanship, high‐quality materials and exquisite design details, and reflects what Mercedes‐Maybach describes as the “holistic, sensual experience” of driving the SL 680 Monogram Series—one that redefines expectations for
Credits
Images: Mercedes-Maybach
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
Curated for you
The stories, profiles, and cultural moments featured on our Instagram feed
