Right, I’ve been putting this car off. Let’s just rip the plaster off and get it over with. The new Mercedes-Maybach SL is being marketed as “the sportiest model in Maybach history.” And here’s where I hit my first snag — “luxurious” and “sporty” are two very different segments, aren’t they? Combining them isn’t easy, with only a handful of manufacturers managing it successfully. For me, Maybach isn’t one of them.

The second problem — probably the bigger issue I have with the new SL — is how they’re launching it. Typically, launch specs showcase a car in its best light, making people want that specific model to show they’ve got one of the first examples. But with the SL, Maybach has decided to kick things off with the “Monogram Series.” So, what does this actually mean?

Well, you’ve got a choice of two two-tone finishes for the SL: the ‘SL 680 Red Ambiance’ or ‘SL 680 White Ambiance.’ In simple terms, the red ambiance gives you a mix of Obsidian Black Metallic over Garnet Red Metallic. For the white ambiance, it’s the same Obsidian Black but paired with Opalite White Magno (matte) paint. Not to your liking? Don’t worry — you can request a more suitable colour when ordering your SL. But here’s the catch: for the interior, you’re stuck with just one option — crystal white leather. Thankfully, there are two 21-inch wheel options: a multi-spoke design or a retro-inspired 5-hole design.

Maybach has carried over some of its traditional features to ensure its version of the SL isn’t mistaken for a run-of-the-mill AMG SL. Take the grille, for instance, where the contours are illuminated. Not shiny enough for you? Fear not — there’s plenty more chrome, with the grille finished in bright chrome, complete with the Maybach wordmark engraved just in case passers-by can’t tell. Chrome accents abound across the exterior, including a stripe along the bonnet and a chrome windscreen surround.

Still unsure you’ve got the Maybach model? You can specify the double-M pattern in graphite grey on the bonnet — a touch that, frankly, feels a bit too much. A Maybach should subtly clear its throat to remind you of what it is, not shout “look at me!” at the top of its lungs. Unfortunately, the next feature only adds to this overstatement: the new SL is a soft-top convertible. This, of course, gives Maybach another canvas to etch even more logos — this time into the roof.

Now that we’ve covered the exterior, let’s move inside, where I’m sad to report the same theme continues. As mentioned, the interior is finished in crystal white leather, but there’s a significant difference from the regular SL — the rear seats have been removed, making this a strict two-seater. For a car positioned against the Bentley Continental GTC and Rolls-Royce Dawn (yes, I know it’s out of production), ditching the rear seats — no matter how cramped they might have been — feels like showing up for a race only to realise you’ve forgotten your shoes.

On the tech front, the SL uses Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software for its screens, with a white display theme unique to Maybach models. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find more metal finishes like stainless steel pedals and door sills, with seat backs adorned in galvanised silver chrome. Clearly, the designers are betting that chrome is still very much in fashion.

We can’t end without talking about the engine. It’s the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 we’ve seen in the AMG SL 63 and GT 63, pushing out 577 bhp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It’s enough power to classify the car as sporty, but not so much that it feels uncouth. In fact, the SL 680 is half a second slower to 62 mph than the SL 63, clocking in at 4.1 seconds. The top speed is also 34 mph lower, capped at 162 mph.

Pricing for the UK market has yet to be confirmed, but launching as a special edition guarantees it will cost north of £200,000. We expect a “regular” variant to follow once the market introduction wraps up in mid-2025.

Overall, it’s clear how the car earns its Maybach badge, but pushing it as a sporty Maybach doesn’t seem to do it justice. Subconsciously, you’ll approach this car expecting it to be something it’s not. If you’re after a quick and capable GT-style convertible, what was wrong with the regular AMG SL 55 or 63?