The Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 has quietly landed in New Zealand, bringing the highest echelon of open‑top grand touring to our shores. For anyone chasing roof‑down luxury with Maybach refinement, the SL 680 is now an option on Kiwi driveways and private collections.
What makes the SL 680 a headline act?
- Heritage meets ultra‑luxury: The SL nameplate carries decades of road‑going GT history, and the Maybach treatment elevates it with bespoke materials, lavish appointments, and exclusivity that few rivals can match.
- Presence and performance: As Mercedes‑Maybach’s halo roadster, the SL 680 pairs towering visual drama with high‑output powertrains and advanced chassis tech designed to deliver both long‑distance comfort and exciting pace when demanded.
- Attention to detail: Expect Maybach‑level leather, tailored trim, and curated options that transform the cabin into a lounge rather than just a cockpit, a defining characteristic of the Maybach sub‑brand.
Why New Zealand should care
New Zealand’s affluent buyers and collectors have shown growing appetite for limited‑run, ultra‑luxury models, and the SL 680 fits perfectly into that niche. It’s the sort of car you see at high‑end events, coastal drives, and premium collections, a statement machine that delivers both onlookers and substance.
Drivetrain and performance
At the heart of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine producing up to 430kW and 800Nm, with power delivered to all four wheels via the fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The result is effortless acceleration, with 0–100km/h achieved in 4.1 seconds. The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 combines this performance with Maybach-specific chassis tuning, prioritising ride comfort and refinement while maintaining dynamic capability.
Exterior design and finishes
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is distinguished by a Maybach-specific grille, Obsidian Black painted bonnet and
distinctive 21-inch forged alloy wheels, available in a 5-hole or multi-spoke design (cost option). Standard metallic paint finishes include Garnet Red and Opalite White MAGNO, both carefully selected to
complement the vehicle’s contrasting black bonnet treatment.
A Mercedes-Maybach patterned bonnet is also optionally available. Starting with an Obsidian Black Metallic base, the intricate pattern is precisely printed onto the bonnet via the new so-called PixelPaint process, a painting technology that enables customised patterns and designs to be applied directly to the bodywork with incredible precision. The bonnet is then coated twice more with clearcoat and sanded by hand until the final clearcoat finish is applied, giving the Maybach pattern an extraordinary depth effect.
Interior luxury and technology
Inside the cabin, Nappa leather upholstery is complemented by a MANUFAKTUR DINAMICA microfibre roof liner and bespoke trim detailing, reflecting Maybach’s focus on comfort and craftsmanship.
Tarmac Takeaway
For enthusiasts who crave the drama of a grand tourer with Maybach elegance, the SL 680’s arrival in New Zealand is a timely reminder that true automotive theatre still exists. Whether you’re writing the cheque, photographing it for editorial spread, or simply daydreaming at the lights, the Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 has arrived and it wants to be seen.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 is now available with a price of $432,400. Options: Mercedes-Maybach Pattern on bonnet – $16,900. MANUFAKTUR Exclusive paint – $24,300. 21-inch Maybach multi-spoke forged wheels – $12,900.
