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2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL Monogram Series

The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series, for the ultimate open-air experience

• Two curated design concepts 'Red Ambience' and 'White Ambience' at market launch

•Chrome fin and upright star on the bonnet as well as aerodynamic scoop behind the seats redefine proportions

•Maybach pattern forms a stylish design element linking exterior and interior

•The highest level of driving and acoustic comfort

Stuttgart/Pebble Beach. The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series (provisional figures, combined energy consumption: 13.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 312 g/km; CO2 class: G)1 is the sportiest model in the Maybach brand's history. Also new is the uniquely cohesive combination of colours and materials for the exterior and interior, with the Maybach pattern as a linking design element. These special accents appear throughout, from front to rear, inside and out. There will be two curated design concepts for the open-top two-seater at market launch: The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience is characterised by a new two-tone paint finish of obsidian black metallic over MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic. In the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series White Ambience, obsidian black metallic contrasts with MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno. The exceptionally brilliant red and the elegant white both embody sensuality, beauty and lightness. They perfectly express the philosophy and driving experience of the new model. Other exterior colours are possible upon specific customer request. The interior features sustainably tanned, crystal white MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather and trim parts in gleaming silver chrome. Market rollout starts in Europe in spring 2025, with other markets to follow.

'Our customers love something special. The Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series adds a sporty two-seater to our model family for the ultimate open-air pleasure. It combines a dynamic driving experience with everything that characterises a Mercedes-Maybach: excellent craftsmanship, exquisite design details and fine materials.'

Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Iconic design refined with exclusive Maybach styling elements and double scoop

In keeping with the brand philosophy, the Mercedes-Maybach SL offers a holistic sensory experience. The contours of the brand-specific, chrome-finished radiator grille are illuminated, as is the finely integrated MAYBACH lettering. The distinctive bonnet bears an upright Mercedes star and a chromed fin running front to rear along its centre. To further enhance the exclusivity, the obsidian black bonnet is available upon request with the Maybach pattern incorporated in graphite grey uni. This process is very complex and is partly done by hand. First, the bonnet receives a base coat, which is then sanded by hand. The Maybach pattern is then printed onto it. Each part of the process is technically sophisticated and must be executed with the utmost precision. Next, the bonnet is coated with clear matte lacquer, sanded by hand and finally finished with a further coat of clear matte lacquer.

The inside of the headlights is finished with high-quality accenting in rose gold. The dedicated front skirt emphasises the vehicle's width with horizontal air intakes. The windscreen frame is finished in gleaming chrome. A further chrome insert graces the sill cladding. The Mercedes-Maybach SL runs on 21-inch forged wheels in 5-hole design or multi-spoke design.

The extensively insulated acoustic soft top consists of light black fabric, with the Maybach pattern subtly incorporated in anthracite. The rear is characterised by rear lights with the Maybach signet, a brand-specific rear skirt with chrome trim, a dedicated diffuser design and tailpipe trims with a signature horizontal bar. Behind the seats, an aerodynamically designed double scoop reinforces the individual look. Together with the chrome fin on the bonnet, it gives the two-seater particularly elegant and sporty proportions when viewed from the side, especially with the top down.

Interior features Maybach-specific equipment and radiant, crystal white leather

Inside, sustainably tanned, crystal white nappa leather creates an exceptionally exquisite ambience. It features on the door panels, the centre console and on the brand's signature comfort seats. The seat upholstery has a new floral design. The space behind the seats is also finished in white leather. The galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim provide a striking contrast.

The fully digital instrument display and the electrically adjustable centre display incorporate the Maybach-specific start-up animations and display styles. Further brand hallmarks are the steering wheel, the stainless-steel pedals and the stainless-steel door sill trims.

High level of driving and acoustic comfort combined with superior eight-cylinder driving experience

The highest standards also apply to driving and acoustic comfort. Comprehensive measures guarantee a quiet and comfortable, typically Maybach, driving experience. These include a noise-optimised exhaust system, an extensive insulation and absorption package as well as a comfort-oriented suspension set-up and soft engine mounts. The combination of a 4.0-litre biturbo engine with 430 kW (585 hp) and smooth-shifting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with adapted accelerator pedal characteristics ensures the supremely dynamic driving pleasure expected of a Maybach. The fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers high traction even in slippery road conditions, thus increasing driving safety. The standard-fit rear-axle steering combines agility and stability for a manoeuvrable and safe driving experience.

Exclusive collection from Maybach Icons of Luxury

As befitting the new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series, Maybach Icons of Luxury will offer a curated collection in boutiques and the online store from market launch. This includes a leather jacket, sneakers, a scarf, a tote bag and a dog bag. Their design is inspired by the materials and colours of the open-top two-seater.

by Mercedes-Benz

by Mercedes-Benz

Max Hoffman was responsible for the sporty two-seat Mercedes-Benz 190SL sports car. The S represented 'Sports' while the L meant Light or 'Sehr Leicht'. With a curb weight of 2560 pounds, it was hardly 'light' when compared with other vehicles in its class, some 500 through 1000 pounds less. It was however an excellent alternative to the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The gullwing-door 300SL was available only as a coupe while the 190 SL could be purchased as a Roadster with a soft-top convertible or with a removable hardtop roof.

In 1954, Mercedes introduced its two-door 190SL at the New York Auto Show. Fifteen months later the production version was displayed at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show. Gone was the air-scoop that had been on the hood, along with other aesthetic aspects.

The 300SL was initially priced at $7,460 while the 190SL was $3998. As a result, the 190SL outsold the 300SL by nearly eight to one. In its best year, 4,032 190SL's were produced. In its worst year, only 104 examples were produced.

Under the hood was an 1897 cc four-cylinder OHC engine that was capable of producing around 105 horsepower. It took 14.5 seconds to go from zero to sixty and had a top speed of nearly 110 mph. Drum brakes were placed on all four corners of the 14 foot, one-inch vehicle. Servo brakes were optional until 1956 at which point they became standard.

The engine capacity was taken into account when naming the vehicle. By moving the decimal place once to the left, it created 189.7. The number was then rounded up to 190. So the 190 represents the approximate engine capacity in liters, meaning about 1.9 liters.

The 190SL production run lasted from 1955 through 1963. Most of the body-styles were open roadsters the rest were coupes. In comparison to many other nameplates, this is a very low number, guarantying its exclusivity and rarity by today's standards. It was a beautiful sibling to the prestigious and awe-inspiring gullwing door 300SL.

by Dan Vaughan