D o multiple monograms make a luxury product? Mercedes, or, more accurately, the Maybach division of Mercedes, certainly thinks so. If you were under any doubt that this was an exclusive luxury version of the famous SL roadster, then look at the bonnet and the soft top. Taking a leaf out of the fashion playbook, Mercedes has endowed the Maybach 680SL with a repeated monogrammed pattern all over the car.
And to emphasise the point, at its launch in Monterey, California, the Maybach was driven down an oversized catwalk. Mercedes briefly flirted with using the Maybach label for a separate line of cars, but now Maybach represents the top tier of Mercedes ownership in each model range. The 680SL is very clearly a Mercedes, with badging proudly on the bonnet ornament and centre of the steering wheel — yet one with some Maybach magic dust.
The SL is the fourth Mercedes to get the Maybach treatment, and it follows the S-Class, GLS and electric EQS. Exterior differences include a chrome grille with the Maybach badging sitting just below the three-pointed star, chrome bonnet fin and window surround and glorious 21in multispoked or five-hole forged wheels..
