Will the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL Boast a V12 Engine? Here's What We Know
The elite realm of Mercedes-Maybach is gearing up for a fresh debut: the new-generation SL roadster is poised to receive the full Maybach treatment. Following the luxurious footsteps of the S-Class, GLS, and EQS, it's now the roadster’s turn to shine in opulence. Our exclusive spy shots reveal some thrilling hints about what’s to come.
Sighted during premiere testing on public roads in Germany, this prototype was cleverly camouflaged, hiding significant aspects like the entire front, some side profiles, and most parts of the rear bumper, including the diffuser and trunk logo. This sneaky aesthetic intervention stirs up quite the excitement.
The Camouflage and Design Insights
The first look at the concealed front implies the presence of a Panamericana grille, a signature of modern Mercedes-AMG cars. However, peeking through the wraps, the grille sports more vertical slats and additional chrome—aligning closely with the Maybach design ethos. A new front bumper design replaces the multiple air vents seen on the AMG SL 63 S E Performance with a singular, expansive one, spanning its length.
Speaking of the sides, slight tweaks in the side skirts and camouflaged front fenders suggest expected new trims, possibly brandishing the Maybach emblem. The rear maintains a cleaner bumper appearance, discarding the aggressive diffuser for a more refined look featuring cutouts for twin oval exhausts—one on either side. The wheels are reminiscent of the SL 63 S E Performance, excluding the charging port, indicating no plug-in hybrid powertrain under this hood.
Performance Speculations
On dissecting the performance spectrum, the SL 63 S E Performance presents an enticing blend of a 4.0L biturbo V8 engine complemented by an electric motor, churning out 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. Such a beastly combination accelerates the vehicle from 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds, camouflaging its supercar prowess within a roadster exterior.
Speculators are buzzing with potential powertrain possibilities for the new Mercedes-Maybach SL. The likely contender remains the 4.0L biturbo V8 already embraced by the S 580 4Matic, equipping the luxury sedan to deliver 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Given the SL’s comparatively lighter and smaller frame, we can expect it to exhibit even swifter acceleration with similar output figures.
Wild guesses also whisper about the S 680 4Matic’s V12 engine, with its 6.0L displacement and twin turbochargers conjuring 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The stark reality might keep us from seeing this powerhouse in the SL, primarily because accommodating such a giant under the SL’s hood would demand extensive modifications, inflating its cost.
The Anticipated Lineup
Following Maybach's naming conventions, the upcoming SL could introduce two versions: Mercedes-Maybach SL 580 and Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. Both are expected to pack bi-turbo V8s, with the latter evidently offering more power. Launch timelines are still speculative, but year-end 2025 seems probable, earmarking it as a 2026 model.
Pricing-wise, brace yourselves for a steep climb beyond the current AMG SL 63’s $187,000 starting price. The relatively milder SL 55 begins at $144,500, and the fundamental SL 43 stakes at $111,800. Maybach’s likely editions could breach the $200k mark comfortably, especially the SL 680.
As we anticipate the head-turning luxury and performance the Mercedes-Maybach SL promises, let’s question: are you excited for this amalgamation of opulence and sporty grandeur? Stay tuned as more details emerge, inching us closer to experiencing the latest stunner from the luxury automaker.