Currently reading: New Mercedes-Maybach SL to rival Bentley Continental GT

Mercedes' greater focus on luxury products will include expansion of Maybach brand to new SL roadster

Mercedes is readying an ultra-luxurious Maybach version of its new SL roadster to rival the Bentley Continental GT Convertible as part of its greater focus on its highest-margin products. 

Previewed on Instagram by Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener, the first-ever Mercedes-Maybach SL will be distinguished by a fully chromed grille, Maybach emblems imprinted on the bonnet and a freestanding three-pointed star emblem.

No other details have been revealed, but the luxury roadster is expected to be launched with the most potent option currently available in the Mercedes-AMG SL: a 577bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8.

However, the future plug-in hybrid SL – with even more power – could get the Maybach treatment, too. 

Wagener wrote: “A glimpse of the Concept Mercedes-Maybach SL, revealing more about future opportunities of our company’s most exclusive brand. For customers who desire for a sophisticated luxury driving and design experience.”

The SL will join the Maybach version of the new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which was previewed at last year's Munich motor show and is set to arrive in dealerships in 2023.

Screenshot 2022 05 23 at 12

Mercedes has also confirmed that a new Maybach coupé is also on the way, likely to be based on the upcoming new AMG GT, itself closely related to the SL.

Mercedes last week also revealed plans for another SL-based open-roof speedster to launch a new dedicated brand for "highly exclusive collectible cars" called Mythos.

Mythos will produce low-volume special vehicles for "the most dedicated enthusiasts and collectors of Mercedes-Benz" and will in effect sit above Maybach in Mercedes’ brand portfolio.

Mercedes bosses plan to turn the company into a pure luxury car maker by launching more highest-margin models and culling entry-level models.

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Will Rimell

Will Rimell
Title: News editor

Will is Autocar's news editor.​ His focus is on setting Autocar's news agenda, interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

As part of his role, he also manages Autocar Business – the brand's B2B platform – and Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.

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Scotbybarron 24 May 2022

Money can't buy class.

The Maybach branding on the bonnet looks very tacky. Reminds me of fake Louis Vuitton bags being brandished by teenagers.

Sometimes less is more, just look at the new RR. Yes it's still a bit bling compared to the mk1, but simplifying the design of the mk5 over the mk4 looks more sophisticated and understated imho.

Pietro Cavolonero 23 May 2022

Those Maybach logo's on the bonnet are pure class.... NOT

Peter Cavellini 23 May 2022

 Drive what you like, innocent enough statement, Mercedes are slightly changing direction to higher spec no lower spec as such, good luck to them.