WeeklySA_AdminULTRA-LUXURY FOR TWO: The Mercedes Benz Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the brand’s first -ever convertible and has been tipped as the world’s most expensive roadster…
By Ali Mphaki
South Africa is alive with possibilities. One minute we were salivating when the Ithuba lotto jackpot hit the staggering more than R200-million mark on Friday.
Next that man with a squeeky voice called the Reserve Bank Governor in his wisdom would decide to hike interest rates by 25 basis points.
Call it a double whammy, perfect timing or mere coincidence, the first sporty two-seater to the Maybach family tipped as the ‘’world’s most expensive roadster’’ broke cover in South Africa.
Yes, it’s finally here! The Maybach SL Monogram Series.
There are only two options available at launch called Red ambience (metallic red) and White Ambience (bright white). Both versions are called SL 680.
Both get a black hood, black bonnet and both are fitted with a white interior. The Maybach logo is imprinted on the surface beneath a layer of clear coat.
Prepare for a starting price from a whooping R5,4-million. With such a price tag, you don’t need an Economics degree to learn the Maybach SL Monogram Series is aimed at the uppermost crust of upper-class car buyers.
For the record Maybach has been around since 1909. In the 1950s Maybach was bought by Daimler Benz and by 2022 the parent company decided to introduce them as a standalone ultra-brand like Rolls Royce recently purchased by BMW.
Whilst brand Maybach has continued its quest to create the most luxurious and sophisticated version of the S Class over the years, its styling has been occasionally described as subdued and boring.
Critics have also been quick to point out the Maybach’s lack of standalone identity and its somehow falling short of rivals like Rolls Royce and Bentley.
Whilst the jury is still out when it comes to the new SL 680 Monogram Series, to a curious observer Its obvious it is meant to target those who are young at heart.
The brand could have also been rudely woken up from slumber courtesy of the BMW head honcho who recently intimated the latest Rolls Royce buyer are ‘’younger on average than those of Minis’’.
With the SL 680 Monogram Series Maybach does away with its chauffeured driven image and conjures up images of a lanky, swanky and delectable lass occupying the passenger seat as we drive to the sunset propelled by a 4.0l twin turbo V8 nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system.
It may not be a performance brand, but gracefully glides from 0 – 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
Further setting the Monogram Series debut aside it comes with a lot of Maybach specific detailing like bespoke and be-spoked wheels, a Maybach bonnet ornament and grille at the front and unique graphics inside. The fabric top is also offered with a logo pattern.
Ingress and there are no rear seats, these having been made absolute to make room for the double -bubble tonneau.
The rest of the cabin is ala S Class but with better quality of materials and finish.
You can look forward to a new trim which include white Nappa leather, high polish metals, and tons of luxury standard features. etc.
Towards the rear, Maybach Monogram models benefit from double scoop sculptured pieces that are placed behind the headrests in a nod to classic roadsters of the past.
It stands on 21-inch Maybach wheels From whichever angle you look at it, the Monogram Series looks set to woo some sizeable chunk of the well-heeled once emphasizing its presence, luxury and prestige.
It is a significant venture into the two-seater realm.
Pity I didn’t win last week’ s Powerball jackpot.
