2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL Makes Spy Debut, Could It Hide a V12 Engine Under the Hood?

Scooped in a premiere testing on public roads in Germany, this prototype had some of its exterior under wraps. More specifically, the entire face, part of the profile, and most of the rear bumper, complete with the diffuser and trunk logo, were hidden beneath the trippy vinyl stickers.

At first glance, it looks like the grille is the typical Panamericana component that adorns most of Mercedes-AMG's modern-day vehicles. However, it's worth noting that the latest Mercedes-Maybach rides sport a similar part, albeit with more vertical slats and additional chrome.

The front bumper looks new and instead of sporting multiple air vents, like on the latest AMG SL 63 S E Performance, it features a single one by the looks of it, which stretches across its length. The side skirts seem to be different, and the camouflage on the front fenders likely hides new trim and probably the Maybach logo, just like the sticker on the trunk lid.

We can also see that the rear bumper does not feature an aggressive diffuser anymore but a rather clean one, with cutouts for two oval exhaust pipes, one on each side. The wheels are identical to the SL 63 S E Performance and appear to have a center-locking design, yet the lack of a charging port at the rear tells us that this model does not feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

In the 63 S E Performance version of the latest Mercedes-AMG SL, the powertrain mixes the ubiquitous 4.0L bi-turbo and an electric motor at the rear for a combined 805 horsepower (816 ps/600 kW) and 1,047 pound-foot (1,420 Nm) of torque. That's a bit less than the 831 hp (843 ps/620 kW) combined in the AMG GT S E Performance four-door coupe, though it's still a lot of oomph.

Mercedes-AMG's SL 63 S E Performance needs 2.9 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph), seven-tenths quicker than the standard SL 63, and can push up to 197 mph (317 kph). Thus, it is a supercar disguised as a roadster. The GT 63 S E Performance, which is less torquey (1,033+ lb-ft/1,400 Nm), is just as fast and tops out at 196 mph (316 kph).

So, what does the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach SL use for firepower? In all likelihood, a bi-turbo V8 with a 4.0-liter displacement. In the S 580 4Matic version of the Mercedes-Maybach, the mill produces 496 horsepower (503 ps/370 kW) and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm) of torque, enabling 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in 4.7 seconds. Since the SL is smaller and lighter, it should be way quicker to sixty mph, assuming it boasts identical output and thrust to the luxury sedan.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also available in the S 680 4Matic configuration, and this model uses a V12 engine. The handcrafted unit has a 6.0-liter displacement and two turbos, kicking out 621 horsepower (630 ps/463 kW) and 664 pound-foot (900 Nm) of torque. It is two-tenths of a second quicker to 60 mph than the S 580 4Matic.

However, for several reasons, we wouldn't hold our breath for the V12 making its way under the Mercedes-Maybach SL's hood. First, it probably does not fit without some serious modifications, and such a move would make it even more expensive. Second, the SL does not need a V12 motor, as it's already very quick with the multiple V8s available, including the electrified one. Thus, it will likely benefit solely from V8 firepower. And no, the four-pot found on the AMG SL 43 shouldn't be part of the offering, as no one wants a Maybach with a 2.0L engine, does it?

The Maybach SL might stay true to the Maybach S-Class' naming scheme. Thus, it could launch in two configurations, possibly dubbed the Mercedes-Maybach SL 580 and the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. The former would obviously pack less power than the latter, and chances are both will use a bi-turbo V8 when they launch. But when is that? It will probably be at the end of the year or sometime in 2025, which would make it a 2026 model in the New World.

It's possible that it will cost a heck of a lot more than the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, which kicks off at $187,000 (MSRP). The lesser SL 55, which also uses a V8, albeit with less power, starts at $144,500, and the four-pot SL 43 at $111,800. Chances are it will easily exceed the $200k mark, at least in the SL 680 configuration, with the SL 580 perhaps sitting below it.

We still have much to learn about the first-ever Mercedes-Maybach SL, but are you excited about it?