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e Mercedes-Maybach SL proves that beneath its bold styling lies a refined grand-touring roadster Beyond First Impressions N o matter how hard we try, some of us can occasionally succumb to judgement. My prejudice occurred when I encountered the new flamboyant SL offering from Mercedes- Maybach. e garnet red metallic paint surrounds a black hood embossed with Maybach logos and topped with a three-star hood ornament followed by a raised chrome strip. e substantial folding top is also decorated in Maybach style, reminiscent of Louis Vuitton luggage. I received an answer to my concerns with this vivacious SL model when an officer of the Sausalito Yacht Club was ecstatic about its persona and price point. In fact, everyone we encountered, from a teen taking a smartphone photo to a Silicon Valley marketing executive, loved this glamorous conveyance. Even I was becoming a bit smitten with its allure, aided by the growling 577 HP twin-turbo V8 under its posh hood. We were traveling to the San Francisco Bay Area for a visit with family and friends. e new Mercedes-Maybach SL had been announced at last year's Pebble Beach festivities and I had my name on it for evaluation. e Maybach version of Mercedes' legendary Sport Leicht models doesn't pretend to offer four- passenger capacity, ditching petite rear seating for a bench-size area upholstered in crystal white Nappa leather. I was curious to see if our carry-on luggage might have to ride in this space, but both suitcases managed to fit nicely in the trunk. Of course, I also wondered if Mercedes had considered Maybach branded luggage as an accessory. Driving California's variety of roads is what this luxurious roadster is destined to accomplish in high style. And cruising through neighborhoods with the top stowed allows this stunning SL to prowl. Add a bit of speed with the windows up, and both normal conversation or listening to the Burmaster audio system are detour transportation PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ BY BRIAN DOUGLAS ranchandcoast.com 76 AUGUST 2026 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE