I absolutely love my job, especially when it involves driving something as overindulgent as the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, followed by an Aston Martin Vantage S Roadster. These cars have more in common than you might expect, including related V8 engines and prices that occupy the same expensive neighborhood. Their personalities, however, are completely different. One wants to entertain the driver. The other wants everyone at the restaurant to know who just arrived.
I doubt many buyers will cross-shop them, but both cater to people who want exceptional performance, open-air luxury and a vehicle the valet will keep out front. They simply approach those goals differently.
Powertrains and performance
Both use 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8s with Mercedes-AMG roots, although their tuning and drivetrains produce distinctly different experiences. The Maybach delivers 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic and fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Mercedes estimates 0–60 mph in 4.0 seconds and electronically limits top speed to 161 mph. Its published curb weight is 4,409 pounds. That's a substantial amount of rolling indulgence.
The Vantage S Roadster produces 670 horsepower and the same 590 pound-feet of torque, but sends power to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic. Aston Martin quotes 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a 202-mph maximum speed. An electronic rear differential, adaptive dampers and wide Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires help turn that enthusiasm into something usable.
Those mechanical differences become obvious immediately. The Maybach feels substantial, and that is part of its appeal. It wafts along the highway with the confidence of something that expects traffic to accommodate it. Call upon the AWD system in a corner, and it delivers reassuring traction, but the car's mass remains apparent. It handles well; it simply prefers a flowing road to one that constantly changes its mind.
The Aston Martin feels more eager. Its steering, power delivery and chassis encourage involvement, and the engine sounds suitably enthusiastic about the assignment. It's aimed at the sports-car crowd, including buyers considering Porsche and Ferrari, rather than someone whose main requirement is arriving without disturbing their hairstyle.
Exterior and interior design
Aston Martin has been on fire with its styling, and the Vantage S Roadster is beautiful from practically every angle. The aggressive grille, sculpted body, and purposeful rear treatment match its intent. It looks fast sitting still, and it looks even better with the roof down.
Who doesn't appreciate something beautiful that's topless? In terms of cars, people.
Its Z-fold roof opens or closes in just 6.8 seconds and can operate at speeds up to 31 mph. That is exceptionally quick, and useful when the weather decides your open-air afternoon needs a surprise ending.
The Maybach makes a louder visual statement despite being the quieter car to drive. I like its Mercedes-Benz star hood ornament, but there is no shortage of Maybach identification elsewhere. The patterned acoustic soft top and available monogrammed hood look like they belong in the same showroom as an exceptionally expensive designer handbag.
Some people will find that endearing. Others will wonder whether the car has a sponsorship deal with itself.
The illuminated grille, rose-gold headlight accents and Crystal White Nappa leather reinforce the theme. Inside, nearly every surface seems wrapped in something lovely to touch, and the seats are magnificent. It feels indulgent because it is indulgent. The suspension's active hydraulic roll stabilization and standard rear-wheel steering add useful engineering beneath all that ornamentation.
The Aston's cabin is more restrained and more focused on the driver. Its interior design has finally caught up with the exterior, with attractive materials and controls that feel appropriate for the price. The seats are supportive, although they don't deliver the Maybach's pampering. That suits the car's priorities, even if my large American frame occasionally appreciates a little extra cushioning.
Technology: lovely until it needs a reboot
The Maybach's MBUX system combines a digital instrument display with a portrait-oriented central touchscreen. I found parts of the interface clunky, but I appreciate the electrically adjustable screen angle. Reducing glare with the roof down is a practical feature in a car otherwise packed with decorative flourishes.
The Aston uses a 10.25-inch touchscreen and retains useful physical controls. Apple CarPlay Ultra extends its integration into the driver display, making it more ambitious than simply putting phone apps on the center screen.
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Unfortunately, my experience included glitches and a system issue on the highway that required me to pull over safely and restart the vehicle. It went into limp mode. I can't determine from that incident whether the fault originated with CarPlay or the car's software, but I can tell you it interrupted an otherwise excellent drive.
At this price, "have you tried turning it off and back on?" should not be part of the ownership fantasy.
Pricing and personality
Neither car is remotely inexpensive. The Maybach starts in the mid-$220,000 range, while the Aston occupies roughly quarter-million-dollar territory before personalization. Options can move either substantially higher, particularly when buyers begin exploring bespoke paint, leather and trim.
Still, the prices make more sense when you consider the audience. These are emotional purchases. The Maybach is built to make its occupants feel pampered and conspicuous. The Aston is built to make the driver seek a longer route home.
Final thoughts
I usually prefer reviewing vehicles people can realistically afford. Still, occasionally getting to drive machines like these feels like a holiday, and I'm grateful for it. Both cars are remarkably indulgent and an utter joy to drive in their own right.
Both make an entrance. Both have extraordinary engines, distinctive designs and enough presence to earn prime valet parking. The Maybach was a huge hit when I brought it to Beverly Hills, where it looked entirely comfortable among people who consider designer luggage an everyday necessity.
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My choice is the Aston Martin. Despite the software interruption, it delivered more entertainment and a style of luxury that suits me. The Maybach would be ideal for someone who values comfort and ceremony above sharper handling.
They both make you feel special. I prefer feeling special on the way to the restaurant rather than when I arrive.
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