Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet Is A G-Class Like Never Before [+video]

So what do you get when you combine a luxurious chauffeur driven saloon like the Mecedes-Maybach S-Class with an off-roader G 500 4×4²? The answer to that is this spectacular Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet!

The venerable G-Class SUV has been given the Maybach treatment and transformed into an ultra-luxurious drop-top off-roader. Limited to only 99 units, this ultra luxurious G-Class is the latest project and the first off-roader to emerge from Mercedes Benz’s revived Maybach sub-brand.

Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet has a length of 5345 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3428 millimetres, a height of 2235 millimetres, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers. While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers can enjoy the view of the blue sky that opens a large folding top via a press of a button. You can also have an electrically operated glass partition to separate the rear compartment from the driver’s section. In addition, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

Thanks to the 578 millimetre longer wheelbase, the passengers in the Mercedes‑Maybach G 650 Landaulet benefit from spacious cabin space especially for the rear seats occupants. The electrically multi-adjustable individual seats can be conveniently set to a fully reclined position. The active multicontour seats with massage function have inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support. You can even program your massage accordingly like getting a relaxing hot-stone massage for instance, including with heat.

Of course, as is customary with the off-road icon, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet also has what it takes to deliver an unforgettable off-road experience (although in reality, we doubt that any of these vehicles will actually touch the dirt). Familiar from the AMG G 63 6×6 and G 500 4×42, the portal axles provide ample ground clearance of 450 millimetres, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles in masterly fashion. In contrast to a conventional rigid axle, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead situated much further down on the axle heads owing to the portal transmission.

Tyres of size 325/55 R 22 form the ideal basis for perfect handling both on- and off-road. Of course, the latest “G” also features the typical 100‑percent differential locks, which can be engaged while on the move, as well as the low off-road ratio of the transfer case. The combination of this 4WD technology, unique in the off-road segment, makes the G 650 Landaulet stand out from all other 4×4 vehicles.

High drive comfort comes courtesy of the most powerful available engine, the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo, which delivers a maximum output of 630 hp with a peak torque of 1000 Newton-metres.

Like all other variants of the G-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet will be produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The open-top four-seater will celebrate its world premiere and sales release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The market launch of the special series will begin in late 2017.