Mercedes’ G-Class is already a bit of a monster. With G500 4×4² and the ashamedly lunatic six-wheeled G 63 6×6, few models are this extreme and now, Mercedes has gone one step further, revealing a G-Class like no other.
Meet the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet – the first open-top G-Class, which is set to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, ahead of going on sale this autumn.
The Maybach name was resurrected by Mercedes in 2015 and two super high-end S-Class models soon emerged under the Mercedes-Maybach banner, as well as the jawdropping Vision 6 concept car.
The venture so far seems to have been a success with a tenth of all S-Class sales being a Mercedes-Maybach. Now, the sub-brand has turned its attention to Merc’s chunky off-roader.
Extrovert
At 5.3 metres long and 2.2 metres high with a ground clearance of half a metre, the G 650 Landaulet is as extrovert as any G-Class should be.
It combines off-road prowess and a silky chauffeur-like saloon ride for rear passengers, with an electrically operated glass partition separating the rear compartment from the driver’s section. This glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button, while the fabric roof also can be opened and closed with a single button press.
Front occupants can get super comfy, thanks to the electrically multi-adjustable individual seats which can be fully reclined. These active multicontour seats have a massage function and inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support. In the back, passengers get a calf rest, which is freely adjustable in length and swivel range.
Most powerful Merc yet
Powering the G 650 Landaulet is the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo engine. Producing up to 621hp and 1,000Nm of torque, it is most powerful unit to appear in any Mercedes-Maybach model so far, whipping up 45bhp more than the bonkers 576bhp Mercedes AMG GT R.
No word on how quick that gets it to 62mph but considering the 571hp AMG G 63 does it in 5.3 seconds, we’d expect sub-five seconds easy.
With production limited to just 99 units, Mercedes claims the G 650 Landaulet will be the “most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring” when it goes on sale this autumn.
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