The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is official. Mercedes will present a very special version of the G-Class at the Geneva motor show, honoring the legendary off-roader with a super luxury open-top variant.
A week ago a first picture of this remarkable Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Laundaulet made the rounds on the internet and today we can see the eccentric 4×4 in all its glory. Marking the end of the G-Class 38 years career, before an all-new model comes next year, is a super exotic raised cabrio with a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo, 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, based on the G 500 4×4².
Under the hood of the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, the V12 delivers its power via 7G-Tronic to all four wheels. Three differentials, one at the front, one at the rear and one as a central distribution box, direct the torque to the wheels depending on the driving situation and the activated locks.
The chassis of the G 650 is shared with the G 500 4×4² , complex axle geometry included. A set of specially engineered portal axles in which the transverse tube is positioned above the center of the wheel hub provide a whopping 450mm of ground clearance. New dual strut spring and damper units are featured as well, with adjustable damping control in two modes: comfort and sport.
It is the first time that the G-Class gets a Maybach treatment. Particularly tailored for well-heeled customers in the American, Russian or Arab markets, the model will be limited to 99 copies. Market launch is programmed for the autumn, but Potentates and Sheikhs can already from March 2017 – prices have not yet been announced, but they should get close to half a million dollars.
Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet for kings
With 5.345 millimeters in length (67 cm longer than the regular five-door G-Class), 3.428 millimeters of wheelbase (58 cm more) and a height of 2,235 millimeters, the G 650 Landaulet also enjoys almost half a metre of ground clearance. Driver and passenger sit under the normal closed fixed roof, while the rear plutocrats/billionaires can electrically open the section of the roof above their heads (aft of the center pillar) at the push of a button. In addition, a glass partition wall with privacy function (becomes opaque when wanted) allows the chauffeur to be isolated from the important, world-changing discussions in the back.
As in every Maybach is the case, everything revolves around the passengers. The ellectrically adjustable individual rear seats come from the S-Class, complete with massage and calf support (freely adjustable in length and swivel range, can be conveniently set to a fully reclined position) and thanks to the 578 millimeter extended wheelbase great leg-freedom. Massage programs make for enhanced well-being – according to the principle of a relaxing hot-stone massage, including with heat. In the wide center console, cup holders allow drinks to stay cool or warm. Positioned in front of the cup holders is a control for the rear air conditioning.
The control buttons for opening or closing the rear roof are located on the “G cockpit” (in the style of the driver’s instrument panel): three distinctive, centrally placed pushbutton switches – one switch is for the interior lighting, while the other two are used to open and close the soft top. Two foldable tables with leather inserts serve as writing pads or storage space for tablets. Furthermore, there are two glove compartments in the G-Cockpit as well as the usual grip handles. Two 25.4 cm (10 inch) large, high-resolution media displays linked to the rear entertainment system are mounted on the partition wall.
Customers of the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet can order the interior with designo leather in rhombus stitching – a total of four colors are available. The convertible top can also be ordered in three shades. There are four colors available for external painting, including a matt lacquer. Special detail: The 22-inch light-alloy rims come in the 5-double-twin design with Landaulet lettering. In addition, the G 650 comes as standard with the electrically extendable entry aids and the fender extensions in real carbon.
