Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet 13 | 02 | 2017
YOU’D BE FORGIVEN for thinking Mercedes had gone slightly bonkers: this is the latest madcap version of its G-Class off-roader, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet.
Following in the footsteps of the G 63 AMG 6x6 and the equally imposing G 500 AMG 4x4², this latest model is a four-door convertible boasting a 621bhp V12 bi-turbo engine. It also includes the huge portal axles and flared wheel-arches of the 4x4² model, and plenty of Maybach luxuries.
Should you so desire, you’ll be able to order one from Scottish Mercedes dealers later this year. Worth highlighting, it acts as a send-off for the current generation G-Class.
The Landaulet is massive. It’s 5345mm long, has a wheelbase of 3428mm and stands 2235mm tall, on 22in alloys and has a ground clearance of 450mm.
Delivering 621bhp and up to 1000Nm of torque, the V12 bi-turbo is the same engine found under the bonnet of the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet, and the standard Mercedes-AMG G 65.
Though Mercedes has yet to reveal performance figure for the massive Landaulet, the smaller G-Wagen hits 62mph from standstill in 5.3secs. Mercedes though has confirmed the Landaulet will return just 16.6mpg and emit 397g/km CO2.
All four wheel receive power via a seven-speed automatic gearbox and the four-wheel-drive system also features a trio of manually locking differentials.
Providing seating for four, it’s the rear passengers who are able to bask in the over-indulgent world of luxury.
The convertible roof only opens up for those sat in the back, while the two seats are plucked from the S-Class Pullman. Each individual seat is mutli-adjustable and can be set into a fully-reclined position and they also boast massage functions.
Sandwiched between the two rearmost seats is a large centre console which features folding tables and thermal cup holders, which can either cool or heat the drinks which have been placed into them.
Tucked away securely beneath the retractable glass partition is a cockpit in the style of the driver’s dashboard, concealing two 10-inch infotainment screens. And while there are three tints available for the fabric convertible roof, you can have the two-tone upholstery in a choice of four different colour schemes.
Price? Mercedes is staying tighkipped unit the car makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but expect it to be close to that of the G 63 AMG 6x6 which came in at £408,000 in 2014.
And if you fancy one, you’d better get your skates on: the Landaulet will be restricted to 99 worldwide.
Related: Mercedes confirms Bottas for 2017
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Jim McGill