If your G-Wagon adventures are missing that open-air experience, you’re in luck. The new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is the first off-roader from the sub-brand collaboration. Built on the G-Class platform and powered by the hefty yet refined Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo engine making 630-hp, the G 650 Landaulet measures a length of 5345 mm, a wheelbase of 3428 mm, a height of 2235 mm, and 450 mm of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers. We don’t care for millimetres but can tell by looks alone the G 650 Landaulet will conquer almost any terrain. And at nearly half a metre of ground clearance, we’re confident it can.
The Ultimate Open Top Luxury Off-Roader
The kicker? An open top for rear passengers. While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, your friends in the back won’t be left out; at the press of a button, a large folding top opens electrically to offer a view of the blue sky, remote villagers somewhere on a mountain, or shoppers at the mall parking lot with their jaws on the floor.
The styling is no doubt luxury, but it still retains that boxy, utility look that’s enough to justify an off-road excursion without feeling out of place. Rolling on 22-inch, 5-twin-spoke light alloy wheels designed for handling and off-road capabilities, the G 650 Landaulet combines 4WD technology with a low off-road ratio of the transfer case, which is a bit uncommon in the 4×4 segment. Other exclusive exterior design features include front and rear underride guards, large wheel-arch flares in genuine carbon fibre, as well as a spare wheel mounted on the right at the rear, with an integral holder for the third brake light.
Upscale Interior
Inside, this luxury off-roader features high-grade Designo upholstery with diamond stitching, available in four trim colours. The centre console houses three distinctive, centrally placed push-button switches that are not used to operate the three differential locks. However, one switch controls the interior lighting, while the other two are used to open and close the soft top.
The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, with sales set to begin in the Fall of 2017. Oh, right, only 99 units will be available worldwide.
