Benz goes big with Maybach G650 Landaulet

Mercedes recently took the wraps off one of their opulent – some might say excessive – vehicle yet. 
The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet is the first Maybach offroader and the first official Maybach model based on the G-Class platform. The unit that was officially unveiled in February may also be preview a heavily-updated G-Wagen that’s due for release later this year.  
Mercedes-Maybach was launched as a Mercedes sub-brand in 2015, following the desmise of the short-lived Maybach stabdalone luxury brand in 2013. 

The G650 Landaulet is the fifth in the range of models to be released under the new sub-brand, and will be limited to just 99 units.
With its convertible rear roof treatment, the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet harks back to the similar treatment used on the luxury Mercedes 600 saloons from the 1960s; a model that became something of a dictators’ car of choice for several decades. 
More than 5.3 meters long, the G650 rolls on a 3428mm wheelbase that’s 570mm longer than the G500. As such, the G650 offers much more interior space, which is biased to the rear seats.

The electrically-adjustable individual rear seats, swathed in designo leather upholstery, can be fully reclined, come with a calf rest, massaging function and feature inflatable air chambers for additional support. 
In between the rear seats is a “business console” with temperature-adjustable cup holders, fold-out tables and controls for the air conditioning, electrically-folding roof, lighting and central glass partition. Combined with this partition is a pair of 10-inch high-def monitors as part of what’s called an ‘Individual Entertainment System’.

Outside, the G650 Landaulet features a choice of four designo paint finishes, three colour options for the folding fabric top, chrome-plated grille and other trim identifying badging and massive 22-inch light alloy wheels. Electrically-extending steps make entry/exit easier, with other additions including carbon fibre wheelarch flares and underbody guards. 
Those guards are there for a reason, as Mercedes claims impressive off-road ability with this vehicle. Ground clearance is 450mm thanks to portal axles, while the 4WD system, with electronic diff locks and low range transfer case, is similar to the previously-released AMG G63 6x6 and G500 4x4.   

Powering this behemoth is AMG’s V12 Biturbo (twin turbo) petrol engine that produces a claimed 463kW of power and a whopping 1000Nm of torque. Drive to all four wheels is via a seven-speed auto equipped with a torque converter. No performance figures are given but expect 0-100km/h arriving in around 6 seconds and a top speed in excess of 220km/h.

Due to be released to European markets later this year, Australian availability of the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet is highly unlikely, due to the limited numbers, as well as the fact that there are no plans to produce this model in right-hand drive. No pricing had been revealed at press time, but it’s expected that each unit would cost close to €500,000 – the equivalent of around AU$635,000.