A G-Class like never before: Mercedes Maybach presents a new masterpiece of automotive engineering. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is surely the most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring.

The history of the G-Class is rich in superlatives and landmarks. With the new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the off-road icon demonstrates that the definition of unique luxury can always be taken to a new level. Not only that: the cult vehicle among off-roaders which has been in production since 1979 is forever reinventing itself and providing yet more evidence of its potential.

The name Maybach dates back to the beginnings of the automobile. It stands for supreme luxury with tradition, combined with high-tech. And the story lives on. The fifth model after the S-Class Saloon, Pullman and Cabriolet as well as the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 show car, underlines the importance of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand for the Mercedes brand family, says Dr Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In 2015, we took the logical step of opening a new chapter in the luxury class with our Mercedes Maybach sub-brand. Since then, over 15,000 Mercedes-Maybachs have been produced. Hence, one in every ten vehicles sold in the S Class segment was a Mercedes-Maybach. With the Mercedes-Maybach G Class Landaulet, we are now extending the Mercedes-Maybach portfolio to include the world’s most iconic and prestigious off-roader.”

With a length of 5345 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3428 millimetres, a height of 2235 millimetres, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers, the G 650 Landaulet surpasses all standards. This extrovert G Class thus represents a unique combination of luxurious chauffeur saloon and off-roader.
While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers can revel in a maximum of comfort: at the press of a button, a large folding top opens electrically to offer a view of the blue sky. The rear passengers enjoy the majestic open-air experience from their single seats. On demand, an electrically operated glass partition separates the rear compartment from the driver’s section. In addition, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

Thanks to the 578 millimeter longer wheelbase, the passengers in the Mercedes Maybach G 650 Landaulet benefit from extensive freedom of movement. The first-class rear seats from the S-Class significantly enhance the seating comfort and spaciousness: the electrically multi-adjustable individual seats, equipped with calf rests, do not only provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support, they also come with massage programs – according to the principle of a relaxing hot-stone massage. For optimum comfort, there is a large business console with integrated folding tables and thermal cup holders between the individual seats. It also includes control for the rear air conditioning and two 25.4 cm (10 inch) high-resolution media displays. The luxurious, exquisite character of the Landaulet is emphasised by the high-grade designo upholstery with diamond stitching, which is in all cases two-tone and available in four trim colours.

The exterior is striking, too. A “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the front wings points to the ultimate in motive power, the 12 cylinder engine. The radiator grille features a chrome-plated double louvre and a chrome-plated screen. Exclusive “LANDAULET” lettering is worked into the rim flanges of the ceramically polished, 55.9 cm (22 inch) 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Other exclusive design features include front and rear underride guards, large wheel-arch flares in genuine carbon fibre as well as, mounted on the right at the rear, the spare wheel with integral holder for the third brake light.

Tyres of size 325/55 R 22 form the ideal basis for perfect handling both on- and off-road. Of course, the latest “G” also features the typical 100 percent differential locks, which can be engaged while on the move, as well as the low off-road ratio of the transfer case. The combination of this 4WD technology, unique in the off-road segment, makes the G 650 Landaulet stand out from all other 4×4 vehicles. High drive comfort comes courtesy of the most powerful available engine, the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo, which delivers a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) with a peak torque of 1000 Newton-metres.

Like all other variants of the G-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, too, was produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The open-top four-seater celebrated its world premiere and sales release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.

This particular white Laundaulet below, painted in white with a tan soft top, was auctioned off for charity by Bonhams at its Zoute Sale on October 6th 2017. If you couldn’t finesse a build spot for the most outrageous G-Class ever (save for the AMG 6×6, of course), this could’ve been your best chance to get your hands on one.

The G650 sold for $1.4 million, almost twice as much as it’s original starting MSRP of $753,259. It was the most expensive car to sell at the Bonhams Zoute auction, beating out cars such as a Jaguar XJ220 and a Porsche 356A Speedster, which each sold for $457,743.

Sources Daimler, Road And Track