In Depth

Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet: First drives and release

Luxurious drop-top 4x4 is powered by V12 engine with more torque than a LaFerrari

by The Week team

23 Mar 2017

Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet: the German car giant’s luxury arm went to work on the company’s G-Class SUV in March 2017. The result was the G650 Landaulet, a £440,000 off-roader with reclining chairs and a convertible fabric roof. Only 99 were made.

Mercedes-Maybach

It takes a lot to beat a LaFerrari hypercar, but it appears Mercedes-Maybach's limited-edition G650 Landaulet 4x4 could do just that.

First details of the new of the luxury SUV reveals it has a 6.0-litre V12 under the bonnet producing a monstrous 621bhp and 738lb-ft torque - around 74lb-ft more torque than Ferrari's flagship.

Power is sent to all-four wheels, with 100 per cent differential locks and a low-range transmission mode included as standard for better off-road drivability, while using the portal differential means the wheels are positioned below the front and rear axle for better ground clearance than regular G-Class models.

The G650 Landaulet 4x4 is substantially longer than the G500 Squared on which it's based, too, helping it to accommodate two reclining seats in the rear and a convertible fabric roof.

Backseat passengers are given separate 10ins high-resolution displays and an electronic glass partition behind the front seats can be changed from transparent to opaque with the press of a button.

The G650 Landaulet can be specced in four trim colours, all offering two-toned diamond-ditched leather on the seats and dashboard. The fabric roof is also customisable and can be chosen in three different colours.

First Drives

The G650 Landaulet is the most "ridiculous" creation by Mercedes yet, says AutoExpress, and "marks the top of the top in almost any car category" - it is the "absolute dream car for sheikhs and show-offs".

The G650 is "even more captivating" in the back, with the magazine reporting it has two reclining massage seats, taken from Mercedes-Maybach's S-Class for the luxurious off-roader.

The Landaulet, however, is equally capable off-road as it is an exclusive SUV, says Car and Driver. "Craggy rocks" and "muddy swampy bogs" are handled effortlessly, helped by the tall ride height and standard locking differentials.

Speed is "not the primary goal of this G-Wagon", adds the magazine, but the "muffled" and "refined" AMG-sourced V12 engine is sure to "hurl it forwards with gusto".

It's arguably the "most comfortable and ostentatiously designed G-Class ever", although AutoExpress says none of the 99 production models will be available in the UK.