Wild Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet roars into Geneva 2017
Huge Maybach-tweaked G-Class boasting V12 power and a convertible roof will be limited to 99 units, but not in the UK
Mercedes' has unveiled yet another extreme G-Class at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, following in the footsteps of the G 63 AMG 6x6 and equally imposing G 500 AMG 4x4².
Called the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, it's a four-door convertible model boasting a V12 bi-turbo engine, the huge portal axles and flared wheel-arches of the 4x4² model, plus plenty of Maybach luxuries. It'll go on sale later this year, acting as a send-off for the current generation G-Class.
The V12 bi-turbo engine produces 621bhp and up to 1000Nm of torque. It’s the same engine found under the bonnet of the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet revealed at last year’s Los Angeles Motor Show and also the standard Mercedes-AMG G 65. In the smaller G-Wagen, it enables 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, although Mercedes hasn’t unveiled any performance figures for the gargantuan Landaulet. Fuel economy has been revealed though - 16.6mpg with exhaust emissions of 397g/km.
• Best 4x4s and SUVs on sale right now
Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox and the four-wheel-drive system features a trio of manually locking differentials for added off-road prowess. With a length of 5,345 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3,428 millimetres and a height of 2,235 millimetres, the Landaulet rides on 22-inch wheels and boasts a ground clearance of 450mm.
The huge Landaulet provides seating for four, but it’s the rear seat passengers who get the most luxuries. 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 multi-adjustable and can be set into a fully-reclined position, and they also boast massage functions.
Wedged between the two rear seats is a large centre console featuring folding tables and thermal cup holders, which can cool or heat drinks placed in them. Beneath the retractable glass partition is a cockpit in the style of the driver’s dashboard, where two 10-inch infotainment screens are found. The two-tone upholstery is available in four different colour schemes, while there are three tints for the fabric convertible roof.
The madcap SUV will launch this autumn, and will be limited to 99 units. Mercedes has not revealed a price, but has confirmed that, like its predecessors, the Landaulet will not be coming to the UK.
Will the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet be the maddest Mercedes ever? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.