The Mercedes‑Maybach open-top G‑Class is the first off-roader from the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand – a new masterpiece of automotive engineering – the embodiment of open air luxury. The exceptional G 650 Landaulet with its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, is a very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units and 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 higher level. The cult vehicle among off-roaders is forever reinventing itself and providing growing evidence of the potential that still resides in this classic all-terrain vehicle today, which has been in production since 1979.
With a length of 5345 millimeters, a wheelbase of 3428 millimeters, a height of 2235 millimeters, almost half a meter 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 can be conveniently set to a fully reclined position. The active multicontour seats with Energizing massage function have inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support. Massage programs make for enhanced well-being – according to the principle of a relaxing hot-stone massage, including with heat. The rear seating concept is augmented by a calf rest, which is freely adjustable in length and swivel range.
The other appointments of the G 650 Landaulet also leave nothing to be desired. To afford the rear passengers the optimum in comfort, there is a large business console with thermal cup holders between the individual seats. These allow beverages to be cooled or heated over a lengthy period of time. The controls for opening or closing the glass partition are integrated behind the cup holders. Similarly to an aircraft seat, the centre console comes with two tables, which can be easily folded in or out with one hand. The table tops have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface or to allow the use of tablets and notebooks.
Positioned in front of the cup holders is a control for the rear air conditioning. Further forward is a G cockpit in the style of the driver’s instrument panel. The centre console houses the three distinctive, centrally placed pushbutton switches. These switches are not used to operate the three differential locks, however: one switch is for the interior lighting, while the other two are used to open and close the soft top. The rear “G cockpit” also includes two glove compartments as well as grab handles typical of the G‑Class. The cross-member, which also holds the glass partition, accommodates two 25.4 cm (10‑inch) high-resolution media displays of the Individual Entertainment System.
The luxurious, exquisite character of the Landaulet is emphasized by the high-grade designo upholstery with diamond stitching, which is in all cases two-tone and available in four trim colors. Customers can choose between three different matching colors for the fabric top as well as four attractive designo paint finishes, including a matt finish. V12 bi-turbo 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 ceramic polished, 55.9 cm (22‑inch) 5‑twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Electrically extending entry aids make for easier access to the vehicle. Other exclusive exterior design features include front and rear under ride 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.
As is customary with the off-road icon, the G is forever breaking new ground: unlike previous Landaulets, which were based on prestigious saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet also has what it takes to deliver an unforgettable off-road experience. Familiar from the AMG G 63 6×6 and G 500 4×42, the portal axles provide ample ground clearance of 450 millimetres, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles in masterly fashion. In contrast to a conventional rigid axle, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead situated much further down on the axle heads owing to the portal transmission.
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 per cent 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 bi-turbo, which delivers a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) with a peak torque of 1000 Newton-meters. Landaulet vehicles have a long tradition at the Stuttgart-based car maker. This special class of vehicle included the Benz 25/45 PS of 1910. Other famous examples of this exclusive genre are the Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet (from 1960), the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (from 1964) and the Maybach Landaulet (from 2008).
Like all other variants of the G-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, too, will be produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The open-top four-seater will celebrate its world premiere and sales release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The market launch of the special series, which will be limited to 99 units, will start in the autumn.
