Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet arrives as swansong to current G-Class

In keeping with the limousine roots of the Maybach brand, there’s also an electrically operated glass partition separating the front section of the cabin from the rear, which can be changed from transparent to opaque. Additionally, the individual rear seats, borrowed from the S-class Pullman with inflatable air chambers and hot stone massaging function, can be set to a fully reclined position. There are also retractable tables integrated in the rear middle console, while the an additional cross member, used to hold the glass partition, houses two 10.0-inch monitors as part of a comprehensive infotainment system.

Power for the G650 Landaulet comes from the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine used by the G65, with 621bhp at 5000rpm and vast 737lb ft of torque between 2300 and 4300rpm. The heady reserves are sent through a standard seven-speed torque converter equipped automatic gearbox featuring a separate transfer case with low range gearing and a heavy duty four-wheel drive system featuring three separate differential locks, which can be engaged on the move.

No performance claims for the G650 Landaulet have yet been revealed, though the more on-road biased G65 dispatches 62mph from standstill in 5.3sec on boasts an electronically limited top speed of 143mph.

Reflecting the G-class’s off-road heritage, the G650 Landaulet receives a heavy duty portal axle chassis originally developed for the G63 6x6 and also used by the G500 4x4²; the wheels are not mounted at the same height of the axle but rather situated lower owning to the adoption of portal transmission at each end, providing the new Maybach with huge 450mm of ground clearance and allowing the fitment of 22-inch wheels shod with 325/55 profile tyres as standard..