However, Mercedes-Benz has just taken off-road chic to new heights, with the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet.
Mercedes Maybach represents the luxury end of Mercedes-Benz, and it is a masterpiece of automotive engineering. After the Mercedes-Maybach S Class and the S 650 Cabriolet, the open-top G Class is the first off-roader from the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand.
The G 650 Landaulet follows variants such as the AMG G 63 6x6 and G 500 4x42. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units in the autumn, meets the expectations of customers who demand the highest standards.
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. The cult vehicle among off-roaders is forever reinventing itself and providing yet more evidence of the potential that resides in this classic all-terrain vehicle, which has been in production since 1979.
In 2015, Mercedes opened a new chapter in the luxury class with the Mercedes Maybach sub-brand. Since then, over 15,000 Mercedes-Maybachs have been produced– meaning one in every 10 cars sold in the S Class segment was a Mercedes-Maybach.
With the Mercedes-Maybach G Class Landaulet, the marque now extends the Mercedes-Maybach portfolio to include the world’s most iconic and prestigious off-roader.
The rear passengers enjoy the majestic open air 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 millimetre longer wheelbase, passengers have more space. The electrically adjustable seats can be set to a fully reclined position. The seats also have a massage function and inflatable air chambers to provide lateral support.The rear seating is augmented by a calf rest, which is adjustable in length and swivel range.
Similar to an aircraft seat, the centre console comes with tray tables, which have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface or to allow the use of tablets and notebooks.Further forward is a “G cockpit” in the style of the driver’s instrument panel. 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 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.
As is customary with the off-road icon, the “G” is forever breaking new ground. Familiar from the AMG G 63 6x6 and G 500 4x42, the portal axles provide ground clearance of 450 millimetres, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles.
The latest “G” also features the 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 4x4 vehicles.
High drive comfort comes courtesy of the most powerful available engine, the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo.
Landaulet vehicles have a long tradition at the Stuttgart-based marque. 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, 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 will start in the autumn, and it could be a Hong Kong fashionista must-have by New Year.
The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is only in left-hand-drive at the moment, says Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong spokesman Samson Leung, this morning.
“Since this car has only LHD, we don’t have any plan to introduce it in Hong Kong,” he says. “However, if there’s anyone who is interested in it, we will help to check the availability and the price. But it will be on first-come-first served basic, so it is not guaranteed that we can get a car.”
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