When you hear “Mercedes-Maybach,” you think of ultimate luxury. When you hear “G-Class,” your mind jumps to rugged power. But when you put the two together, you get something utterly surreal—the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet. This isn’t just a G Wagen with extra chrome or leather seats. It’s a one-of-a-kind fusion of royalty and off-road madness.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the G650 Landaulet, where every detail whispers (or rather, roars) opulence.
Introduction To The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet
The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet made its unforgettable debut at the Geneva Motor Show and immediately redefined the boundaries of what a luxury SUV can be. As part of the Mercedes-Maybach portfolio, this Landaulet vehicle is a limited-production masterpiece that blends extreme performance with unique luxury.
It stands as a tribute to both Maybach’s legacy and the brute force of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. With portal axles, locking differentials, and a retractable soft-top over the rear, it’s part AMG G beast, part chauffeured palace.
The Legacy Of Maybach Luxury
Maybach has long been synonymous with handcrafted excellence. Whether it’s the sleek Maybach S-Class or the newer Maybach SUV lineup, this Mercedes brand family sub-division delivers experiences, not just cars.
With the G650 Landaulet, Maybach took the grandeur of its sedans and reimagined it for the most extravagant G Wagon ever built. Only 99 units were produced globally, making it one of the rarest expressions of Mercedes-Maybach grandeur.
Mercedes didn’t build this beast for mass production. In fact, only 99 units of the G 650 Landaulet were ever made. This exclusivity wasn’t just about creating scarcity—it was about crafting a rolling masterpiece. This was the last hurrah of the Mercedes G-Class V12 era, and what a grand finale it was.
Design And Features Of The G 650 Landaulet
Exterior Design
At 177 inches long and sitting on 325/55 R tires wrapped around 22 inch wheels, this SUV commands attention like no other. The designo Mystic White finish contrasts beautifully with its high-gloss black accents and visible Maybach badge on the C-pillar.
The spare wheel is mounted on the side-hinged rear door, a nod to its G Wagen roots. The extended rear compartment and raised body height hint at both exclusivity and functionality.
Interior Luxury And Comfort
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an exclusive equipment specification you’d expect in a private jet. Thermal cup holders, an extended center console, ample space, and leather inserts stitched to perfection create an environment that is second to none.
Rear passengers enjoy true VVIP treatment with integral holders, reclining seats, and a chauffeur-style division. The rear convertible roof folds back, giving the back seat passengers a sky view—a feature no other luxury SUV dares to replicate.
Performance And Specifications
Powering the G650 Landaulet is a Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo engine that churns out a monstrous 630 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. It’s not just numbers—it’s raw, commanding presence with performance to match.
The portal axles provide unmatched ground clearance, while locking differentials and off-road geometry make this vehicle as capable on mountain paths as it is on red carpets. All that muscle, yet with the grace of a Maybach badge.
Under The Hood: A V12 Powerhouse
Let’s talk specs. This luxury SUV is powered by a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine, the same kind found in the AMG S65. It delivers a massive 630 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, sending all that power to all four wheels through a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
Despite weighing over 3.5 tons, the G 650 Landaulet surges forward with surprising agility. It’s not built for racing, but it’s more than capable of conquering dunes, mountains, or muddy forest trails—without breaking a sweat.
Portal Axles And Insane Ground Clearance
One of the standout engineering features is the portal axle system, a technology borrowed from the G 500 4×4² and military G-Wagens. It gives the G 650 Landaulet a ground clearance of nearly 17.7 inches (450 mm). That means it can wade through water, climb steep rocks, and cruise over potholes like they don’t exist.
Off-road, it’s unstoppable. On-road, it rides like a yacht.
A Convertible Like No Other
The “Landaulet” in the name refers to its unique convertible rear roof. While the front seats remain enclosed, the rear passenger section can open up with the push of a button—like a luxury carriage under the stars.
But don’t expect any old back seat. You get two fully reclinable, massage-equipped executive chairs, the same ones used in the Maybach S-Class. Add to that champagne flutes, climate control, ambient lighting, and a partition glass that can go opaque at the touch of a button. It’s a private jet on wheels.
Designed For The Billionaire Explorer
The G 650 Landaulet is not for ordinary millionaires. It’s for those who want to go anywhere in supreme comfort—whether it’s the sands of Dubai, the snows of Aspen, or the red carpet in Cannes.
The vehicle oozes power and presence. From its carbon fiber wheel arches to its 22-inch chrome wheels, and the iconic spare wheel mounted on the rear swing gate—it’s a showstopper from every angle.
Market Rarity And Exclusivity
This is not a car you’ll casually find at your local dealership. With just 99 units ever made and models like the one sold at RM Sotheby fetching well over $1 million, exclusivity is the real headline here.
It’s a status symbol in every way. From Dubai royals to Hollywood collectors, only a select few can say they own a G650 Landaulet. This isn’t about commuting. It’s about collecting superlatives.
Price Tag: If You Have To Ask…
When new, the G 650 Landaulet cost around €630,000—before taxes and customization. Today, on the collector’s market, prices are soaring well beyond the million-dollar mark. Why? Because it’s one of the rarest and most flamboyant vehicles ever made by Mercedes—and it wears both the Maybach and G-Wagen badges proudly.
While Mercedes never released an official MSRP, industry estimates placed the original price north of $500,000. Due to its rarity, resale prices have soared. At auctions, a clean Maybach G650 Landaulet can command seven-figure sums.
Most of the sale activity today happens in exclusive circles—think private collections, high-end auctions, and luxury brokers. Spotting one in the wild is as rare as seeing a unicorn in traffic.
Limited Production And Collector Appeal
With only 99 units worldwide and no future Landaulet versions announced, the model has achieved near-mythical status among collectors. Each vehicle was hand-built at Magna Steyr in Austria, ensuring top-tier craftsmanship.
It’s not just rare—it’s iconic. From its tailored rear roof to the extended wheelbase, everything screams bespoke.
Comparison With Other Mercedes Models
Distinctive Features in the Mercedes Lineup
Compared to the New Mercedes-Maybach G, the G650 is a showstopper. Unlike the Maybach S-Class or even the ultra-modern EQS-based Maybach SUV, the G650 Landaulet channels the wild spirit of the G Wagen while maintaining full-scale luxury.
No other Mercedes-Benz G blends torque, design, and royalty like this. It’s in a league of its own.
Comparison With Other Luxury Suvs
Sure, you have Land Rover and the occasional blinged-out custom AMG G, but none deliver this kind of open-top, off-road, V12-powered experience. The G650 Landaulet is what happens when you give engineers and designers the brief: “Go wild, and spare no expense.”
The Mercedes Legacy In Toys
The Moderno Kids Miniature Version
Even kids can feel like royalty. The Moderno Kids brand launched a ride-on version of the G650 Landaulet, tapping into the SUV’s aspirational value.
Painted in mini versions of real colors like designo Mystic White, this toy features working lights, soft-start motors, and even thermal cup holder imitations.
Features Of The Ride-On Toy Car
It includes leather-like seats, parental remote control, and Bluetooth audio. For many families, it’s the first step in their child’s love affair with the Mercedes-Benz G legacy.
Technological Innovations In The G 650 Landaulet
From intelligent ride systems to climate-controlled cup holders, this SUV was a tech marvel in its day. The V12 engine features advanced thermal management, while the rear controls allow passengers to tweak settings for their comfort.
Even by today’s standards, features like the retractable glass divider and the touch-controlled center console feel futuristic.
Target Audience And Clientele
This car isn’t for the average buyer. It’s for those who appreciate unique luxury, history, and power. Think celebrities, heads of state, and billionaires with a taste for rarity.
It appeals to clients who want more than just a G Wagon—they want a piece of Mercedes-Benz history that few can ever own.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet is more than a car—it’s an experience, a statement, a legacy. It perfectly blends design, innovation, and old-world grandeur into something the world may never see again.
As a collector’s dream and an engineering triumph, the G650 reaffirms what Dr. Jens Thiemer of Mercedes once said: “Luxury is not defined by price—it’s defined by feeling.” And nothing feels quite like the G650 Landaulet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet So Special?
It’s a rare blend of off-road performance and ultra-luxury. With only 99 units built, a V12 biturbo engine, and an open-air rear compartment, it redefines exclusivity.
How Much Horsepower Does The G650 Landaulet Produce?
The Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo engine in the G650 Landaulet delivers 630 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful luxury SUVs ever.
How Rare Is The G650 Landaulet?
Extremely rare. Only 99 units were produced globally, making it a sought-after collector’s item in the automotive world.
Is The G650 Landaulet Still Available For Sale?
Not through Mercedes directly. Most sales now happen through luxury auctions like RM Sotheby or private collectors. Prices often exceed $1 million.
What’s The Difference Between The G650 Landaulet And A Regular G Wagon?
The Landaulet offers a longer body, an open-air rear cabin, luxurious Maybach-level materials, portal axles, and a V12 engine—features not found in the standard G-Class.