But why?
The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG has been spotted several times over the last few months, but the latest spy footage is a lot more interesting because it includes a camouflaged 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet. Parked amongst several other Benzes, the trashiest G-Class of them all appears to have reemerged for some unknown reason.
As a general rule, prototype vehicles are crushed after development is done and production has started, but for some reason, this Landaulet has survived. It may just be a beater that Mercedes keeps around for research purposes, but this car is so far removed from the standard previous-generation G-Class that it makes no sense.
To create it, Mercedes first built the AMG 6×6, which came standard with portal axles that gave it that impressive stance. People were so impressed Mercedes removed the third axle and created the G500 4×42. Following the success of the Squared, Mercedes built the Landaulet as a final swansong to the W463 G-Class.
We're not going to beat around the bush. The only good thing about the Landaulet is that the $1.4 million paid for the final model went to charity. Sure, it was powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that produced 621 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, but it weighed so much that it was no faster than a base G550 of the same era. And let's not forget about the W463's unique handling abilities. You couldn't drive it with an elbow out the window because you'd get curb rash at every corner.
As you can probably tell, we're not fans of this or the silly 6×6, which was equally slow and daft. But we can't help but wonder why Mercedes removed this motoring atrocity from storage and brought it back into the limelight. Could it possibly have something to do with the German brand slowly saying goodbye to the G-Class in preparation for the EQG's arrival?
The G550 may soon be dead, but Mercedes-AMG has clarified that the G63 is not dead yet. Mercedes will build this automotive status symbol for as long as possible, but the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 will eventually be its undoing. And we don't think the average customer will care one bit.
The EQG will be just as good as the current G-Class because it will do the same job but with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Even though a G-Class without a barking V8 sounds incredibly eerie, the average customer won't care.
If you're in the market for a proper G-Class off-roader, the G63 isn't it. When the Magna Steyr production line hit 500,000 units earlier this year, it built a no-nonsense base 400d finished in Agave Green. We're sure the Austrian team could have switched production around and built a G63, but they opted for a utilitarian model instead.
The new EQG will use the same platform as the current G, but we think the arrival of the EQG will split the range into two clear categories. Posers can buy an EQG, while real off-roaders, governments, and military operations will continue to have access to the W464 G-Wagen range.
That means the gas-powered G-Class will have to bow out in some spectacular way, and what better way to bookend the gas-powered G than with another drop-top carrying the Maybach badge? Mercedes has already built a 4×42 based on the new model, so that's out the window.
And Mercedes still produces the M279 twin-turbocharged V12 that powered the Landaulet, though it's built in tiny volumes and only for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680.
Will Mercedes-Benz build another Landaulet as a final swansong for the gas-powered civilian G? It's possible. Still, we hope the Austrians come up with something a bit more spectacular. Let's hope they take that G 650 back to the basement and leave it there.
Keyword: Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet May Come Out Of Retirement