STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its first open-top G-Class off-roader from Mercedes-Maybach, the G 650 Landaulet.
With a limited production of just 99 units, the all-terrain vehicle features a V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment. The interior offers a two-tone design upholstery in four trim colours, while customers can choose from three different matching colours for the fabric top and four paint finishes.
With a length of 5,345mm, a wheelbase of 3,428mm, a height of 2,235mm, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers, the G 650 Landaulet is 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 578mm longer wheelbase, passengers benefit from even more interior space. 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 good lateral support.
The rear seating concept is augmented by a calf rest, which is adjustable in length and swivel range.
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. 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 centrally placed pushbutton switches. 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 10-inch high-resolution media displays of the Individual Entertainment System.
Familiar from the AMG G 63 6×6 and G 500 4×42, the portal axles provide ample ground clearance of 450mm, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles. 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 are 22-inchers (325/55 R 22) for both on- and off-road uses.
The car is Mercedes-Maybach’s fifth model after the S-Class Saloon, Pullman and Cabriolet as well as the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 show car. It will premiere officially at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and the launch of the special series will start in the autumn. — CarSifu/Relaxnews
Keyword: Mercedes reveals new G 650 Landaulet