Few vehicles offer the snob appeal and image enhancement of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but seriously wealthy Benz buyers interested in comfort are going to hire a private driver and purchase something with a Maybach badge. Of course, that limits them to a tarted-up S-Class, or so it was before the introduction of the G650 Landaulet — which is, quite possibly, the dumbest vehicle currently entering production.
While the Landaulet’s forward-most occupants are treated to the nice but relatively unchanged interior from the G-Class, the rear is an extravaganza of luxury to be enjoyed in or out of the elements. Much like the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet, it is a convertible. Unlike the Cabrio, however, the only person to benefit from the folding top is the multi-millionaire riding in the back.
Rivaled in terms of ridiculousness only by AMG’s G63 6×6, the G650 Landaulet comes with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 making 630 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Your private driver is welcome to all of that up to the 112 mph limiter, although the automaker is careful to mention it would be capable of much more.
Still, the singular ultra-wealthy individual that this article is targeted at won’t care much about driving dynamics, as they will spend the majority of their time in the backseat. And where else would you want to be? With 22.75 inches tacked onto the wheel base, the rear compartment is now so expansive that the lavish calf leather loungers can recline fully. So as not to disturb sir or madame over rough terrain, Mercedes-Maybach has placed the seats on inflatable air chambers and equipped them with heated massage programs for those times when simply being supremely comfortable isn’t enough.
Like the extended ultra-lux S-Class, the Maybach’s G also has heated and cooled drink holders, high-resolution personal displays, a premium sound system, and an electrically operated glass partition that you can turn opaque or transparent at the press of a button.
Benz claims this is a legitimate off-roader, going so far as to offer press photos of the Landaulet walking on water as if it were some sort of automotive messiah. However, with locking differentials, shift-on-the-fly low range, and nearly 18 inches of ground clearance, it should do alright in the backyard of someone’s sprawling estate — or on safari. The company plans on building just 99 of these image-augmenting monstrosities, and Mercedes says it won’t announce a price for them. I assume if you need to ask, then you probably can’t afford it.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
Excellent 1990s color scheme! I miss that decade…before today’s array of silver, black, white, and grays.
So a Subaru Brat reimagined by Mercedes and topped with a big dollop of AMG pixie dust!
Those 738 torques must be entertaining when you engage low range.
Has Benz been watching old “pimp my ride” episodes? Does it come with complimentary one gold front tooth dental work? There was a time when I used to admire ( for lack of a better term ) the really lux Benzies that you just knew were wafting to and from OPEC meetings, but they were at least a bit understated. Mind you that went out the window 20 years ago. Replaced with crass trash like this ? Hardly aspirational to me, but to each their own.
White trash has cash. Film at 11.
And to think Idi Amin’s not with us anymore…
That’s the real crime.
For showing off it’s perfect.
The official vehicle of kleptocrats everywhere. Though if you look at it its a upscale version of the Pope Benedict era Popemobile.
http://a.abcnews.com/images/International/GTY_popemobile_2_kab_150611_4x3_992.jpg
Francis being more humble opts for a mere M-Class
I love it. It’s like what a 10 year old would buy if they won the lottery. Alternatively, does anyone watch Silicon Valley? I picture Big Head driving one.
Stupid. But that won’t stop people in Moscow and various Arabian Peninsula capitals from buying every last one.
@dal20402
Exactly
Well done Mercedes-Maybach! I never thought I’d see something as tacky as a tiger-striped gold Desert Eagle. But, by jove it has been done. Sadly, I’d love to have one of thoose tacky Desert Eagles but not one of these monstrosities.
A tiger-striped gold Desert Eagle and this would actually go really well together.
Those OPECers funding terrorism need something to get them to their safe vantage points overlooking the battlefield.
OMG! Take that into the sandy desert with all that dirty sand? And scorpions? And camel poop?!
OldManPants – Years ago Bill Gates was panned for buying a supercar. To put his purchase in perspective based on his gross financial wealth, it was comparable to a middle class person buying a candy bar. The people buying these things don’t care what happens to them. It’s their version of a dollar candy.
Couldn’t they at least have made it self driving?
Hey, Matt Posky – – –
Get off your myopic sedan bias!
This G-wagen is perfect for the zombie apocalypse.
And I think it’s cute.
A little pricey, maybe, but cute.
Something that every wealthy Russian should own.
For getting groceries, of course… (^_^)..
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For my zombie apocalypse, I’d prefer a Toyota reliability. Also, a less shreddable roof.
That 6L V12 would make it easier to plow through the horde, though…
Most unnecessary vehicle? I suppose so, but like a Hummer, I secretly want one!
If I had Ahhnold Schwarzenegger’s and President Trump’s money, I would. Plus my very own Sherman tank… fully operational, of course… plus my old 1964 Impala… and… and…
So why is it every time I read the name I think of a laundromat?
At least the 6×6 looked badass and was actually believable as an improbably luxurious desert basher. This thing is just…moronic.
We MUST have a SUV with a three-point star on the hood to take Britney to soccer practice.