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Mercedes has unveiled what is quite possibly the most ridiculous production vehicle ever conceived, the Maybach G650 Landaulet. Seriously, it makes a Lamborghini LM002 look as sensible as a VW Golf.
Slated for a reveal at the upcoming Geneva motor show, a video of the G650 leaked onto social media last week. Some commentators understandably asked if the car was a hoax, but we now have official confirmation from Mercedes that there is in fact a market for a twin-turbo convertible off-roader.
According to Mercedes, this “masterpiece of automotive engineering” follows the G63 AMG 6x6 and G500 4x42 in using the unique portal axles, which when combined with the massive 325/55 R22 tyres provide an enormous 450mm of ground clearance.
As with all G-Classes, the G650 has triple 100 per cent differential locks, live axles front and rear and a transfer case with low-ratio for ultimate off-road capability. Based on our experience with the regular G63 AMG however, Mercedes’ claim of “perfect handling both on- and off-road” might potentially be an…alternative fact.
What is undoubtedly true is that the G650 Landaulet will be extremely fast, thanks to the 463kW/1000Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 under the bonnet, usually reserved for ’65 AMG’ models.
This is despite measuring a gargantuan 5345mm in length and 2235mm in height with a 3428mm wheelbase; for reference, an Audi Q7 is 5052mm long and 1741mm high with a 2994mm wheelbase.
The stretched wheelbase allows the use of the fully-reclinable heated massage rear seats from the Maybach limousine, which are housed in a separate compartment, cordoned off from the front seats by an electrically-operated glass partition that can be changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
Positioned ahead of the cupholders (heated and chilled) is the suggestively titled ‘G Cockpit’, which mirrors the driver’s instrument panel, but instead of activating the diff locks the three buttons operate the interior lighting and open or close the soft-top roof. In addition, there are also two 10-inch high-resolution entertainment displays.
Pricing has not been announced, however given the ‘regular’ G65 AMG costs the equivalent of a Lamborghini Aventador in Europe, we’d suggest $750,000 would be a good starting point. Just 99 will be built, and if you can think of what one might actually use it for, please let us know.
