Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet arrives as swansong to current G-Class

The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, a range-topping version of Mercedes' G-Class, has made its public debut at the Geneva motor show.

It will act as a farewell to the current-generation model when it goes on sale later this year. 

The plush four-seater military-grade SUV is the latest in a burgeoning number of high-priced models from the German car maker’s revived Maybach sub-brand.

The 621bhp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 powered limousine-cum-off-roader foreshadows the launch of a heavily upgraded version of the 38-year-old G-class later this year. It features a semi-convertible roof structure similar in style to that adopted by the Maybach 62 Landaulet launched in 2007.  

Read more: we take a ride in the G650 Landaulet

Based around the long-wheelbase G-class with the widened body, modified running gear and portal axle chassis from both the G63 6x6 and more recently introduced G500 4x4², the four-door G650 Landaulet stretches to 5345mm in length, 2110mm in width and a generous 2335mm in height.

The fifth in the current range of Maybach models also rides on a wheelbase of 3428mm – or some 258mm longer than the long wheelbase S-class, which forms the basis of similarly luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S65.

Entry to the G650 Landaulet’s leather-lined cabin is via a running board, which hinges from underneath the doors. Inside, the latest member of the Maybach line-up provides seating for four, with the electronically adjustable individual rear seats borrowed from the S-class mounted well back to free up legroom.

While the driver and front seat passenger are accommodated under a fixed steel roof, the rear seat passengers can choose to go top down; at the press of a button the fabric rear section retracts back and stows behind the rear seats above the luggage compartment.

In keeping with the limousine roots of the Maybach brand, there’s also an electrically operated glass partition separating the front section of the cabin from the rear, which can be changed from transparent to opaque. Additionally, the individual rear seats, borrowed from the S-class Pullman with inflatable air chambers and hot stone massaging function, can be set to a fully reclined position. There are also retractable tables integrated in the rear middle console, while the an additional cross member, used to hold the glass partition, houses two 10.0-inch monitors as part of a comprehensive infotainment system.