The G650 Landaulet gets Unimog genes to go where no Maybach has gone before

By Ronan Glon March 6, 2017

Many expected the first SUV built by Mercedes-Maybach would be a more lavish version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS. One might still be in the works, but the brand’s first off-roader is a G-Class-based convertible with Unimog-like ground clearance named G650 Landaulet.

At 210 inches long and 87 inches tall, Maybach’s off-roader comfortably dwarfs the standard Mercedes G-Class. The extra sheet metal between the axles benefits the passengers riding in the back. The bench seat has been sent back to the parts bin and replaced by a pair of individual, leather-upholstered seats borrowed from the S-Class. They can fully recline and provide a massage; it goes without saying that they’re heated and cooled, too.

Recommended Videos

A switch on the center console opens and closes the glass partition that separates the front and rear compartments. With the partition closed, the rear occupants travel in a private, relaxing space decked out with its own climate control system, aircraft-style tablets, and high-resolution screens. The soft top is operated electronically at the push of a button.

The G650’s engine bay is home to a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 engine that provides 630 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. An automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, while portal axles shared with the G63 6×6 provide 17 inches of ground clearance. Maybach’s newest model is as capable off-road as it is luxurious.

The G650 Landaulet isn’t a one-off model commissioned by a rich collector — 99 examples will be built by Magna-Steyr in Graz, Austria, alongside the regular G-Class. Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but don’t be surprised if it costs $500,000 or more before taxes and options are factored in. Act fast if you want one — odds are at least a handful of examples have already been spoken for.

There’s a reason for the near-decadent level of opulence. The G650 is Mercedes’ unique way of sending off the current 463-series G, which has been in continuous production since 1990. A brand-new model is expected to debut before the end of the year. It will look largely the same as the G we’ve come to know and love, but it will be markedly more modern under the skin.

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.