Ultimate G-Wagen: Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet

Only 99 examples of the G 650 Landaulet were ever built and one of them is about to hit the open market.

A Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has long been one of the most capable off-road vehicles that you could buy. In addition to its off-road chops the beloved Geländewagen has also become a symbol of luxury, wealth, and power. And that is just for the run-of-the-mill base models. A Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is far from a base model. In fact, it just may be the ultimate G-Wagen. If you live in a neighborhood full of G 550s and G 63s then you are going to need something special to stand out. A G 650 Landaulet will certainly accomplish that, and as luck would have it, one is about to come onto the market.

RM Sotheby’s is offering this stunning 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet at their Tegernsee auction in Germany. Only 99 examples of this model were ever built, and this one is practically brand new. It may be six years old, but the odometer shows just 278 kilometers (173 miles). The 6.0L, biturbo V-12, making 621 horsepower has not even been broken in. If you win the auction, would you drive it?

Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet Mechanicals

With so few made, even the hardcore Mercedes enthusiast may not be familiar with the G 650 Landaulet. The engine was borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65. It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and emits a wonderful sound out of the side-exit exhaust pipes. The wheelbase of the G-Wagen was stretched by nearly two feet. This helps give the passengers in the convertible rear compartment plenty of room. The G 650 also rides higher thanks to the raised suspension and portal axles from the G 500 4×4². The vehicle also has three locking differentials. It would take quite an effort to get this thing stuck anywhere.

The Interior

The mechanical details on this super SUV are certainly impressive. But the G 650 is also all about luxury. And that is where Maybach stepped in. They have installed reclining, memory, massaging rear seats fitted from an S 600 limousine. The two-tone beige and black nappa leather looks sumptuous as do the velour floor mats. You can sit in the back in total comfort while you listen to the Harman Kardon surround sound system and tell your driver where to take you.

The Next Owner

The Designo Mystic White paint on the front and lower sections of the SUV have been protected with XPEL PPF. Not that there was much risk of rock chips in less than 200 miles of driving. But it is good peace of mind for the next owner. If you want to be that next owner, get your checkbook ready. The pre-auction estimate is $700,000 – $750,000. That is over three times the price of a new AMG G 63. But you don’t want to be seen in something as common as a G 63, do you? You want the ultimate, and for that you need the G 650 Landaulet. And someone to drive you around in it.

Images: Stephan Bauer Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it’s driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.