World Most Expensive SUV: Mercedes Maybach G 650 Landaulet

The stunning 650 Landaulet was first described by Mercedes-Benz as “a G-Class like never before.” This extremely rare vehicle boasted a powerful V12 engine, portal axles, an electronic fabric top, and a rear passenger compartment designed to meet the highest levels of elegance and comfort. It is the peak of the model’s history, from its first incarnation in 1979 as a basic all-terrain carrier with few comforts to a lavish off-roader with a riding experience never seen before on such a vehicle.

The external design of the G 650 Landaulet was absolutely stunning. Its fundamental design language was similar to that of the other G-Class cars in the lineup, but it had several distinguishing features of its own. For such a tall car, the electrically engaging side-steps were a welcome addition.

It had a total length of 17.55 feet and a wheelbase of 11.25 feet (3.43 meters) (5.35 m). Furthermore, the vehicle stood 7.21 ft (2.2 m) tall with 1.64 ft (0.5 m) of ground clearance, making it capable of crossing the most difficult terrain in elegance and comfort. Not to mention the 22-inch ceramically polished twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 325/55 R 22 section tires that completed the stunning stance.

Naturally, as the top-of-the-line G-Class vehicle, it had plenty of power beneath the hood. The enormous 6-litre M279 V12 bi-turbo powerplant was added to the 650 Landaulet, producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) of torque and capable of propelling this opulent off-road barge from a standstill to 62 mph (100 kph) in under 6 seconds. Unfortunately, top speed had to be reduced for safety concerns, resulting in a top speed of only 112 mph (180 kph).

A 7-speed torque converter automatic gearbox was linked to a separate transfer case with low gearing characteristics to provide these significant power outputs. In typical G-Wagon tradition, the Maybach 650 Landaulet also came with three separate locking differentials, allowing it to conquer any terrain with ease, regardless of the circumstances.

The Maybach G 650’s interior design was quite stunning. The electronically powered folding roof was designed to benefit only the back occupants, providing them with a unique open-air experience, a style last seen on the Maybach 62 saloon at the time. The backseat occupants experienced a genuinely first-class experience reclining on the executive rear bench derived directly from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class saloon, thanks to its 22.8-inch larger wheelbase than the normal G 65.

Inflatable air chambers provided greater comfort and superb lateral support, and the electronically adjustable armchairs could be set to a fully reclined position. They also featured several massaging choices. Furthermore, the back passengers benefited from big 10-inch individual displays, distinct climate control settings for each seat, and heated and cooled cupholders, in addition to several massage options.

Last but not least, they could install an electrically driven glass divider between the front and rear compartments that could be converted from fully clear to opaque glazing in a matter of seconds with the stroke of a button.

Unfortunately, Mercedes-Maybach only produced 99 instances of this rare G-Class, and the original price tag was roughly ₦377 Million ($754,200) before taxes. You’ll have to be really lucky to find one on the used market these days, and you can expect to pay over ₦594 Million ($1.2 million) for one, making it the most expensive SUV money can buy right now.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been associated with extreme off-roading, and the Maybach G 650 Landaulet built on that tradition and went much further than before. This machine is one of the most stunning vehicles the German company has ever made, and it is a one-of-a-kind undertaking for adventure fans or automobile collectors alike.