Maybach collaborates on V12 G65 Landaulet
South Africa is popular for its breath-taking scenery and challenging, yet rewarding, off-road drives. Due to the appeal, automotive manufacturers tend to host quite a number of private launches here, and Mercedes is no exception after photos of their latest super-SUV were leaked prior to its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Ironic since this left-hand drive model won’t be sold in South Africa.
Meet the Mercedes-Maybach G65 Landaulet, an exclusive semi-convertible version of the G-Class that was spied at a private event in South Africa earlier this week. The Landaulet will act as a farewell model to the existing 38-year-old G-Class, while reviving the illustrious ‘Landaulet’ badge, synonymous with the flamboyancy and prestige of Mercedes’ exclusive pre-war models.
Official information is yet to be released; however, we can expect the highlight of the Maybach-SUV to be the electrically operated folding fabric roof similar to the one found on the Maybach 62 Landaulet from back in 2007.
The body will be borrowed from the existing G500 4×4², although the top sections of the B-pillars and rear screen has been removed in order to create a large opening which is covered by a luxurious multi-layer fabric hood which, when opened, retracts into an exposed position at the back of the car.
Power comes courtesy of Mercedes-AMG’s latest revision of their twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, producing 457kW and a massive 1000Nm of torque. All of this brute force is sent to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic gearbox. In the standard 2505kg G65, it provides 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.3sec and a 230km/h top speed.
Pricing for the extremely exclusive G65 Landaulet is yet to be announced, though insider close to Mercedes claim that it will definitely surpass that of the Maybach 62 Landaulet, which was offered in very limited numbers and cost around R5,1mil.
