A luxury convertible 4×4 with more than 1,200 horsepower might sound unlikely. And yet, that’s exactly what’s lining up in an American auction house. An ultra-exclusive 4×4, derived from a German off-road icon, is about to change hands. It pairs a twin-turbo V12 engine, a convertible body, and a level of luxury that’s off the charts.
This showpiece SUV has barely rolled since it was delivered, so its condition appears exceptionally preserved. Production was limited to just a few dozen examples, placing it in a very exclusive circle. This extraordinary 4×4, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, is returning to the American market today. A revival that rekindles the fantasy of the ultimate G‑Wagen, rarer still than a McLaren W1.
A Nearly New Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet at Auction
Unveiled in 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet was produced in only 99 units. It borrows the technical underpinnings of an extreme G-Class, featuring portal axles and three locking differentials. Ground clearance runs around 45 cm, enough to clear obstacles a sedan wouldn’t touch. Under the hood sits a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, rated at 621 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. A setup designed as much for traversing challenging terrain as for cruising in near-silence at low speeds.
The example arriving today at RM Sotheby’s features a bold configuration, dubbed Designo Mystic White. The beige soft top folds down over the rear section, while the front remains closed as on a traditional G-Class. Inside, two-tone beige and black Nappa leather, AMG carbon inserts, and velvet carpeting establish the mood. The seats benefit from the comfort package, with full electric adjustment and rear-passenger massage functions. With only 124 miles (about 200 km) on the odometer, this G 650 Landaulet presents itself nearly showroom-new.
Why This V12 G-Wagen Is Rarer Than a McLaren W1
Across from it, the new McLaren W1 stands as the ultimate hypercar, boasting roughly 1,258 hybrid horsepower. The W1 pairs a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and will be limited to 399 units in total. Its base price tops $2.1 million, a touch under €2 million. Yet in terms of rarity alone, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet still takes the lead. With 99 examples built in Graz, this V12 Cabriolet SUV travels about four times less than the England-born hypercar.
That’s partly because the G 650 ticks every checkbox of a modern collector’s piece. A V12 under the hood, fuel economy around 17 L/100 km, CO2 emissions near 400 g/km, and a length exceeding 5.3 meters. All of which places it outside today’s regulatory radar, and almost outside everyday use. This format explains why most G 650s live in climate-controlled garages in the Middle East or in private collections. While a new G‑Class Cabrio is in the works, this V12 Landaulet stands as a highly exclusive swan song. The RM Sotheby’s example, nearly factory-fresh, underscores how this kind of G-Wagen already belongs to a bygone era.
