There are shifting trends towards the SUVs around the world and major manufacturers are putting their shoulder to the wheel to bring out their own luxury SUV. Earlier we had the Range Rover, Porsche introduced the Cayenne, then Bentley bought in the Bentayga and the Rolls Royce’s code-name Cullinan is on the way as well. Latest to join the bandwagon is the Mercedes-Maybach.
It was speculated that German marque will bring a full-size SUV based on the GLS. After all, the GLS is the S-Class of Mercedes SUVs. But contrary to the speculation, a Landaulet with Mercedes-Maybach G650 4×4² moniker has been spotted in the Namibia. A particular example of the G-Wagon with a cladded rear portion has been spotted a few days back undergoing cold weather testing. We assume that the hot weather testing might be the reason for spotting the car in a deserted country like Namibia.
The Landaulet body style opted for the first Mercedes-Maybach SUV is fitting, since the Landaulet was famously adorned by opulent Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles. The Landaulet separates the passenger cabin with a convertible rooftop to allow for a lavish open top motoring.
The car, sans the camouflage, has Maybach badges where they are customarily found. Slightly longer wheelbase provides more space at the back. The interior is typical G-Class but with Maybach lavishness. As the name suggests, the SUV will be powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 twin turbo engine found under the hood of the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet. So expect the 620bhp and the 7G-TRONIC transmission in the Maybach SUV.
The S650 Cabriolet is limited to just 300 units and Mercedes-Maybach G650 4×4² is expected to be further exclusive. No official details of the first Maybach SUV are revealed by the manufacturer but the car could make its first appearance at the forthcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
