Once in a while, an automaker surprises us when it launches a vehicle styled in one of the rarest vehicle configuration ever conceived. We're talking about the Landaulet. So imagine our interest when the new 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet was launched just recently. Based on the company's muscular G-Class SUV, this is a luxurious off-roader from one of the auto industry's classy builders.

But this is not Mercedes' first take on the Landaulet style. In 2007, the automaker introduced the Maybach Landaulet design study which eventually went into a very limited production, according to Motor1. The concept was the same as far as the build goes.

Take an ultra-luxurious vehicle from the company's lineup and remove part of the top to expose the rear passenger part to the outdoors. But in the case of the G650, it was a tad more different. Let's compare the 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet and Maybach 62 S Landaulet.

The 2007 Landaulet started life as a lengthy Maybach 62 S sedan. Power was delivered via a 6.0-liter biturbocharged V12, tweaked by AMG to produce 612 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. An air suspension with adaptive damping kept things smooth on the road always. The car rolls on 20-inch wheels with tires spec'd for mostly paved conditions.

The 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, on the other hand, is a world apart. It is based on the G-Wagen off-roader, with a longer wheelbase and increased ground clearance courtesy of portal-axles seen on the company's G63 6X6s and G500 4X4s, reports The Drive.

Muscle is still provided by a biturbocharged V-12 but this one cranks out 630 horses and 737 lb-ft of torque. Beefy off-road tires are mounted on monster 22-inch wheels and an enormous 17.7 inches of ground clearance complete the off-road ensemble.

In the earlier Maybach 62 S Landaulet, the roof simply peels back while keeping the car's body sides and doors in place. On the new G650, the entire fabric top descends and peels back around and behind the rear passengers, allowing for more exposure and permitting more fresh air compliments of the great outdoors.

In keeping with luxury car tradition, both Maybachs are equipped with sofa-like back seats complete with heating and power recliners. But in a class-leading move, the 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet adds massaging functions, including a hot-stone like massage to the combination.

The long wheelbase on both models gives passengers plenty of leg room. And in case you have the case of the shyness and want some extra privacy, both vehicles are equipped with a power glass partition that can be made transparent or opaque at the touch of a button.

There is also a heater/chiller for your favorite beverage via the cupholders. Entertainment in both vehicles is not a problem courtesy of a pair of displays, one for each passenger, a DVD player, and in the case of the 2007 Maybach, a six-disc CD changer.

As for the driver, both vehicles don't provide anything extra save for what the base vehicle has to offer. In both Maybach models, a superb driving experience awaits whoever is lucky enough to pilot one.

So if you have enough cash and can afford any variant of the Maybach Landaulet, buying the new 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet shouldn't be a difficult decision. Considering the original evolved from a concept to a real production vehicle because of overwhelming customer demand. Where else can you find an SUV that offers S-Class luxury, G-Wagen off-roading capabilities, and a convertible top in one?

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