In its modern form, any G-Class badged with the Three-Pointed Star is a byword for excess and luxury. The boxy off-roader has evolved into an aspirational status symbol—so often the backdrop to paparazzi shots of celebrities on the move—yet its social standing can be traced to humble beginnings. Just as the G-Wagen’s long-time head-to-head rival, the Range Rover, began life as a rugged and utilitarian 4x4, the Mercedes-Benz truck was initially developed as a military mud-plugger. Now both cars dominate the luxury SUV market, with the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet surely the most lavish of all derivatives.

Announced at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017, the sumptuously appointed G-Wagen was earmarked for a limited production run of just 99 units. Its conception marked the end of the long-running first-generation W463 platform that was heavily revised in 2018. The first 4x4 to be badged as a Mercedes-Maybach, the G 650 took the measurements of the long-wheelbase G-Class and adopted its widened body, stretching to 5.3 metres long and 2.1 metres across. Wheelbase dimensions came in at 3,428 millimetres—some 258 millimetres more than the long-wheelbase S-Class—resulting in a cavernous interior space for occupants.

The most eye-catching detail of the G-Wagen’s outlandish design is the “Landaulet”-style retractable roof, covering the rear section of the car. At the push of a button, the fabric roof can retract to stow behind the rear seats, affording back-seat passengers the ultimate top-down experience. Around the rest of the car’s interior, and befitting of its Maybach badge, the G 650 is extravagantly appointed. The electronically adjustable rear seats envelope passengers with a quilted leather upholstery and can be fully reclined. Retractable tables are integrated into the middle console, while both left and right occupants face towards their own 10-inch screen. True to the lineage of the Maybach heritage, a partition rear screen can be raised to separate the front and rear of the cabin.

The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet offered here was completed by the factory on 6 April 2018 and delivered to its first owner in France five days later. Finished in Monza Gray Magno over a Brown leather interior, the G-Wagen was specified with a Black soft-top roof. The car was further customised with smoked rear glass, the fitment of the Chrome Package, complemented by AMG Carbon Trim pieces, as evidenced by its distinctive wheel arches.

Offered with its odometer showing just 2,069 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, the G-Wagen awaits a new owner for its next adventure. The G 650 is accompanied by its Owner’s Manual and other books. This rare and characterful 4x4 is crying out to be used as its manufacturer intended—whether it’s the front- or back-seat passenger taking in the thrill of the 6.0-litre V-12 symphony.