Maybach

Maybach Landaulet is revealed

Is this the most opulent car on the planet? Maybach has raised the luxury bar with its stunning new Landaulet model.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Jack Rix

02nd November 2007

Feast your eyes on the first pictures of the amazing Maybach 62 drop-head, the Landaulet.

Named after some of the German firm’s most lavish pre-war models, the new model is based on the current Maybach 62S. The star attraction is a sliding fabric soft top, exposing rear occupants to the elements and turning the seats into leather sun loungers. The roof stows on top of the parcel shelf where it can be hidden by a colour-coded tonneau cover.

The divide between driver and passengers sees the front completely enclosed and separated from the rear. The removable glass partition can be rendered opaque at the flick of a switch, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane. What’s more, each compartment is swathed in different shades of leather.

Those lucky enough to be travelling in the back will enjoy all the established treats of the Maybach’s first-class cabin, including a mind-boggling array of multimedia equipment and the plush fully reclining, aeroplane-style seats.

The Landaulet is powered by the mighty 612bhp bi-turbo V12 found in ‘65’ badged AMG Mercs, rocketing this almost three tonne drop-top from 0-60mph in just over five seconds and all the way to a limited 155mph.

The model is officially tagged a ‘design study’ and will be officially unveiled at the Middle East International Auto Show in Dubai later this month. And if rumours are to be believed, just twenty of these ultra-exclusive saloons will reach production. A hefty premium can be expected over its fixed roof sibling, which retails for an already jaw-dropping £303,000.