Maybach has announced it will put the Landaulet, a semi-convertible based on the Maybach 62 S limousine, into production thanks to an ‘overwhelming response from the public’.
The Landaulet was first seen last November as a concept, and the production version will cost a staggering £678,000, which means taking the roof off a 62 S doubles its value. Or rather its price…
So for anyone who really wants to nail home the fact that money can’t buy taste, or common sense, here is the biggest hammer ever made.
Ok, let’s pretend I want to get my chauffer some new wheels. What’s in it for me?
Exclusivity. A very limited number of custom-ordered Landaulets will be made, thankfully, so you’ll be buying into a pretty exclusive club.
According to Maybach, you’ll also get ‘the opportunity to savour a closeness to nature’, which just wouldn’t be possible in a bog-standard tin-top limo.
Closeness to nature? So the Landaulets a hybrid then?
Come off it. The Landaulet is powered by the same 603bhp 6.0-litre V12 found in the 57 S and 62 S saloons. No word on the 0-62mph time, in case you were wondering, but the V12’s 738lb ft of torque should comfortably win the battle against the Landaulet’s porky kerb weight.
It’s not about that, though. It’s about cosseting the behinds of the elite, which shouldn’t prove a problem thanks to AIRMATIC electronically controlled air suspension and active damping. After all, one can’t have one’s hat falling off while enjoying being close to nature.
But what if it’s raining?
Well, the folding cloth roof will close in a mere 16 seconds, so you shouldn’t get too wet. And for complete privacy, the glass which separates you from your chauffer contains a liquid crystal membrane which turns it opaque at the touch of a button.
For the people who buy a Landaulet, money won’t be an issue. But for the rest of us, just consider that for £678k you could buy a Rolls Phantom limo, a Drophead Coupe, and an Audi R8 with all the options boxes ticked.
First deliveries of the Landaulet are expected in autumn 2008, just in time for winter.