A study in luxury: the Maybach Landaulet

Maybach has lifted the wraps on a luxury landaulet based on the 62 S saloon. The one-off Maybach Landaulet study lets passengers enjoy the open-air via a retractable roof that electro-hydraulically disappears into the rear-parcel shelf in 16 seconds, leaving the reinforced rear windows in place and the chauffeur’s compartment completely enclosed.

The all white – from the wheels to front white indicators and the seychelles white leather appointed interior - luxury Maybach Landaulet is powered by the uprated, twin-turbocharged V12 engine that develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The study features electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II), internally ventilated brake discs with twin callipers at the front controlled via two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems that work in tandem.

Inside, the white theme for the passenger compartment extends to a white footwell and roof liner with the floor carpet in white velour. This is reversed in the driver’s compartment - the interior is surfaced in black piano lacquer and glossy stromboli black leather.

Two large, reclining single seats (in white leather) provide the space and comfort for the passengers and the upper section of the partition which separates passenger and driver is a glass panel with an embedded liquid crystal membrane that can be made opaque at the touch of a button.

The rear console becomes the entertainment centre, housing the communications equipment, DVD-player, six CD-changer and a cooler compartment with an intelligent system that holds glasses, goblets and champagne bottles safely in position.

The Maybach Landaulet will reportedly make an appearance at the Dubai Motor Show later this month. Details are sketchy on whether the car will remain a "one-off" study or will go into a very limited production run.