Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

Arguably the most famous Landaulets have come from Mercedes-Benz with the 1964 600 Pullman being the most recognisable of the modern era. More recently, in 2008, Maybach resurrected the concept as a one- off limousine which made its world debut at the Dubai International Motor Show. The G 650, however, is a very different animal, so it was fitting that we used it to go find some African wildlife knowing that if we inadvertently disturbed a giant rhino or lion, we’d have the 4x4 capability to get away as well as 630bhp and 1000Nm of torque to do it sharply. Of course there was no need as the Madikwe Park is well secured with professional rangers who guided us through and showed us the best that Africa has to offer. Built for four people, the rear of the G 650 is strictly for two with individual leather seats that recline almost to a full flatbed like an Etihad Business Class suite – except this is in the sun when you have the roof folded back. With a nod from our guide up front, we spotted giraffes in the distance and just like one of the long-necked animals, I stood tall, through the roof, peering out ahead with binoculars to see for myself. Later, we heard from our guides that the king of the jungle, a male lion, was resting under a small tree, so we gingerly headed off at the park’s 35kmh speed limit in search. A few small birds high in a tree above us alerted us to its position and we idled in and switched off to watch in silence. The king of the jungle was not perturbed by the king of the road, and with an almost silent whir from the powered seats, I sat upright, lowered the tinted window and made eye contact with this most beautiful creature. All was well in our worlds, both of us basking in the morning sun, swatting the occasional fly, he under his tree with full belly and me in my leather-cossetted mobile, V12-powered security cage with a chilled bottle of Voss water in its holder and a couple of solid silver goblets to swig from. With almost half a metre of ground clearance, ample space and comfort for 1 8 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I