North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Spotted with New Vehicle
About $ 220,000 Maybach SUV
His love of Mercedes-Benz continues even amid flood damage
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is frequently seen driving imported vehicles, often defying sanctions imposed on North Korea. Recently, he made headlines by visiting a flood-affected area in a Japanese Lexus LX SUV, which sparked considerable interest. Kim’s motorcade typically includes Japanese and American vehicles, and he occasionally uses cars from countries he views as adversaries, adding an element of irony.
Kim also has a notable preference for German luxury cars, notably Mercedes-Benz. His long-standing admiration for the brand was recently highlighted when a Mercedes-Benz was spotted on his private train. This vehicle, which had not been seen before, has drawn significant attention. Let’s delve into what makes this car so notable.
Luxury Vehicle on His Private Train
Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
The vehicle in question is a facelifted model of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, which will launch in Korea in April 2024. By including a Maybach, Mercedes-Benz’s luxury flagship, on Kim’s train, the company has underscored its premium status and Kim’s evident preference for the brand.
Kim reportedly used a special train to visit the flood-stricken area in Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, between August 8 and 9, 2024. The Maybach SUV that accompanied him on this trip prominently displayed a license plate marked with July 27, 1953—North Korea’s “Victory Day” celebration.
Various Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Spotted
Questions Arise About the Effectiveness of Sanctions
This isn’t the first time Kim has been spotted with a Maybach. He was also seen in a documentary aired by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central Television early this year, driving a Maybach GLS600, and it appears he’s added a new Maybach to his collection.
This blatant disregard for UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea has sparked significant international concern. Despite repeated protests from the global community whenever an imported vehicle is identified, manufacturers typically respond with the same denial: “We have never supplied it to North Korea.” This ongoing situation highlights the difficulties in enforcing sanctions and addressing violations.
Criticism of Kim Jong Un for Indulging in Luxury Amid Hardships Faced by North Koreans
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4MATIC SUV captured on the train this time has a built-in 48V mild hybrid system and is equipped with a V8 4.0L gasoline twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 557 horsepower. The price for the facelift model starts at about $174,350 for the base model, and the manufactured version costs well over $204,300.
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