Kim Jong Un adds Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 to his luxury fleet

Kim Jong Un has made headlines for a luxurious addition to his fleet. A black Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 was spotted leaving his garage, despite United Nations sanctions on the import of luxury goods into the country. Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency released the photos, which showed the North Korean leader standing next to a black Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 on August 9.

According to reports, Kim Jong Un had used the special train to visit flood-hit areas in Uiju County in North Phyongan, where the latest model Mercedes-Benz SUV was seized. The North Korean supreme leader was seen addressing the crowd from the fleet parked next to the Mercedes Maybach GLS 600. According to sources, the luxury SUV is believed to be the top-of-the-range model that was launched in South Korea in April. The price tag starts at $175,500 and can go up to $227,400 (approximately ₹1.9 crore).

Under a UN resolution, first passed in 2006 after Pyongyang conducted underground nuclear tests, North Korea is banned from purchasing luxury goods, including cars.

Despite this, the 40-year-old politician has a fleet of luxury cars at his disposal. His collection includes a Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard, fifth-generation American Cadillac Escalade and a Lexus armored vehicle.

Kim Jong Un, known for his love of Mercedes-Benz, has made several public appearances over the years in various Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicles, including a limousine. Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin were seen chauffeuring around the North Korean capital in a Russian Aurus limousine in June as Putin made a rare overseas trip to Pyongyang since the country’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Al Jazeera further noted in its report that the North Korean leader took his first ride in the luxury car given to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March this year. Moreover, Russia and China, North Korea’s oldest ally, have repeatedly blocked attempts to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea over its banned ballistic missile tests.