The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet G 500 V8 (W463, facelift 2000) represents a unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and open-air motoring. Produced from February 2000 to March 2007, this variant occupied a premium position within the W463 G-Class range, which itself was a significant evolution of the original G-Wagen introduced in 1979. The facelifted W463 brought improvements in refinement and interior comfort while retaining the iconic, boxy design and robust mechanicals. The G 500 V8 Cabriolet specifically catered to buyers seeking the ultimate G-Class experience, combining a powerful V8 engine with the freedom of a convertible top and the legendary 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | G-class |
| Generation | G-class Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | G 500 V8 (296 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production | February, 2000 |
| End of production | March, 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle, Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 22.1 l/100 km (10.6 US mpg, 12.8 UK mpg, 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 16.7 l/100 km (14.1 US mpg, 16.9 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 400 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp, 124.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 192 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 296 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 456 Nm @ 2800-4000 rpm (336.33 lb.-ft. @ 2800-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 113.962 |
| Engine displacement | 4966 cm3 (303.04 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2375 kg (5235.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 238 l (8.4 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1580 l (55.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4275 mm (168.31 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2007 mm (79.02 in.) |
| Height | 1941 mm (76.42 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 205 mm (8.07 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.54 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 34° |
| Departure angle | 26° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 23° |
| Climb angle | 38.7° |
| Wading depth | 500 mm (19.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R 18 H |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 18 H 2 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the G 500 V8 Cabriolet is the M 113.962 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, a staple of Mercedes-Benz performance models during the period, features a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. It utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust). The engine produces 296 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 456 Nm (336 lb-ft) of torque between 2800 and 4000 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission (typically the 722.6). This transmission, while robust, lacks the efficiency and responsiveness of modern automatic gearboxes.
Driving Characteristics
The G 500 V8 Cabriolet offers a unique driving experience. While the 5.0-liter V8 provides ample power for everyday driving and even some spirited acceleration (0-60 mph in around 9.2 seconds), the vehicle’s considerable weight (2375 kg / 5236 lbs) and boxy aerodynamics limit its outright performance. The automatic transmission, while smooth, can feel somewhat sluggish compared to manual transmissions available in other G-Class variants. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it a capable off-road vehicle despite its luxury appointments. The high center of gravity and relatively soft suspension contribute to noticeable body roll in corners, but this is a characteristic trade-off for its off-road prowess and comfortable ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The G 500 V8 Cabriolet was generously equipped as standard. Interior features typically included leather upholstery, wood trim, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. The convertible top was manually operated, adding to the vehicle’s rugged character. Optional extras included heated seats, upgraded audio systems, and various exterior customization options. The interior design, while luxurious for its time, reflects the utilitarian origins of the G-Class, with a focus on durability and functionality rather than cutting-edge aesthetics.
Chassis & Braking
The G 500 V8 Cabriolet utilizes a robust ladder-frame chassis, a hallmark of the G-Class design. The suspension consists of coil springs and rigid axles with trailing arms at both the front and rear. This setup provides excellent articulation for off-road driving but results in a less refined on-road ride compared to vehicles with independent suspension. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering is a recirculating ball system, providing a direct but somewhat heavy feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The G 500 V8 Cabriolet was well-received by critics and enthusiasts who appreciated its unique combination of luxury, performance, and off-road capability. However, its high price tag and substantial fuel consumption (16.7 l/100 km combined) limited its appeal to a niche market. Compared to other G-Class variants, such as the G 320 or G 400 CDI, the G 500 V8 offered significantly more power and a more refined driving experience, but at a considerable premium. The G 320, with its smaller engine, provided better fuel economy and lower running costs, while the diesel-powered G 400 CDI offered superior torque and long-distance cruising ability.
Legacy
The W463 G 500 V8 Cabriolet remains a highly sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts. The M 113 V8 engine is known for its reliability, although regular maintenance is essential. The robust mechanicals of the G-Class, combined with its iconic design, ensure that these vehicles continue to command high prices in the used car market. While fuel economy is poor by modern standards, the G 500 V8 Cabriolet offers a unique and rewarding driving experience that few other vehicles can match. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the timeless design and engineering excellence of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
