MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabriolet Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz introduced another upgrade for its aging G-Class, four years after the previous one, enhancing the SUV’s exterior and interior.

The G-Class started its career in 1979 as a utilitarian-oriented vehicle, developed for army use and morphing into a civilian vehicle. Over the years, the car reached an iconic status, and many rich and famous customers craved one. In 2005, the company’s board upgraded the vehicle again and prepared it for the Euro 5 emission standards introduced in 2009. Then, in 2012, Mercedes-Benz repeated the procedure to make the SUV ready for the Euro 5b, which was due to enter in January 2013, and the Euro 6 that followed in September 2015. As a result, the G-Class had to be fitted with more safety systems and engines that could comply with these emission standards. However, the German automaker, besides the safety systems and the engine lineup, also considered improving the exterior and the cabins of these vehicles. The open-top version of the G-Class was one of the most expensive from the lineup, so it had to be garnished with all the bells and whistles to make it attractive for its deep-pocket customers.

At the front, the 2012 G-Class Convertible featured a new fascia that sported a three-slat grille with a large three-pointed badge in the middle. The round Xenon headlights were underlined by new LED bars for the daytime running lights, while on top of the front fenders, the automaker kept the same turn-signal/parking lights. Despite their rough look, with exposed screws, they were part of the SUV’s appeal. Lower, on the bumper, the 2012 G-Class Convertible featured oval-shaped fog lamps that doubled as cornering lights.

From its profile, the open-top version of the 2012 G-Class featured a pair of vents placed on the upper rear side of the front fenders on the left side and in the forward area for the right side, above the SUV’s waistline. As a classic detail, the car retained the grab-handle type doors and the black horizontal line that crossed the vehicle front to back. The automaker installed a new set of door mirrors that featured arrow-like turn signals pointing outward. Behind the door, the triangular-shaped B-post featured an integrated triangular window. It also concealed the safety arch that protected the occupants in the event of a rollover crash.

Inside, customers were welcomed by a rich-equipped cabin with leather seats and a redesigned dashboard. Fronting the driver was a new instrument cluster that featured a speedometer and a tachometer in individual clusters. Between them, the automaker placed a color TFT display that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. Above the center stack, the automaker placed a seven-inch screen for the COMAND infotainment system that supported Bluetooth connectivity. Mercedes-Benz integrated the controller for this unit on the center armrest placed between the front seats. In the back, there was still limited legroom for passengers who sat there. Still, at least they were protected thanks to the raised safety arches mounted on the outer area of the bench seat.

The 2012 G-Class Cabriolet was available with a 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engine. Mercedes-Benz paired it with a sixth-generation 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission fitted as standard that sent the power in all corners. The three locking differential and the two-speed transfer box remained in place, even though most customers didn’t ask for it. But it was part of the car’s heritage.

In 2007, Mercedes-Benz completed the upgrade to the G-Class that it started in 2006, and besides some exterior changes, the car also sported a new interior.

While the vehicle looked virtually unchanged since the introduction of the W463, the 2007 Convertible also gained some points in the styling department. The car had already gained a status icon on the market, and the convertible was far from being the lowest-priced version in the family. On the contrary, it became pricier than its three-door sibling or the five-door station wagon. It was an unusual decision for a vehicle that cost less to produce than both its brothers. However, Mercedes-Benz considered increasing the price since the demand for this rag-top model was high. But that price came with more standard features, making life easier for the automakers’ salespeople. Customers, mostly, only had to choose the colors they wanted for their rugged G-Classes.

While many other vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz lineup had already received Xenon lights for a few years, surprisingly, the G-Class was not one of them. As a result, the automaker corrected this issue, and starting with the 2007 model year of this nameplate, it introduced them as standard for the Cabriolet version. As a result, the front fascia looked a little bit more modern despite sporting the same flat grille and slim bumper. In addition, the G-Class gained cornering lights for the newly installed oval-shaped fog lamps integrated into the bumper. As usual, the turn signal and the parking lights were left on top of the front fenders, like on all the other previous G-Class models.

From its profile, the short wheelbase 2007 G-Class Cabriolet W463 sported body-colored wheel arches and side sills. As an option, customers could get the car fitted with steps, which helped with the ingress and egress to the vehicle, especially for those seated in the back. The manually retractable canopy was stored behind the rear bench seat, limiting the trunk’s space to a tiny area, although usually, people didn’t buy the G-Class convertible to move too many things around.

Inside, the automaker ditched the instrument panel carried over from the non-facelifted C-Class W203. It replaced it with a new one, with a large speedometer and tachometer that flanked a new, black and white LCD for the car’s onboard computer, inherited from the C-Class W203 facelift. In addition, Mercedes-Benz installed a coolant temperature indicator on the left and a fuel level gauge on the right. The center console housed a new COMAND infotainment system carried over from the E-Class. Its front seats were available with heating, even though the car was not exactly desirable for winter driving due to its rag top.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a choice of two engines: a 3.0-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8. The former was a turbodiesel, and the latter was a gasoline-powered powerplant. Both were paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which has been on other Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever since 2003. Power went in all corners via a two-speed transfer case.

In addition to the 5-door and 3-door versions of the G-Class W463, Mercedes-Benz introduced a facelifted version in 2000 for the 2001 model year, which was highly desirable for those who lived in sunny areas.

Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class with a rag-top ever since the 1979 W461 as an entry-level model. That automaker decided to do that since it was cheaper to build. After all, it used fewer metallic and glass parts for it. Moreover, the open-top shared most of its components with the three-door version. Furthermore, since the SUV was a body-on-frame construction, the automaker didn't even have to create further reinforcements to the chassis. The only part that had to be included in the process was the retractable canvas top with its mechanism and the safety arch above the C-pillars. Even the doors were the same, with frames for the windows.

The 2001 G-Class cabriolet shared its front fascia with the rest of the range. It featured a revised, three-slat plastic (ABS) grille where the three-pointed star badge took center stage. The redesigned headlights were surrounded by body-colored plastic trim. The automaker left the same top-mounted turn signal and parking lamps on the front fenders, albeit with clear lenses and amber lights for the blinkers. The plastic front bumper could be fitted with fog lamps.

On its profile, the G-Class convertible featured triangular B-pillars that integrated triangular windows. Mercedes-Benz concealed the roll-over protection elements behind them. These could protect the front occupants in the event of a crash, but not the rear-seated ones. Depending on the trim and engine version, the G-Class convertible was available with vents on the front fenders. Another improvement was the introduction of turn signals in the door mirror caps. Just like the non-facelifted version of this model, the SUV sported body-colored flared fenders over the light-alloy wheels. The canvas roof could be hand-closed and featured tiny triangular plastic side windows and a rectangular one in the back. Mercedes-Benz installed the full-size spare wheel on the rear door, like on the 1990 G-Class Cabriolet.

Inside, customers found a completely revamped cabin. The dashboard featured a large speedometer in the middle flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel-level gauge on the right. Surprisingly, there was no coolant temperature indicator. It had to be accessed via the car's onboard computer, which showed its data via an LCD placed inside the speedometer. On the center stack, the automaker installed its new COMAND infotainment system that integrated the stereo and the navigation into one unit. Even though it wasn't a touchscreen type, it could still do its job. The front occupants sat on high-mounted side bolstered seats, while behind, on the bench, there was hardly room for two adults. Furthermore, it was difficult to climb them there.

Mercedes-Benz worked consistently on a new range of Euro 3-compliant engines for its entire range. As a result, the 2001 G-Class came with new turbodiesel and gasoline powerplants. These were also more powerful than their predecessors. These were paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox, known as the 5G-Tronic, that could smoothly run through gears without spoiling the vehicle's occupants' fun or comfort. As expected, the power went in all corners via a transfer case and three locking differentials.

After a decade since the introduction of the G-Class W460, Mercedes-Benz finally unveiled the second generation of this iconic model, which was produced in several shapes and sizes, including a three-door convertible.

The new generation of the G-Class was more than just a refresh for the older generation, even though, at first sight, they looked identical. But the German automaker gave it a new code, the W463, and dramatically improved the vehicle. While the exterior hasn’t changed too much since the SUV’s boxy shape was highly appreciated, the interior was entirely new, the engine lineup was significantly upgraded, and the drivetrain switched from a part-time four-wheel drive to an all-wheel drive setup. In addition, the suspension was improved so the G-Class could provide enhanced on-road behavior. It still drove like a utility vehicle, but not just any truck, one that wore the three-pointed star badge on its grille.

Since the lineup was based on a ladder-frame chassis, it was easier for the automaker to create new shapes. But still, the convertible was kept available only for the short wheelbase version shared with its three-door sibling. As a result, the front fascia remained similar to its brothers. It meant that it featured a new, body-colored grille flanked by new round headlights with plastic trims around them. The parking lights and the blinkers were still placed on the upper side of the front fenders. Furthermore, the front bumper was replaced, and a set of integrated rectangular fog lamps was available.

From its profile, the 1990 G-Class Cabriolet featured similar flat panels at the front and on the sides. But unlike its predecessor or the rest of the range, the B-post was triangular and integrated a narrow, tilted forward window. Mercedes-Benz considered installing a safety arch to protect occupants in case of a rollover accident. SUVs were more prone to tip over than regular convertibles due to their higher center of gravity. Depending on the trim and options, the G-Class cabriolet featured side steps and alloy wheels, albeit the door mirrors were still black. These were later upgraded after the lineup’s facelift. Out back, the side-hinged half-door supported the spare wheel.

Inside, the G-Class cabriolet was a far departure from the 1979 model year. Unlike its older sibling, which barely had any amenities, this one was available with luxurious features. Besides the power windows and the stereo, it also had air conditioning. Furthermore, customers could equip it with wood trims and leather upholstery on the dashboard. The dashboard itself was completely new. It was still narrow but featured a larger instrument cluster fronting the driver, where the speedometer took center stage and was flanked by the tachometer on the right and by the fuel and temperature gauges on the left. In addition, the center stack housed the buttons for the three locking differentials, while the center console housed the gear selector and the lever for the transfer case.

Under the slightly refreshed bodywork, the automaker installed a new range of turbodiesel and gasoline engines. The transmission was via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the two-speed transfer box sent the power to both axles via a manual locking center differential. As a result, the G-Class was much safer to drive on pavement and without the fear of damaging driveshafts or tires.

The iconic-looking Mercedes-Benz G-Class started its career in 1979, and the entry-level version was offered in an open-top configuration and available with a short wheelbase.

In the early ‘70s, Mercedes-Benz started to work on a new off-road vehicle that became the 1979 G-Class. The G in its nameplate came from Gelandewagen, which means off-road vehicle. The car’s development started when the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a significant stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, convinced the carmaker’s board to develop a vehicle that could go anywhere. It was a great idea, especially since the European off-road vehicle market started to pick up speed after Land Rover introduced the Range Rover in 1970 and the Series III in 1971. The German brand partnered with the Austrian company Steyr to produce the car, which was mostly hand-built. As a result, the open-top version was the most affordable one, especially since all versions were made on a ladder chassis.

The car had to feature a short front overhang. To do that, the carmaker’s designers had to create a flat front fascia. To protect it from scratches and elements, it sported a broad black grille that also integrated the high-mounted headlights. Above them, on top of the fenders, the automaker installed the parking lights and the turn signals, an element that also became a trademark for the vehicle. From its profile, the G-Class Convertible featured a flat and steep windshield. The flat side panels were crossed front to back by a black trim interrupted only by the grab-type door handles. Behind the doors, the automaker installed a safety arch that protected the front occupants in the event of a rollover crash. Behind it, the manually retractable canvas roof featured plastic windows. Finally, out back, the automaker installed a side-hinged half-door that also doubled as support for the spare wheel.

Inside the cabin, the automaker placed two flat seats for the front occupants and a folding bench in the back. In front of the driver, Mercedes-Benz installed a small instrument cluster filled with three dials that showed the speed on the left, the rev counter in the upper-middle position, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. In addition, there were a few warning lights. On the center stack, the G-Class Convertible featured the controls for the heater, an ashtray, and an optional stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker installed the levers that locked the front and rear differentials, the gear stick, and the transfer case lever.

Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class Convertible with a choice of four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. These were paired as standard with a four-speed manual transmission. Later, a four-speed automatic became available for the 300 GD version. Thanks to its rigid axles and the coil springs, the car performed excellently in off-road situations, but on regular roads, not so much. But still, that didn’t scare customers.