MERCEDES-BENZ G500 Cabriolet Review

Last year Mercedes revamped the G-Class range, setting a team of geeks lose inside the cabin. They came with their devices from the future and pushed the interior light years ahead. Fortunately though, they weren’t allowed to change the sound the doors make when they close. The Cabriolet may have less doors, but you still get the feeling you’re commanding a firing squad when you unlock.

As for the aforementioned upgrades, the first thing that strikes you is the infotainment screen for the upgraded Comand system. No, it’s not detachable, so don’t try to pull it out of the dash. It does, however, put the Gelandewagen ahead of so many new Mercedes models, which use a significantly smaller display.

Be generous with the optional extras and you’ll have refreshing Designo leather to match the metallic and wood trim spread around the cabin.

The G-Class Cabriolet knows how to work its magic on from the first moment you’ve entered it. The upright windshield and side windows make a unique combination with the angled shapes found towards the rear of the vehicle. Yes, this feeling is one of the car’s secret weapons.

Even in a Cabriolet form, the Mercedes G-Class still feels solid and protective. Thanks to the reinforcement element above you and the small side windows at the back, you never feel exposed in this vehicle. Try to grab that arch above your head and you’ll feel the solidity of a bridge beam.

Being inside the G-Class is a bit like a vice - you like it and you don’t quite care what the world thinks about this. And in this little universe of your own, you can also have three other people share the feeling.

Yes, that means that the rear seats are decent to use. Once you push the seat up a bit it will power itself to a nice access position. This allows you to get to the rear area pretty easily. Once you’re there, you’ll find a pleasing amount of space for a cabrio, as well as comfy seats. The only complaint came from our elbows, which couldn't find any place to rest, having to make due with the seat base.

You can’t expect the rear visibility to be anything else than funny, but the rest will be a surprise. The large windshield, the pretty compact dimensions and the shape of the front end mean it’s easy to position this thing on and off the road. You can always rely on the park assistance too, so if you’ll ever bump the car ahead of you for the fun of it there’ll be no excuse for doing so.