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Mercedes-Benz G-class Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2012) G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz G-class:
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, colloquially known as the G-Wagon or G-Wagen , is a four-wheel drive luxury SUV sold by Mercedes-Benz. Originally developed as a military off-roader, later more luxurious models were added to the line. In certain markets, it was sold under the Puch name as Puch G until 2000.
The G-Class is characterised by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the few passenger car vehicles to have such a feature. Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is one of the longest-produced vehicles in Daimler's history, with a span of 46 years. Only the Unimog surpasses it. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduced the second-generation W463 with heavily revised chassis, powertrain, body, and interior. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to launch a smaller version of the G-Class, named "little G"—though no definitive date was given for the launch....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2012) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2012)). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2305 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.5L V8 delivers robust performance with 388 Hp, providing strong acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.9s) suitable for both highway cruising and off-road demands.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high at 14.9 l/100 km combined, typical for a large, naturally aspirated V8 in a heavy off-roader, making it a thirsty choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design with open-air driving
- • Powerful 5.5L V8 engine with strong acceleration
- • Exceptional off-road capability with 4MATIC system
- • Exclusive and highly desirable collector's item
- • Robust and durable construction
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption (14.9 l/100 km combined)
- • High purchase price and running costs
- • Dated interior ergonomics despite facelift
- • Limited practicality for some due to 2-door cabriolet design
- • Not tested by Euro NCAP for modern safety standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (W463, facelift 2008): 2011 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2012) |
| Modification (Engine): | G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle, Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [405mm less] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.963 More details about the engine M 273.963 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 20 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 168.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 229.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2305 |
| Max. weight: | 2850 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 238 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2850 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 23° |
| Wading depth: | 600 mm |
| Length: | 4257 mm mm [405mm less] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1951 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [450mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2055 mm |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Front overhang: | 783 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 820 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 205 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 36° |
| Departure angle: | 27° |
| Climb angle: | 38.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz G-class. How does it handle on the road?