One of the longest running models in automotive history, the W463 Geländewagen was in production from 1990 until 2019. It saw cosmetic, specification and powertrain changes throughout its production run, but the basic chassis and architecture remained mostly unchanged.
Unintentionally, it landed up becoming Mercedes-Benz’s first luxury SUV, being renamed in 1994 as the ‘G-Class’. It was offered in three guises; three-door short-wheelbase, two-door short-wheelbase cabriolet, or five-door long-wheelbase.
During its lifetime, a wide array of engine, gearbox and trim levels were offered, but one of the most popular of the bunch proved to be the G500 Cabriolet. In 2013 at the International Mobility Show in Frankfurt, the G500 Cabriolet Final Edition was debuted, marking the end of two-door G-Class production and limited to just 200 units, all of which were sold prior to the vehicle’s premiere.
Distinguishing Final Edition models from the rest of the range were a number of tell-tale features such as “Final Edition 200” badges on the B-pillars, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, electric soft top and colour matched tonneau, and a stainless steel rear wheel cover and kick plates, as well as a Designo leather interior.
Power came from Mercedes-Benz’s venerable M273 5,5-litre V8 motor, producing 285 kW and 540 N.m which was enough to propel beach Barbie’s G-Class to 100 km/h in just 6,2 seconds. Mercedes-Benz’ often-praised 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission was mated to the petrol mill.
Due to go on auction at RM Sotheby’s St Moritz auction 17th and 18th September 2021, this particular example of the G500 Cabriolet Final Edition presents just 5 452 km and in desirable Designo Platinum Black over Designo Sand and black leather hide upholstery, the door panels featuring diamond stitching, too. In addition, the cabin features Designo piano black trim adorns and an AMG performance steering wheel. The exterior features a chrome AMG-style grille, chrome waistline trim, and chrome “V-8” badges which adorn the front fenders. The brushed aluminium kickplates feature “Final Edition 200” which is backlit by a warm white light.
The vehicle left the Graz, Austria factory on 21 October 2013, and was received two days later in Munich, Germany, by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. It was only registered as a 2014 model, though.
Estimates are that this example will fetch between CHF300,000 (R4 749 000) and CHF350,000 (R5 541 000) when it goes under the hammer this weekend.
