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Mercedes-Benz G-class Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2000) G 400 CDI V8 (250 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic
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 2000) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2000)). With 560 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2475 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 182 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 400 CDI V8 (250 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong torque from the V8 diesel provides robust pulling power, making it feel more effortless, especially off-road or when towing.
Fuel Economy
While better than the petrol variants, the V8 CDI still consumes a significant amount of fuel, though it offers the best range.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design with unique cabriolet appeal
- • Exceptional off-road capability and robust build quality
- • Strong V8 engine options providing ample power
- • High resale value due to its legendary status
- • Luxurious interior for its era, especially after facelift
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy, particularly with petrol engines
- • Compromised on-road handling and ride comfort compared to modern SUVs
- • Limited modern safety features and technology
- • High purchase price and expensive maintenance/parts
- • Noisy cabin at higher speeds due to aerodynamic design
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W463, facelift 2000: February, 2000 - March, 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Cabriolet (W463, facelift 2000) |
| Modification (Engine): | G 400 CDI V8 (250 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | February, 2001 |
| End of production: | August, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle, Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 250 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.6 Hp/l [45mm more] |
| Torque: | 560 Nm @ 1700-2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 628.962 More details about the engine OM 628.962 |
| Engine displacement: | 3996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9 l |
| Coolant: | 10.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 16.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 182 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 101 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.4 kg/Nm, 226.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2475 |
| Max. weight: | 2850 |
| Max load: | 375 |
| 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: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4275 mm mm [45mm more] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1941 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2007 mm |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 205 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 34° |
| Departure angle: | 26° |
| 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 R 18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 18 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz G-class? Tell us in the comments!