Chassis No. WDB4632021X216724

Few Mercedes-Benz models, or vehicles for that matter, are as iconic as the Geländewagen and for good reason. Introduced in 1979, the "G-Wagen"remained structurally unchanged for almost 40 years as it slowly morphed from its utilitarian beginnings into a modern day luxury car still capable of off-road greatness. The introduction of the "W460" body-style Mercedes, in joint partnership with Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria, put Mercedes-Benz on a path that board meetings, flow-charts, and conference calls could never have predicted. Originally conceived as no-frills transportation able to traverse all manner of terrain, it became a new branch in the Mercedes lineup, with the Stuttgart concern now finally able to compete with the likes of the Land Rover which ruled the segment for over 30 years.

The early 1990s brought the biggest changes to the Geländewagen, with the updated "W463" platform and in 1994 a name change to simply "G-Class." The platform changes coincided with customer demand for everyday creature comforts they had come to expect from other models of Mercedes and the competition. With the addition of luxurious interior and a newly refined exterior the G-Class did not lose its off-road credibility; in fact it became even more capable with permanent all-wheel drive instead of the on-demand all-wheel drive used until then. Mercedes even began to offer eight-cylinder and twelve-cylinder engines to create an even more powerful and luxurious G-Class.

Ever since the G-Wagen started on the path to luxurious civility in the 1990s, Mercedes has created more than its fair share of variants and special editions. The G500 Cabriolet Final Edition is one of the more renowned versions of the group. For starters, if you heard about this Final Edition during its introduction at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show and were interested in purchasing one it was already too late. All 200 were sold before any official production began. To reward their best customers and to give the Cabriolet a proper sendoff, Mercedes specified all 200 Final Edition Cabriolets with a 5.5-liter V8 offering up 388 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The Final Edition featured all of the luxurious touches that customers had come to expect from Mercedes, including "Exclusive Package" interior in Designo leather, flat bottomed AMG Performance sport steering wheel, and piano black trim featured inside. The interior also showcases a number of subtle special model indications with the seats and door kick plates featuring the "Final Edition 200" logo. The same followed on the exterior with an understated Final Edition 200 badge on either lower B-pillar rearward of the doors. Of course, the main feature of any Final Edition Cabriolet is the power folding Cabriolet top. All Final Editions feature a soft top in Beige, that, once unlatched, retracted from the top of the windshield and folded behind the rear seats at the touch of a button.

Unavailable in the USA when new, this example in Indium Gray Metallic over Sand Designo leather, was imported under EPA/DOT Show and Display law in 2021/22. Because of their low production numbers and the fact they were not sold new in the USA these special G500s are extremely rare in the United States. Well optioned when new, this German market example features heated and ventilated front seats, leather-clad dashboard, and ambiance illumination. On the exterior this G500 features, chrome package, stainless steel package, blind spot assist, Parktronic, ESP, and a tow hitch. This Final Edition Cabriolet was recently imported to the USA directly from Germany and at the time of cataloging featured just over 25,000 km (15,000 mi). It is offered with Montana registration and is EPA certified in 49 states (not including California).

While Mercedes-Benz engineers of the 1970s could not have imagined the luxury and status that would come to represent the final evolutions of their original Geländewagen, they would have been pleased to know that these phenomenally capable vehicles still offer amazing off-road performance. While some may use their Final Edition Cabriolets in this manner, it is perfectly acceptable, or almost required, to cruise along a shoreline road in the summer months, enjoying all that the open Cabriolet roof has to offer.

Addendum:

Please note that this car is non-California smog compliant and offered for sale to dealers and out of state buyers only