The 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet: A Rare Icon with the Roof Off

In the world of automotive rarities, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet holds a special place. Before AMG badges were mainstream and before the G-Class became a red carpet regular, there was this: a short-wheelbase, V8-powered, open-air SUV that combined old-world craftsmanship with the raw utility of a military-grade machine. This isn’t just a convertible. It’s a convertible G-Wagon—and that alone makes it legendary.

A Convertible Off-Roader.

Built by hand in Graz, Austria, the 1999 G500 Cabriolet is a unicorn by today’s standards. Based on the short-wheelbase W463 chassis, it features just two doors and a fully retractable soft-top roof—an eccentric body style that Mercedes never offered in mass production outside of select European and Middle Eastern markets.

At a time when the G-Class was still a rugged, relatively low-volume utility vehicle, the Cabriolet version catered to a small but discerning clientele who wanted true 4x4 performance with the added thrill of open-air motoring.

Engine

Powering the 1999 G500 Cabriolet is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter M113 V8, producing around 296 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a smooth but muscular drive, equally at home crawling over rocky paths or cruising through Monaco.

It also features full-time 4MATIC all-wheel drive, three locking differentials, and a solid front and rear axle setup. In other words, it’s still a proper G-Wagon—just with the top down.

Design

The boxy silhouette. The upright windshield. The external spare tire. The exposed hinges. Every detail of the 1999 G500 Cabriolet screams authenticity. But what sets it apart is that manually folding canvas roof, complete with a zippered rear window and roll-down sides.

With the top down, it looks like a safari truck for the ultra-wealthy—something you'd expect to see on a remote estate in South Africa or along the coast in Saint-Tropez. Add in Mercedes’ classic chrome grille and squared-off fenders, and you have a vehicle that’s both utilitarian and timelessly stylish.

Interior

Inside, the 1999 model is a study in late-’90s Mercedes-Benz luxury. Think solid materials, wood trim, and thick, durable leather—not overly flashy, but undeniably premium. The ergonomics are old-school German: functional, logical, and made to last.

You won’t find massive touchscreens or gesture controls here. Instead, you get analog gauges, chunky buttons, and that unmistakable Mercedes click when you shut the door—a reminder that this was built when Mercedes was still “overengineering” everything.

Future Market Value: A Collectible on the Rise

As of 2025, prices for clean, low-mileage 1999 G500 Cabriolets have been steadily climbing. What was once a niche enthusiast’s choice is now seen as a rare and appreciating asset. Depending on condition, provenance, and location, current asking prices range from $120,000 to over $180,000 USD, with standout examples pushing beyond $200K at European or collector auctions.

Why the Value Will Likely Keep Rising:

• Scarcity: Extremely limited production—especially of early SWB V8 Cabriolets—means supply will never meet rising demand.

• Heritage: As the G-Class evolves into a tech-laden luxury SUV, vintage models like the ’99 represent a purer, more mechanical form of the legend.

• Uniqueness: There’s simply nothing else like it on the road—an open-top luxury SUV with true off-road credibility.

• Collectibility: With collector interest growing in rare '90s and early 2000s vehicles, this model hits a sweet spot of analog driving and timeless design.

In short, the 1999 G500 Cabriolet isn’t just a fun ride—it’s an investment-grade collectible that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Final Verdict: Charmingly Out of Place—and Perfectly So

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet is not about numbers or lap times. It’s about character—the kind that’s hard to find in today’s era of cookie-cutter SUVs. It’s rough around the edges, impractical for many, and incredibly cool for precisely those reasons.

It’s not just a convertible. It’s not just a G-Wagon. It’s a defiant blend of both—and in a world that takes itself too seriously, the ’99 G500 Cabriolet is an open-top reminder to enjoy the ride.

If you're interested in this specific 1999 Mercedes G500 Cabriolet, you can find it at Motorcars Studio for sale!