2001 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet 320

Vehicle Overview

In addition to the 5-door and 3-door versions of the G-Class W463, Mercedes-Benz introduced a facelifted version in 2000 for the 2001 model year, which was highly desirable for those who lived in sunny areas.

Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class with a rag-top ever since the 1979 W461 as an entry-level model. That automaker decided to do that since it was cheaper to build. After all, it used fewer metallic and glass parts for it. Moreover, the open-top shared most of its components with the three-door version. Furthermore, since the SUV was a body-on-frame construction, the automaker didn’t even have to create further reinforcements to the chassis. The only part that had to be included in the process was the retractable canvas top with its mechanism and the safety arch above the C-pillars. Even the doors were the same, with frames for the windows.

The 2001 G-Class cabriolet shared its front fascia with the rest of the range. It featured a revised, three-slat plastic (ABS) grille where the three-pointed star badge took center stage. The redesigned headlights were surrounded by body-colored plastic trim. The automaker left the same top-mounted turn signal and parking lamps on the front fenders, albeit with clear lenses and amber lights for the blinkers. The plastic front bumper could be fitted with fog lamps.

On its profile, the G-Class convertible featured triangular B-pillars that integrated triangular windows. Mercedes-Benz concealed the roll-over protection elements behind them. These could protect the front occupants in the event of a crash, but not the rear-seated ones. Depending on the trim and engine version, the G-Class convertible was available with vents on the front fenders. Another improvement was the introduction of turn signals in the door mirror caps. Just like the non-facelifted version of this model, the SUV sported body-colored flared fenders over the light-alloy wheels. The canvas roof could be hand-closed and featured tiny triangular plastic side windows and a rectangular one in the back. Mercedes-Benz installed the full-size spare wheel on the rear door, like on the 1990 G-Class Cabriolet.

Inside, customers found a completely revamped cabin. The dashboard featured a large speedometer in the middle flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel-level gauge on the right. Surprisingly, there was no coolant temperature indicator. It had to be accessed via the car’s onboard computer, which showed its data via an LCD placed inside the speedometer. On the center stack, the automaker installed its new COMAND infotainment system that integrated the stereo and the navigation into one unit. Even though it wasn’t a touchscreen type, it could still do its job. The front occupants sat on high-mounted side bolstered seats, while behind, on the bench, there was hardly room for two adults. Furthermore, it was difficult to climb them there.

Mercedes-Benz worked consistently on a new range of Euro 3-compliant engines for its entire range. As a result, the 2001 G-Class came with new turbodiesel and gasoline powerplants. These were also more powerful than their predecessors. These were paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox, known as the 5G-Tronic, that could smoothly run through gears without spoiling the vehicle’s occupants’ fun or comfort. As expected, the power went in all corners via a transfer case and three locking differentials.