Drake has revealed a heavily customized 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 that transforms the classic luxury SUV into an open-air safari truck. Built by California-based S-KLUB LA, the distinctive vehicle features a redesigned two-door body, desert beige paint, custom safari equipment and personal branding tied to the rapper’s OVO and ICEMAN identities.
A Classic Mercedes-Benz G500 Gets a Major Makeover
The custom build is based on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Europa Edition, an unusual choice given that Mercedes-Benz did not begin official U.S. sales of the G500 until 2002. S-KLUB LA reworked the vehicle extensively, replacing much of its enclosed body with an open-cabin design.
The transformation includes a two-door configuration, a custom steel safari rack and a tubular structure surrounding the open cabin. Desert beige paint, widebody fenders and additional lighting complete the rugged exterior.
Rather than following the oversized-wheel trend often associated with customized luxury SUVs, the build emphasizes the G-Class’s traditional off-road character. Its open-air design gives the vehicle a different identity from the modern G-Wagens commonly found in celebrity car collections.
The Custom G-Wagen Embraces the Model’s Off-Road Roots
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was introduced in 1979 as a rugged off-roader, long before the model became a luxury status symbol. Although the vehicle has evolved considerably over the decades, its distinctive boxy silhouette remains a defining part of its appeal.
Drake’s customized G500 takes a different approach to personalization, focusing on extensive bodywork and a safari-inspired design rather than relying primarily on aggressive styling or performance upgrades.
OVO and ICEMAN Branding Personalize the SUV
The most prominent branding appears at the front of the vehicle, where the familiar Mercedes-Benz star on the grille has been replaced with a gold-accented OVO owl emblem. The design references October’s Very Own, the lifestyle brand and record label associated with Drake.
Custom “ICEMAN” lettering across the roof structure adds another distinctive detail connected to the rapper’s ICEMAN branding. Together, the additions give the otherwise rugged vehicle a personalized appearance.
Audio Upgrades and a $399,999 Asking Price
The cabin has also received modifications, with reported audio upgrades including Audison Thesis speakers, DSP Forza amplifiers and four 10-inch subwoofers. However, S-KLUB LA has not disclosed all the mechanical changes made during the conversion.
The California-based builder identifies the project in its own listing as the G500 Europa Safari Edition. The truck was previously advertised for $399,999, although that figure represents an asking price rather than a confirmed sale or the amount Drake paid for the vehicle.
With its open-air configuration, safari-inspired exterior and personalized OVO and ICEMAN details, the customized Mercedes-Benz G500 demonstrates the extent to which a classic G-Wagen can be transformed beyond its original factory design.
