These are the first images of the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet, which is returning after over 12 years.
After dropping the first teaser for the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet in September this year, Mercedes-Benz has now released the first images of its prototype. The Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet will make a return after over 12 years, following the original’s discontinuation in international markets in 2013. Technical details are currently sparse, but it looks largely similar to the regular G-Class, except that the hard top has been replaced by a retractable soft top.
- New G-Class Cabriolet will be a 4-door model
- Is expected to be offered with multiple powertrain options
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first images of a new G-Class Cabriolet prototype with a retractable soft-top, marking the return of the convertible G-Wagen after a 12-year hiatus. This new model is expected to be a four-door variant, unlike the previous two-door version.
Key Features and Specifications
While specific technical details are still sparse, here is what is known about the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet:
- Design: The new model largely retains the iconic, boxy G-Class design, including the flat bonnet, flared wheel arches, and a side-hinged rear door with a spare wheel mounted on it. The key difference is the redesigned roofline to accommodate the folding fabric soft-top.
- Seating/Doors: Unlike the previous two-door, short-wheelbase G-Class Cabriolet, this new version will feature a four-door configuration, likely improving interior space and practicality.
- Powertrain Options: Mercedes has not officially confirmed the powertrain options, but the prototype images show a rear differential, hinting at a potential combustion engine. It is expected to share engine options with the standard G-Class, which include a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine (G550) and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (AMG G63), both with mild-hybrid technology. An electric variant, possibly using the G580 with EQ technology, may also be offered.
- Off-Road Capability: The vehicle is expected to retain all of the G-Class’s rugged off-road hardware, including its body-on-frame construction and three locking differentials.
- Status: The vehicle revealed is a prototype currently undergoing testing, with winter testing scheduled in Sweden. It is being developed as a special edition model.
- Debut Timeline: There is no specific debut timeline confirmed by Mercedes-Benz, but a full reveal is anticipated in early 2026, with sales likely commencing later that year.
- Pricing: Official pricing has not been announced. However, as it is expected to be a special edition, industry experts speculate it will be significantly more expensive than the standard fixed-roof G-Class, which starts around $155,150 for the 2026 model year, according to jalopnik.com.
The return of a Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet has been highly anticipated by enthusiasts since the original was discontinued in 2013.
Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet: What to expect?
The prototype images confirm that the G-Class Cabriolet will feature a folding soft-top roof just like the previous G-Class Cabriolet. However, unlike that version, which was a short-wheelbase, 2-door model, the new G-Class Cabriolet will be offered as a 4-door model. It will also retain the side-hinged rear door panel with the spare wheel mounted on it.
A redesigned roofline aside, the new G-Class Cabriolet seems to carry over all the quintessential G-Class design cues, such as the flat bonnet, slab-sided doors with protection bars and flared wheel arches. And despite the redesigned roof, it retains the typical upright, boxy stance, which means interior space and practicality aren’t likely to be compromised too much.
There’s no official word on the powertrain options, but there appears to be a differential on the rear axle, suggesting that it could be powered by a combustion engine. Mercedes could also offer the new G-Class Cabriolet with an electric powertrain from the G580 with EQ technology. It is also expected to retain all its off-road hardware.
No launch timing has been disclosed yet, but given it is already testing and is a variant of a model already on sale, an arrival date to coincide with the start of summer in Europe – the drop-top season – is plausible.
Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet: A brief history
Mercedes had first offered a drop-top G-Class way back in 1979: a 2-door, short-wheelbase SUV produced until 2013 for both military and civilian use. It came with a roll bar and a manually retractable canvas roof.
In 2017, the German brand revealed the ultra-luxurious 4-door Maybach G 650 Landaulet, based on the G 63 4×4² and powered by a 630hp 6.0-litre V12 engine. The Maybach G650 Landaulet, which had a limited run of 99 units, featured a front hard top combined with a rear folding-roof section, along with individual rear seats mounted at the back of the chassis.
More recently, Mercedes tuning specialist Brabus unveiled two convertible versions of AMG G63: the Brabus 800 Cabrio and Brabus 800 XL Cabrio. The standard 800 Cabrio features a Widestar body kit, lowered suspension and 24-inch forged wheels, while the 800 XL Cabrio gets an extended wheelbase and portal axles for 18.9 inches of ground clearance.
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