Hard to believe it’s been over a decade since Mercedes built the last regular G-Class Cabriolet. Sure, there was the bonkers Maybach open-top version called the “Landaulet” in 2017, but only 99 units were ever sold. The modern G-Wagen launched in 2018 never received the cabrio treatment. Aside from the occasional tuner special from Brabus with suicide doors, Mercedes has yet to chop off the off-roader’s fixed metal roof.
At long last, a new G-Class with a folding roof is coming straight from Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, where the G is built. Mercedes is teasing the return of the Cabriolet with a shadowy preview. The German luxury automaker remains tight-lipped about the new member of the “G” family, only confirming it will be sold in nearly every market around the world, including the United States.
The teaser suggests a Landaulet-style profile, with roof edges extending to the rear. By contrast, the standard previous-generation G-Class Cabriolet had a much shorter roof. There’s a good chance the new model has rear doors, which would make sense since the latest iteration of the SUV is sold exclusively with four doors.
Don’t expect the new G-Class Cabriolet to be anywhere near as extreme as the old Landaulet with its portal axles and V-12 engine. Mercedes did launch a G63 4x4² a few years back with portal axles, but that was an AMG, whereas this future version is branded as a Benz. The newcomer is expected to be a regular G550 with a folding fabric roof.
Since the “EQ with Technology” suffix isn’t mentioned in the press release, it’s safe to assume the newcomer will be based on the gas model rather than the fully electric G580 introduced last year. Given its global availability, the G450d diesel might also receive the convertible treatment.
The Cabriolet’s arrival follows a milestone celebrated last month when Mercedes built the 600,000th G-Class, 46 years after the first one was assembled. The company hasn’t said when the Cabriolet will debut, but with a teaser already out, expect to see it before the end of the year. Sales should begin in 2026. Prepare to pay a premium over the standard G550, which starts at $149,400 including destination.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
