After dropping the first teaser in September this year, Mercedes-Benz has now released the first images of a prototype of the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet. The Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet will be making a return after over 12 years since the original one was discontinued 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details are currently sparse, but it looks largely similar to the regular G-Class, except that the hard top has been replaced by a retractable soft-top.
- Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet to make a return after over 12 years
- Is expected to be offered with multiple powertrain options
Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet: what to expect?
The prototype images confirm that the G-Class Cabriolet will get a folding soft-top roof just like the previous cabriolet version of the G-Class. However, unlike the previous version which was a short wheelbase, two-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, the slab-sided doors with the protection bars and the flared wheel arches. And despite the redesigned roof, it also retains its typical upright and 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, which suggest this 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. There’s, however, no word on a specific debut timeline.
Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet: a brief history
Mercedes had first offered a drop-top G-Class way back in 1979 – it was a two-door, short-wheelbase SUV that was 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 four-door Maybach G 650 Landaulet, which was based on the G 63 4×4² and was 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 the 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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