Mercedes-Benz Will Again Offer A G-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the G-Class family with a cabriolet and is already testing the prototypes on public roads and test tracks. Since previous generations of the iconic off-roader have offered a cabrio variant, the interest in the W465 cabriolet remained high. The production model is expected to start sales sometime next year, although no official estimate has been offered.
 

In a world of automotive dinosaurs, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class sits in a class of its own. The legendary Gelandewagen still uses a ladder-frame chassis and three locking differentials, something that few SUVs can match. It’s also one of the most capable off-roaders money can buy, while remaining one of the most luxurious. Besides that, the G-Class has offered a cabriolet variant for every generation, even though it stopped producing one almost a decade ago.
 
The German carmaker confirmed before the IAA Mobility show in September that the W465 G-Class will get its cabriolet fix sooner rather than later. Mercedes-Benz also offered a teaser picture that excited the fans, which only made it more confident that a cabrio variant would be welcome. This contrasts with other SUV models like the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which failed to attract customers and was eventually discontinued.
 
Many G-Class fans hoped that Mercedes-Benz would unveil at least a concept of the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet at the IAA Mobility 2025. However, the carmaker only showed another teaser image in Munich, without offering more details or a timeline. Now, we know that development is well underway, as Mercedes-Benz started dynamic tests for the G-Wagen Cabriolet. However, don’t get too excited: the German carmaker hinted this would only be a “special edition” model.
 
The Germans published the first pictures of the prototypes tested on public roads and test tracks, clearing a few misunderstandings caused by the teaser images. The most important is that the W465 cabrio might adopt a landaulet style, like the Maybach G 650 Landaulet. The pictures shared by Mercedes-Benz clearly show that the canvas roof extends all the way to the front, covering a significant real estate surface.
 

This also makes us think that the off-roader will have less space in the rear than the regular G-Class models. Folding and hiding the huge roof structure behind the spare wheel should take away quite a lot of space. Most likely, the G-Class Cabriolet will not have detachable doors like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. However, aftermarket tuners might provide such variants to well-off customers who are not afraid to murder their open-top G-Wagen.
 
The G-Class Cabriolet prototypes are now being tested both on public roads and on test tracks in Austria, where it will be produced by Magna Steyr. The engineer will use the gathered data to ensure the open-top variant will be just as remarkable to drive on and off-road as the hardtop G-Class. Later, the prototypes will be relocated to Sweden for the winter testing season. This is where Mercedes will hone the G-Class Cabriolet’s driving dynamics.
 
The prototype in the pictures shows a differential on the rear axle, revealing that it’s a combustion variant. However, an all-electric EQ Tech variant might also be offered in the future, alongside gasoline and diesel-fueled versions. Most probably, an AMG model is also in the works, although we’ll learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s plans next year.