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details are currently sparse, but it looks largely similar to the regular G-Class, except that the hard top has been replaced by a retractable soft top.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 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 4x4² 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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