The return of an icon
When Mercedes-Benz heavily revamped the ever-iconic Geländewagen for its 2019 model year, we were left uncertain as to whether any of its quirky variants or special editions – the incredible cabriolet included – would ever return. Thankfully, now we have an official answer, as Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed that the legendary G-Class Cabriolet is coming back, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. It’s been over a decade since the legacy German automaker last offered a drop-top variant of its beloved G-Wagen, so it’s been a long time coming, but lovers of quirky vehicles everywhere can finally rejoice.
Although Mercedes-Benz has only offered a sinisterly darkened teaser of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet, we can get a pretty solid sense of what it might look like from Refined Marque’s custom G63 AMG conversion, pictured above. Although the Refined Marques custom conversion costs upwards of seven figures, we don’t expect that the official Mercedes cabrio will cost quite that much, but pricing is still unknown, so who really knows?
Mercedes-Benz
Analyzing the official teaser
The teaser does, at least, showcase one crucial and notable feature: a shortened wheelbase. True G-Wagen fanatics know that the model used to be available in two-door, short-wheelbase guise as well as four-door, long-wheelbase, much like the difference between the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110. The revival of the G-Wagen Cabriolet not only brings back wind-in-your-hair drop-top charm to the G-Class family, but also opens up the possibility for a two-door hardtop to return in the future – an exciting prospect for old-school G-Wagen enthusiasts.
Until Mercedes-Benz discloses more information about the details and specifications of the new G-Class Cabriolet, we’ll just have to imagine what it might look like and what it might pack under the hood. For now, the closest thing to a G-Cab from Mercedes is the G580 with EQ Technology Popemobile, which transported Pope Francis with style and grace until his recent passing. Perhaps we’ll see its EV powertrain under the hood of the new G-Cabrio, but it’s more likely we’ll see either the hybridized straight-six from the current G500 or the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from either the G580 or the G63 AMG.
Final thoughts
The return of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet showcases yet another exciting decision from Mercedes-Benz to integrate quirky, less conventional models into its lineup, leaning more towards exclusivity and creating icons as opposed to chasing mass volume sales with cheaper vehicles that dilute the brand’s luxurious heritage. It’s genuinely exciting to see this model return, even if I’ll likely never be able to afford it, because it demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s understanding of the value of its heritage and its enthusiasts – something many brands these days seem to have forgotten. I’m looking forward to seeing what else the automaker has in store for the coming months and years. As a Mercedes fan and ex-Mercedes salesperson, I’m glad to see a high-end luxury brand that still cares about its heritage, unlike, say, Jaguar…
