Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet Roars Back: Legendary Drop-Top Icon Returns After 12 Years

Mercedes-Benz has sent shockwaves through the automotive world with the announcement of the new G-Class Cabriolet, marking the legendary off-roader’s open-top return after more than a decade. The teaser, revealed via Instagram, revives memories of a cult icon whose legacy stretches back to 1979, sparking excitement among enthusiasts and collectors alike. 

The Comeback of an Icon

On September 4, the official Mercedes-Benz G-Class Instagram account declared, “The icon evolves. The top goes down. The legendary G Cabriolet returns,” igniting immediate buzz across social media. This new iteration of the cabriolet will be offered globally—including, for the first time, in the US—underscoring Mercedes’ intent to celebrate the G’s enduring legend by making it accessible to a wider audience. 

Historical Roots of G Wagen Cabriolet

The G-Class Cabriolet traces its roots to the original, two-door, short-wheelbase convertible variant engineered for military and civilian use, first appearing at launch in 1979. These open-air models earned fame for their rugged styling: flat windscreen, steep front fascia, and roll bar with a manually retractable canvas roof. Throughout the years, Mercedes refined its formula, eventually evolving the cabriolet into the luxurious G500 Cabriolet between 1999 and 2013. This version offered V8 power, leather-clad interiors, power roofs, and modern amenities—making it a darling among collectors where pristine examples can fetch upwards of half a million dollars today. 

A further highlight of the G Cabriolet lineage was the ultra-exclusive Maybach G650 Landaulet, introduced in 2017 as a high-riding, V12-powered, four-door luxury convertible. Only 99 units were produced, combining a front hard top with a rear folding roof and individually appointed rear seats. 

When We Last Saw the Cabriolet

Production of the two-door G-Class Cabriolet ceased in 2013 with the commemorative “Final Edition 200.” Since then, Mercedes has not offered any open-top G-Wagen in its line-up. The announcement of the upcoming G-Class Cabriolet thus marks a historic revival, ending a twelve-year absence and promising new technical advancements and global reach. The new teaser suggests a four-door configuration, potentially drawing inspiration from the G650 Landaulet’s retractable roof and luxury features. 

What’s Next

Technical details remain under wraps, but industry insiders anticipate multiple drivetrain options—including electric—alongside signature G-Class cues like a flat bonnet, upright windscreen, body-on-frame construction, and three locking differentials. The world awaits a full unveil at the upcoming Munich Motor Show, where Mercedes-Benz is set to showcase the convertible’s evolution, heralding a new chapter in the enduring tale of the G Wagen Cabriolet.