Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the return of the G-Class Cabriolet, an open-top variant of its iconic G-Wagen SUV, making a comeback after being absent from the lineup for over a decade.

Also Read: Why Some People Prefer Mercedes-Benz Over Toyota

This time, the convertible model is not just a niche version, it’s set to be offered in nearly every market, including the United States .

What We Know So Far

The teaser image hints at a four-door body with a retractable soft-top roof, echoing the design language of the G-Class while introducing open-air allure, reminiscent of the Maybach G650 Landaulet .

Mercedes says the new Cabriolet will be in mass production, not a limited edition as in prior releases .

Historical Context & Why It Matters

The last factory-produced G-Class Cabriolet was the G500 Cabriolet, available between the late 1990s and 2013, known for blending rugged utility with luxury features like leather interiors and a V8 engine .

Mercedes also previously unveiled the lavish G650 Landaulet in 2017, an ultra-exclusive convertible version with a retractable rear roof, based on the G63 4×4² but only 99 units were produced .

Likely Timeline & Powertrain Options

Launch is expected during the 2026 model year, following the 2025 G-Class facelift .

Engine options could mirror the existing lineup:

• Diesel (e.g., G450d)
• Petrol inline-six (G500)
• Twin-turbo V8 (G63)
• Possibly electric (G580 EV) .

Quick Summary: What to Expect

Feature Details

Body Style Four-door G-Class with retractable soft-top roof

Market Availability Global—including U.S.—unlike past limited editions

Model Launch Likely 2026 model year, post-2025 facelift

Powertrain Options Diesel, petrol (inline-six & V8), possibly electric

Historical Precedent G500 Cabriolet (1999–2013); G650 Landaulet (2017, ultra-luxury)

A Legendary SUV With the Roof Down

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet, a cult favorite among luxury off-road enthusiasts has officially been confirmed for a global comeback. For the first time in more than a decade, the drop-top G-Wagen will re-enter production, but unlike previous niche editions, this one is expected to hit major markets worldwide, including the United States. Mercedes made the announcement with a teaser rendering, sparking excitement among fans of rugged luxury who have long demanded a return of the convertible version.

What’s Different This Time?

In its previous generations, the convertible G-Wagen was mostly limited to two-door configurations with very restricted production runs. The last widely available model, the G500 Cabriolet, disappeared in 2013 after years of serving as an exotic status symbol for wealthy collectors. Then, in 2017, Mercedes briefly revived the idea with the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, an ultra-exclusive open-top V12-powered SUV only 99 units were ever made.

But in this new era, Mercedes has confirmed that the upcoming Cabriolet will be a four-door body style, blending the practicality of the standard G-Class with the thrill of open-air driving. Early reports suggest the use of a retractable soft-top roof, similar in spirit to the Landaulet but designed for mass-market production rather than ultra-limited luxury.

Powertrain Options & Performance

While final specifications remain under wraps, insiders suggest the convertible G-Class will follow the post-2025 G-Class facelift lineup, meaning buyers can expect:

• Diesel variants such as the G450d for select global markets.
• Petrol inline-six options, like the G500.
• The iconic AMG G63 with its thunderous twin-turbo V8.
• Potential inclusion of the electric G580 EQ variant, expanding Mercedes’ EV footprint into the convertible SUV segment.

This breadth of options ensures the Cabriolet won’t just be a flashy style piece, it will retain the G-Class’s legendary off-road capability while introducing multiple performance and eco-friendly options.

Why the Timing Matters

Mercedes’ decision comes as luxury buyers demand more exclusivity and lifestyle-oriented SUVs. Competitors such as Land Rover have successfully marketed limited-run lifestyle variants, while brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley push convertible luxury boundaries. By bringing back the Cabriolet G-Wagen, Mercedes is signaling confidence in both the heritage appeal of the G-Class and the new appetite for high-end customization.

Moreover, this marks the first time Mercedes intends to produce the convertible G-Wagen in significant volumes, meaning it will be more accessible than its predecessors. For U.S. buyers in particular, this is groundbreaking previous generations of the convertible were almost entirely excluded from that market.

When Can We Expect It?

The Cabriolet is expected to debut as a 2026 model, arriving after the rollout of the 2025 G-Class facelift. That facelift already brought design refinements, modernized interiors, and updated powertrains laying the groundwork for a convertible model that will feel contemporary while staying true to the G-Wagen’s iconic boxy silhouette.

Quick Takeaway: Open-Air Luxury Meets Off-Road Power

The return of the G-Class Cabriolet is more than nostalgia, it’s Mercedes-Benz reasserting the G-Wagen as a cultural icon, blending raw capability with unparalleled luxury. Whether powered by diesel, petrol, V8 thunder, or silent electric torque, the Cabriolet G-Wagen will cater to a wide range of enthusiasts.

And this time, it won’t just be for the select few, it’s coming to global markets in mass production.

Performance & Range

Power: The launch version, iX3 50 xDrive, produces 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque via a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup .

Also Read: BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz: Honest Comparison

Acceleration: It achieves 0–62 mph in around 4.9 seconds, with a governed top speed of 130 mph .

Battery, Range & Charging

Architecture: Built on an 800-volt Gen6 eDrive platform featuring a 108–110 kWh battery .

Range:

• WLTP: Up to 805 km (~500 miles) .
• EPA: Around 400 miles (~640 km) .

Charging: Supports ultra-fast charging up to 400 kW, enabling a gain of over 230 miles in just 10 minutes, and 10–80% charge in 21 minutes .

Bidirectional Charging: Features V2L, V2H, and V2G, plus a smart charging flap that opens automatically .

Smart Tech & Interior

“Heart of Joy”: BMW’s in-house supercomputer that manages drivetrain, steering, braking, and energy regeneration for seamless and dynamic handling .

Cockpit: The Panoramic iDrive system projects onto the windshield (A-pillar to A-pillar) with a 3D head-up display and a central matrix backlit touchscreen. Controls are haptic-lit .

Sustainability: Built with roughly one-third recycled or secondary materials, like PET fabrics and maritime plastics. The battery includes 50% recycled critical metals; manufacturing is notably energy-efficient and low in CO₂ emissions .

Why This Matters

The iX3 signals BMW’s full-electric, software-savvy future:

It reflects BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, expected to underpin up to 40 new models by 2027 .

With its blend of performance, range, and advanced tech, the new iX3 stands as a direct competitor to Tesla and premium Chinese EVs.

At a Glance

Spec/Feature Details

Power & Acceleration 463 hp, AWD, 0-62 mph in ~4.9 sec

Range ~500 miles WLTP / ~400 miles EPA

Charging 400 kW ultra-fast, 10–80% in ~21 min

Smart Tech “Heart of Joy” supercomputer, Panoramic iDrive

Charging Flexibility V2L, V2H, V2G supported

Sustainability High recycled content; eco-aware design

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of trim variants, pricing, or comparisons with rivals!

Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger: two legendary pickups. Which one is truly the world’s toughest and which serves Nigerians better?

Also Read: 6 Strong Cars That Are Built to Last: A RoadKing Spotlight

1. Durability & Reliability: Hilux is legendary for surviving war zones, mining, farms, and the harshest African terrain. Ranger is strong but slightly more tech-sensitive. Edge: Hilux.
2. Performance & Comfort: Ranger brings powerful engines, better ride comfort, and modern interiors. Hilux prioritizes toughness over luxury. Edge: Ranger.
3. Maintenance & Parts (Nigeria): Toyota’s dealer + aftermarket dominance ensures Hilux parts are everywhere. Ford parts exist but depend heavily on Coscharis. Edge: Hilux.
4. Resale Value: Hilux is like gold in Nigeria’s used market; Ranger depreciates faster. Edge: Hilux.
5. Safety & Tech: Ranger packs more driver-assist and modern crash safety systems. Hilux keeps it rugged but slightly dated. Edge: Ranger.
6. Verdict: Globally, Ranger has closed the gap. In Nigeria, the Hilux is still the king its durability, resale, and parts access make it the real World’s Toughest Pickup Truck for our roads.

Why This Rivalry Matters

Nigeria’s roads from Lagos potholes to Enugu erosion gullies, Abuja expressways to Benin-Ore death traps are the ultimate test for any pickup. Here, pickups are not just vehicles; they’re lifelines for businesses, construction firms, farms, oil workers, and even government fleets.

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger dominate this segment. Both are tough, both are global icons, and both claim to be the world’s toughest pickup truck. But which truly deserves the crown — and more importantly, which one serves Nigerians better?

Global Reputation: Warhorse vs Modern Challenger

Toyota Hilux

The Hilux is a legend in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has served in wars, deserts, mountains, and disaster zones.

Militants, UN peacekeepers, and mining companies alike use it because it is near indestructible. It has earned the nickname “the pickup that will not die.”

Ford Ranger

The Ranger, especially in its latest generation, has become Ford’s global workhorse. In Australia, one of the harshest pickup markets, the Ranger outsells Hilux some years because of its engine power, comfort, and safety features.

In South Africa and Nigeria, it’s gaining ground. But it is still seen as more “sophisticated” compared to the Hilux’s rugged reliability.

Powertrain & Performance

Hilux

Toyota Hildebrand

• Engines: 2.4L and 2.8L diesel (globally); 2.7L petrol available in some markets.
• Torque: Up to 500 Nm in latest 2.8L turbo diesel.
• Strength: Focuses on durability and fuel efficiency, not outright horsepower.

Ranger

• Engines: 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, 3.2L five-cylinder diesel, and even a 3.0L V6 in the Ranger Raptor.
• Torque: Up to 600 Nm (V6 models).
• Strength: More powerful, smoother highway cruiser, better towing ability.

Verdict: The Ranger wins on raw power and driving comfort, but the Hilux’s simpler engines often last longer in Nigeria where fuel quality varies.

Durability & Reliability

Hilux

• Known to survive extreme abuse with minimal breakdown.
• Used in Nigerian farms, northern rough terrains, and military fleets because of its bulletproof suspension and long-lasting engines.
• Reputation: “Buy once, drive for 20 years.”

Ranger

• Strong frame and durability, but its complex electronics can be a weakness in rural Nigeria where diagnostics are limited.
• Needs more specialist maintenance compared to the Hilux.

Verdict: Hilux is more reliable for Nigerian conditions, where access to advanced workshops is limited.

Safety

• Hilux: Solid crash ratings, but fewer driver-assist features in lower trims.
• Ranger: Multiple safety awards, advanced systems like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring.

Verdict: Ranger is safer on paper, but in Nigeria, poor road markings and limited highway discipline often neutralize advanced safety tech.

Maintenance & Parts in Nigeria

• Hilux (Toyota Nigeria – CFAO/Stallion): Massive parts availability; Ladipo market in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Kaduna all stock Hilux parts. Every mechanic knows how to fix one.
• Ranger (Ford Nigeria – Coscharis): Official dealer network but smaller reach. Parts are available but less common, sometimes pricier, and often imported on demand.

Verdict: Hilux wins by far, parts are everywhere, even in rural towns.

Resale Value

• Hilux: Holds value like gold in Nigeria; resale after 5 years is still very strong. Sometimes Hilux Tokunbo prices are almost equal to new.
• Ranger: Depreciates faster; buyers fear higher maintenance costs.

Verdict: Hilux dominates resale value.

Comfort & Tech

• Hilux: Rugged, simple, reliable interior. Less luxurious, more “workhorse.”
• Ranger: Plush interior, more like an SUV inside. Comfortable on highways and city driving.

Verdict: Ranger wins for buyers who want lifestyle + work use.

Fuel Economy & Cost of Ownership

• Hilux: Efficient, especially in 2.4L diesel. Handles bad fuel better.
• Ranger: Strong engines but more fuel-hungry, especially V6 models. Sensitive to poor-quality diesel.

Verdict: Hilux edges out in long-term fuel and service savings.

Real-World Nigerian Test

• Lagos traffic & potholes: Both handle well, but Hilux’s simpler suspension survives longer without bushing replacement.
• Enugu erosion roads: Hilux climbs better with fewer repairs; Ranger’s electronics sometimes suffer.
• Benin-Ore highway: Ranger is more comfortable at speed, with better stability.
• Northern terrain: Hilux preferred by fleets (military, NGOs, oil firms) for reliability.

Global Extremes

• Hilux: Survived BBC’s Top Gear torture test, dropped from buildings, set on fire, submerged and still started. Used in Syrian and African conflicts.
• Ranger: Australia’s police, mining, and rescue fleets rely heavily on it for toughness and towing.

The RoadKing Verdict

• Globally: Ranger is closing the gap more power, safety, and comfort.
• Nigeria: Hilux remains the undisputed king, thanks to reliability, resale, and parts availability.

If you want a pickup that will last 20 years with minimal issues buy a Hilux.

If you want comfort, tech, and highway power buy a Ranger, but be ready for higher maintenance.

Buyer’s Guide (Nigeria 2025)

• Private use (city + highway): Ranger (modern features, comfort).
• Fleet (business, NGO, govt): Hilux (durability, resale, low downtime).
• Farming/rough terrain: Hilux (bulletproof suspension).
• Mixed lifestyle + work: Ranger (SUV-like comfort, but budget for parts).