Mercedes-Benz Confirms Global Return of the Iconic G-Class Cabriolet

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.