Decades ago, convertible SUVs were everywhere. From the affordable Geo Tracker to the tippy-top AM General Hummer and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, part of the “sport” in Sport Utility Vehicle was often the ability to feel the wind through your hair. Unfortunately, true drop-top offerings in America have dwindled to only two: the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. That’s about to change if you’re loaded, because Mercedes-Benz is bringing back the drop-top G-Class, but even everyone who’s rich and famous might not be able to get one.
The convertible Geländewagen in general has been having a moment over the past few years, with a who’s who list from Doug DeMuro to the Kardashian family pumping demand for this long-since-discontinued bodystyle. Originally a two-door, short-wheelbase ragtop, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t sold a series production G-Class cabriolet since 2014. The limited-edition Maybach G 650 Landaulet briefly reprised the concept in 2017, but with production capped at 99 units, it was a decidedly niche proposition. Still, strong demand for these discontinued models means Mercedes-Benz is bringing open-air off-road motoring back, this time with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited-like twist.
While the photographs Mercedes-Benz has released so far show a camouflaged example, there’s no dazzle pattern stuck to the entire fabric roof. As a result, not only are we getting our best look yet at this new G-Class Cabriolet, it’s immediately clear this is a different beast than the old one. For one, it has four doors. Is this less cool than a two-door model? Unquestionably, but it’s also a strangely mass-market touch. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Ford Bronco have proved that four-door SUV convertibles work for a more standard consumer, but in the image-conscious six-figure space, a two-door would just have a certain X-factor.
Then there’s the way the convertible top seems to work. On the new G-Class Cabriolet, the B-pillar, C-pillar, and roof rail are fixed in place, like a Fiat 500C. The effect is that the soft top is a bit like a mullet, Webasto sunroof-like up front, party in the back. Dogs are going to love it, but even rear seat passengers might have more of a sunroof experience than a gale-force-winds experience. Perfect for not messing up occupants’ coifs, which, judging by what this thing will probably cost, they probably spent a fortune on. Also, note the little patches of camouflage on the sides of the top. Could these be hiding particularly distinctive quarter windows? Perhaps.
Mind you, the biggest concern about the new G-Class Cabriolet is the way Mercedes-Benz is framing it. As the brand stated, “Mercedes‑Benz will share more details in due time about this special edition,” which implies that it won’t be a regular production model. Come on, Mercedes. If the development’s done and the tooling’s ordered, surely there’s room for more volume, yeah? Anyway, we can expect to hear more about this new G-Class Cabriolet at some point in the future, it’ll almost certainly start at about $100,000, and Mercedes-Benz plans to build more than one. That’s about all we know for now. While I’m glad to see another soft-top SUV in development, it would be a lot cooler if it were a regular production model.
Top graphic image: Mercedes-Benz
I’m sure the Kardashians have their orders in already.
That’s not a compliment.
I’m so bored by the G-Wagen, which I never thought I’d say. They were cool in 2005 when they were niche. Now its an absolute cliche of I have too much money and zero originality when it comes to choosing a vehicle.
…but can you take the doors off?