Mercedes G Class Cabriolet Starts Testing Before Global Debut

Imagine the iconic G-Class silhouette cruising coastal highways, roof dropped back, wind whipping through as its legendary off-road prowess shines under open skies. Mercedes-Benz has officially begun real-world testing for the all-new G-Class Cabriolet in Austria—prototypes hitting roads and tracks near its Graz factory.

 After a teaser that ignited fan frenzy, this convertible G-Wagen promises the signature boxy toughness with pure open-air exhilaration, ahead of its 2026 global debut.

Testing Begins: Austria Roads to Swedish Winters

Mercedes engineers have deployed early prototypes for comprehensive evaluation, starting in Austria near the G-Class's Graz production home. The focus? Ensuring the open-top maintains the G's legendary dynamics, structural integrity, and off-road prowess despite the roofless design.​

Current testing priorities:

• Structural rigidity – validating chassis strength without the hardtop
• Driving dynamics – handling, stability, and ride quality across terrains
• Open-top experience – wind noise, buffeting, and convertible usability​

Next phase: Sweden for brutal winter trials in ice, snow, and sub-zero temps to test:

• Thermal management and reliability
• Traction, braking, and off-road performance
• Roof system durability in harsh conditions​

Mercedes confirms production will follow a successful global test program, with a 2026 debut likely. This isn't a concept—it's a production-bound revival after the original Cabrio ended in 2013.​

G-Class Cabriolet: Design and Legacy

Spy shots reveal a four-door layout with retractable soft-top roof, ditching the discontinued two-door short-wheelbase for practicality. Signature G-Class cues remain:

• Boxy silhouette, flat bonnet, exposed hinges
• Protective sidebars, side-hinged tailgate with spare wheel
• Visible rear differential hints at combustion powertrains (likely G550/G63 based)​

Historical context:

• Debuted 1979 as military/civilian soft-top
• Evolved through iconic variants like Maybach G650 Landaulet (99 units, V12-powered)
• Aftermarket like Brabus G63 Cabrio kept demand alive—now official again​

Expected Specs and Powertrains

While details are camouflaged, insiders expect:

• Shared G-Class platform with reinforced ladder frame
• Powertrains mirroring standard G: 3.0L inline-6 mild-hybrid (G450d/G500), 4.0L V8 biturbo (G63 AMG)
• G580 EQ electric variant possible later
• Off-road icons: 100% differentials, 35° inclines, 850mm wading​

G-Class Cabriolet vs Standard G-Class:

Why the G-Class Cabriolet Matters

The G-Wagen's cult status—military roots since 1979, celebrity favorite, off-road king—makes this Cabriolet more than a novelty. It targets:

• Luxury adventurers craving open-air G thrills
• Summer showstoppers for coastal drives, events
• Fans missing the 2013 Cabrio, now revived as four-door​

Mercedes teases "unparalleled G-Class feeling" with top-down freedom. Expect social media frenzy when fully revealed—perfect for Instagram flexing.

Author: Neha Mehlawat

Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.