The latest-gen (W4656) G-Class range is set to expand with an upcoming new Cabriolet offshoot.The acclaimed German three-point star luxury cars marque just released teaser images of its upcoming new G-Class Cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz had confirmed plans to expand the latest W465-gen G-Class model range, and this is one offshoot it planned.
Pictured here are camouflaged prototypes that Mercedes-Benz says it is deploying globally for “rigorous testing.” Initial tests were also conducted in Austria, which is unsurprising – that’s where the model’s builders Magna Steyr are based.
Naturally, apart from the images, Mercedes-Benz didn’t divulge much details. It did say that “engineers are gathering comprehensive data to ensure the open-top model delivers an unparalleled and unmistakable G-Class experience.”
Prototypes of the G-Class Cabriolet are now undergoing final tests before its official debut.Part of the tests include travel across Sweden under sub-zero climate conditions. This, as Mercedes-Benz puts it, promises to explore the model’s “rugged capability, drive dynamics and reliability” under such frigid temperatures.
Aptly, what will set the new G-Class Cabriolet apart from its stablemates is its retractable soft-top roof. Changes have been performed to accommodate which like the repositioned third brake light that’s now mounted on the spare wheel.
Other notable tweaks include a thicker C-pillar plus a black band separating the bodywork from the roof. Expect this open-topped redux of the Gelandewagen to gain additional chassis bracing too.
Regular (hard-topped) W465-gen G-Class pictured.On board, we can also expect this upcoming open-topped G-Class to see a lightly revised cabin resulting from the added chassis bracing, not forgetting convertible-specific additions and controls (switchgear and Airscarf, in particular).
Mechanically, the G-Class Cabriolet is expected to also mirror its hard-topped stablemates and offer a range of powertrains. Presently, Mercedes-Benz offers the G-Class with either a 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl turbo petrol mill, or a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo.
Notable too is the fact that the three-point star marque confirmed it will introduce the G-Class Cabriolet as a ‘special edition’ of sorts. This likely suggests both limited production runs and – subsequently – very premium pricing.
Latest W465-gen G-Class in G580 with EQ Technology (BEV, left) and AMG G63 (right) forms pictured.For reference, the latest-gen combustion (ICE)-powered G-Class is offered locally in AMG G63 form solely that packs the twin-turbo V8 mentioned, outputting 585 PS and 850 Nm to enable 0-100 km/h sprints in 4.4 secs. This version is tagged at nearly RM2 million too.
The W465-gen G-Class is also available locally in all-electric (BEV) G580 with EQ Technology form. Packing a massive 116 kWh battery pack promising up to 473 KM (WLTP) range, this variant is presently tagged at RM958,888 with current CBU EV tax incentives factored.
