Official: new G-Class Cabriolet revealed testing

People loved the idea of a drop-top G-Class, so Mercedes says - here's your first look at the real thing

Probably the news that Brabus is now offering a convertible G-Class won’t have gone down well at Mercedes, given it’s now working on its own cabrio for the first time in yonks. To divert attention back to the official factory soft top, the first images of testing have been put out there. Yes, it looks exactly how you might expect a soft-top G-Class to look. But it also proves that Mercedes is absolutely serious about offering it to buyers.

These pictures come from Austria where, despite appearances, the open driving experience is being assessed. (It's probably also usefully close to Magna Steyr's HQ in Graz, where G-Classes are made.) This is to ensure an ‘unparalleled and unmistakable G-Class feeling for future drivers.’ From there, it’ll go to Sweden for cold-weather testing, because anything that can survive an Arctic winter can endure a chilly snap in Alderley Edge. Or wherever else these might end up.

There’s no mention yet of any dune bashing or mud plugging in the development programme, but it seems safe to assume that the G-Class Cabriolet is going to be more than capable off-road. Under the canvas it is still a G, after all. Mercedes suggests that the ‘robustness, driving dynamics, and reliability will be thoroughly proven.’ And there’s nothing like being exposed to the elements to really bring an off-road drive to life.

Apparently the response to the confirmation of a drop-top G, which will surprise precisely no one, was ‘hugely positive’. Add to that the fact that this Mercedes cabrio will be a special edition (exact number TBC), and it’s safe to say that demand seems likely to outstrip supply. Because who wouldn’t want a V8 convertible that can also climb a mountain? If it’s good enough for Brabus, it’s definitely good enough for Mercedes…