Mercedes-Benz has officially announced the revival of its open-air G-Class, with a new G-Class Cabriolet slated for a 2026 release. This marks the return of a factory-designed convertible G-Wagen, a feature that has been absent from the lineup for approximately 13 years since the last G500 Cabriolet was offered for the 2013 model year. This move by Mercedes aims to bring an open-air experience to the affluent off-road vehicle market, answering a design gap previously filled by competitors like the Jeep Wrangler.

Teaser images for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet reveal intriguing design elements. Up to the back of the rear doors and the roof drip rail, the new model appears consistent with the current 2025 G-Class hardtop. However, beyond this point, distinct changes emerge, including an aerodynamic cover at the front, a roll hoop that extends rearward, and a newly designed, sloping C-pillar. Speculation suggests the top could be a soft, roll-up design or a solid panel setup akin to the Wrangler's Freedom Panels, potentially stored in a unique rear bed design that also features hinges at the C-pillar base, hinting at a regular hard bed cover.

The new Cabriolet's design takes inspiration from previous open-top G-Wagens. Its overall profile and C-pillar design are reminiscent of the G500 Cabriolet. Elements also appear to be cribbed from the formidable G63 AMG 6x6, particularly in the scope of its cargo bed, though the C-pillar is less acute than that of the 6x6 model.

The G-Class has a rich history of open-air variants. Originally known as the Geländewagen, or G-Wagen, it was born from military necessity in 1979 with the W460 model, offered in five variants, one of which was a convertible in a short wheelbase (SWB) configuration. While most military G-Wagens were hardtops, some featured a hatch for gunners, which could loosely be considered a convertible option. An interesting historical note includes the first Popemobile, built for Pope John Paul II in 1980, which was a 230 G Cabriolet. More recently, the all-electric G580 built for Pope Francis in 2024 could be seen as a modern continuation of this lineage, though these custom models are often considered separate.

Among the wildest G-Class models was the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet. This long-wheelbase, four-door vehicle featured a unique roll-up glass partition between the front and rear passengers, offering privacy with its clear-to-opaque function. Rear passengers enjoyed an extended space with seats positioned past the C-pillar. Equipped with portal axles from the G63 AMG 6x6 (albeit only two pairs), and powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine producing 630 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, it rode on 36-inch Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires. Technically, it was a