Mercedes-Benz is set to bring back a factory-designed open-air model of its iconic G-Class, often dubbed the G-Wagen, a move that comes 13 years after the last G500 Cabriolet was offered. This surprising announcement follows a series of teasers hinting at the return of a drop-top G-Wagen for the 2026 model year, aiming to fill a notable gap in its lineup, especially when compared to rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

Teaser images for the upcoming 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet reveal a design that largely mirrors the current 2025 hardtop G-Class up to the rear doors and roof drip rail. However, beyond this point, distinct modifications emerge, including what appears to be an aerodynamic cover at the front and a substantial roll hoop extending rearward, accompanied by a new, sloping C-pillar. Speculation suggests the design could feature a soft, roll-up top or a solid panel system similar to the Wrangler's Freedom Panel. The intriguing shape of the rear bed, possibly designed for storing removed panels, also hints at a versatile hard bed cover with hinges at the C-pillar's base.

The new model's profile and C-pillar design draw clear inspiration from earlier open-top G-Wagens. Notably, cues are taken from the G500 Cabriolet, which was the last convertible G-Class offered in 2013, as well as elements from the formidable G63 AMG 6x6. While the C-pillar isn't as acutely angled as that of the 6x6, the cargo bed appears to share a similar scope, blending heritage with modern interpretation.

The G-Class has a long and storied history of open-air variants. Originally known as the Geländewagen, or G-Wagen, it was conceived in 1979 as the W460 model out of military necessity, much like the Jeep Wrangler and HMMWV. The convertible was one of five initial variants, exclusively offered in a short wheelbase (SWB) configuration, identical to the three-door model. While some military G-Wagens featured a pop-open hatch in the roof for gunners, a true convertible design has a deeper lineage. A notable piece of its history includes the first Popemobile, built for Pope John Paul II in 1980, which utilized a 230 G Cabriolet. More recently, the all-electric G580 built for Pope Francis in 2024 could arguably be seen as a modern continuation, though these custom vehicles are often considered separate from standard production models.

Among the wildest open-air G-Class iterations was the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet. This extravagant model, a long-wheelbase (LWB) four-door, featured a unique roll-up glass partition between the front and rear passenger areas, capable of shifting from clear to opaque for privacy. Rear passengers enjoyed an open-top experience, with their seats positioned past the C-pillar's angled portion. Equipped with portal axles, akin to the G63 AMG 6x6 (though using a pair instead of three), and powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine generating 630 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, it rode on 36-inch Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires. However, it was technically a