Mercedes-Benz is bringing back an open-top G-Class. If you missed the last time this was a “thing,” that’s likely because you live in the incorrect zip code, don’t have an Amex Black Card, and weren’t hustled behind the velvet rope to get your own Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet Geländewagen with a roll-top. Here’s a brief history of what that was about, and why this addition to the G-wagen lineup might be different.
- Base Trim Engine
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4L AMG V8 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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577 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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627 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
Out With The Maybach?
We don’t know a great deal about the new cabriolet G-Class. But the prior one was strictly for 99 customers worldwide. Mercedes has only told TopSpeed that this new version will be released globally, which perhaps means more buyers will have access. The previous release of the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet came with a 6.0-liter V-12, and rode on a G500 wheelbase stretched by nearly two extra feet.
Similar, But Different Silhouette
One facet we’d like to understand better about the new G-wagen cloth-top is whether Mercedes will likewise stretch the convertible’s wheelbase vs. the hard-top, and whether the roof will be formatted in what’s known as landaulet style, where the driver and front passenger get hardtop coverage, and the rear row and cargo area are exposed.
Automatic Hardtop?
The opening image from Mercedes shows a squared-off transition from the cab to the “bed,” whereas the prior cabriolet G had a funky A-shaped window behind the second row of passenger seats. Even though Mercedes-Maybach charged roughly half a million bucks for the privilege of owning one, that transition always looked a little downmarket for the upscale box. Plus, that’s a lot of lid to manually stow and redeploy. So we’re wondering if Mercedes has invented an electrically folding hard-top, perhaps?
Definitely Not Electric
We’ve already chronicled how Mercedes-Benz has struggled to sell its $162,000 electric G Class. The G580 with EQ technology boasts more torque by far than the gas version. The conventional G550 already delivers a prodigious 413 foot-pounds from its three-liter in-line six. But the four-motor G580’s 859 pound-feet of torque darn near doubles the twist. Unfortunately, it’s left the Gucci-heeled clientele accustomed to this form of flaunting pretty cold. And that’s partly down to only a so-so range of 239 miles on a full charge.
Surely a rag-top will only worsen the weak aerodynamics of the G-wagen, so we’re surmising that Mercedes will run this one on gas only.
AMG, Too?
The bigger question: Will Mercedes offer the topless model with both of the gas powertrains? Right now, there’s an AMG G63 twin-turbo V-8 G-Class, too, and Mercedes could make this just an AMG option, or they could also sell the G550 with the optional open roof.
TopSpeed’s Take
One reason for Mercedes to go topless is that it’s found money. Let’s be real: The bulk of G-wagens sell in places where their drivers never go off-roading. The Hamptons, Orange County, California, and Miami have no dirt on which to engage low-range. Nor would the average G Class buyer consider the idea of frolicking in mud—unless that’s for a lavish skincare treatment at a spa.
Unlike at least some Jeep and Ford Bronco customers, who do purchase their mighty steeds with the option of roof- and door removal, we just don’t think there’s much crossover between those customers and Benz G Class customers. And Mercedes is better than most luxury brands at knowing their buyers exceptionally well and catering to their wants. So if they want more variants of the G Class, they shall have them.