Mercedes-AMG's New G-Class Cabriolet Is a Convertible—But Not Entirely

Mercedes-AMG has shared the first official images of its long-awaited G-Class Cabriolet with the soft top retracted. The automaker describes the new model as "breathtaking," and judging by the photos, it may have a point. Still, despite its convertible designation, this G-Wagen isn't completely open to the sky.

The images reveal a unique roof design that combines fixed and folding sections. A short metal roof panel remains above the front seats, while the fabric soft top folds neatly behind the rear seats, near the externally mounted spare tire. A fixed rollover protection bar also sits behind the second row.

The design is reminiscent of the approach used by Brabus for its 800 and 800 XL convertibles, which featured an elaborate folding roof made up of more than 500 individual components. Mercedes-AMG's version, however, has a more angular rear roof pillar. To compensate for the missing fixed roof, engineers extensively reinforced the body structure, including the floor and rocker panels. The high-mounted brake light has also been relocated and integrated into the spare tire cover.

The G-Class Cabriolet will be offered exclusively as an AMG model. Power comes from the familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. In the standard AMG G63, that output is enough for a 0-60 mph sprint of about 4.2 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG has yet to announce pricing, but given the model's exclusivity, buyers shouldn't expect a bargain. The G-Class Cabriolet traces its roots back to the original 1979 military-spec model with a simple canvas top. Over the decades, the open-top G-Class evolved into an increasingly luxurious SUV, with the last factory-produced convertible remaining in production until 2013.

The new AMG G-Class Cabriolet carries that legacy into the modern era—even if its partially fixed roof means it isn't a traditional full-convertible experience.