New Mercedes G-class Cabrio Will Be A Special Edition, And You Know What That Means

The teaser campaign for the Mercedes G-Class Cabrio is kicking into high gear as the company has now revealed a prototype. It’s one of several being deployed globally for “rigorous testing.”

Unsurprisingly, initial tests are being conducted in Austria, where the G-Class is built by Magna Steyr. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but said “engineers are gathering comprehensive data to ensure the open-top model delivers an unparalleled and unmistakable G‑Class experience.”

More: Brabus Built The Wildest G-Class Cabrio A Million Can Buy

Following the first round of testing, the SUV will travel to Sweden for cold weather antics. This promises to explore the model’s “rugged capability, driving dynamics, and reliability” in frigid temperatures. Needless to say, the cold should also reveal how effective the soft top is.

Speaking of which, we can see the model will have a retractable roof with a relatively small rear window. The third brake light has also been moved to the spare tire carrier and appears positioned in the middle of said window.

Elsewhere, we can see a thicker C-pillar and a black band that separates bodywork from the roof. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find additional bracing and a lightly revised interior with convertible-specific switchgear and, perhaps, Airscarf seats.

Engine options should carryover from the regular model and this means we can expect a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS) and 413 lb-ft (559 Nm) of torque. There could also be a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 developing 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque.

We’ll learn more in the coming months, but Mercedes referred to the G‑Class Cabriolet as a “special edition.” This implies production will be limited and pricing will be astronomical.