Mercedes-Benz is currently developing a new factory-built G-Class Cabriolet, but customers eager for an open-top G-Wagen don’t have to wait for the official model. Brabus has stepped in and revealed two exclusive creations—the Brabus 800 Cabrio and the even more extreme 800 XL Cabrio. Both models are based on the Mercedes-AMG G63, and each one undergoes a dramatic transformation to become a high-performance luxury convertible SUV.
The centerpiece of this conversion is a remarkably intricate retractable soft top. Brabus notes that the roof mechanism is constructed from more than 500 specially engineered components, making it one of the most complex systems they have ever fitted to a G-Class. Despite the engineering complexity, the folding roof operates simply from the driver’s seat: the two-part top can open or close in roughly 20 seconds with a single press of a button. The soft top also incorporates a heating element in the rear glass window, ensuring visibility in cold or wet weather.
Turning the G63 into a fully functional cabriolet required significant structural reinforcement. The windshield frame has been strengthened, and a carbon-fiber support bow has been added to maintain the roofline’s shape even at high speeds. Brabus also installs a protective rear roll bar for occupant safety as well as a dedicated cover to shield the fabric roof when it is folded down for long periods.
Beyond the convertible mechanism, the Brabus 800 receives a number of exterior upgrades. These include a specially designed tailgate and the brand’s aggressive Widestar body kit, which dramatically widens the vehicle’s stance. Completing the look are massive 24-inch Monoblock ZM alloy wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Evo ZX performance tires. The suspension has been reworked as well, with new sport springs that reduce ride height by anywhere from 20 to 40 millimeters, depending on configuration.
The interior is equally bespoke. Brabus outfits the cabin with tailor-made leather upholstery, carbon-fiber paddle shifters, carbon trim elements, and an integrated Airscarf system that blows warm air around the occupants’ necks—an especially useful feature when driving with the top down. Numerous Brabus emblems and customization details reinforce the exclusivity of the build.
Under the hood, both cabriolets pack a heavily upgraded version of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Brabus has tuned it to deliver an impressive 789 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 9-speed automatic gearbox and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Thanks to this setup, the Brabus 800 Cabrio can race from 0–100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, eventually reaching an electronically limited maximum speed of 240 km/h.
The 800 XL Cabrio shares much of the same power and design philosophy but is engineered with off-road dominance in mind. It features a specialized portal-axle suspension that lifts ground clearance to a towering 480 millimeters—far beyond what the standard G63 offers. Because of its off-road mission, the XL rides on smaller 22-inch wheels wrapped in rugged all-terrain tires. The additional weight and off-road hardware slightly reduce performance, with 0–100 km/h taking 4.6 seconds and a lower 210 km/h top speed.
Production of both the 800 and 800 XL Cabrio will be extremely limited, capped at just 50 units each. Pricing is as exclusive as the engineering: the Brabus 800 Cabrio starts at approximately $877,350, while the 800 XL configuration displayed comes in around $1 million. Final pricing varies depending on the options, materials, and custom features selected by each buyer.