The bigfoot of the Mercedes’ passenger family is opening up to its fans.

ALL sorts of things tend to be said about the G-Class; this hard case hard-arse is a true magnet for comment.

But how many cognoscenti for the biggest Mercedes this side of the brand’s full-sized trucks get to hear the public’s praise, platitudes and … erm .. alternate comments?

The world view stands better chance of infiltrating this giant’s coiffured cabin. Welcome to an impending version that lifts the lid.

This week the brand issued these photos of the SUV in a drop top guise set to issue into the showroom next year.

What you’re obviously looking at is a camouflaged prototype that has been clocking up test kilometres on roads and test tracks in Austria, near the home of the model in Graz.

Benz says engineers are gathering comprehensive data to ensure the open-top model delivers an unparalleled and unmistakable G‑Class experience.

To get the full big picture of what the first factory-developed G-Class convertible is set to deliver requires seeing the model with the roof down - that hasn’t happened yet.

But fans can get a gist from looking up the Maybach G650 Landaulet (above), which based on the previous generation type. That conversion issued in 2017 and was produced in very small numbers, in part because it ran a turbocharged petrol V12. As you do.

The next chapter of the new type’s trials requires it to be taken to Sweden where the G-wagen's “rugged capability, driving dynamics and reliability will be thoroughly put to the test in rigid temperatures.”

Today’s images cement view that, with the roof up, the cabrio it has a nearly identical boxy profile and shape to the hardtop G. It also seems likely to share that type’s doors. And while the rear quarter light glass has gone, it still keeps a swing-out tailgate with a spare tyre.

Mercedes isn't yet saying which powertrains the new G-Class Cabriolet will get, but some are picking this prototype is based on a G550 V8 petrol - a model not currently availed in NZ.

For us, it’s the G 63 V6 by AMG or the G580 electric or the G450d diesel. Perhaps Mercedes will decide to offer the styling on all three of those; in which case expect a premium on product that cost from $213,900 through to $343,900 in current state.