The Mercedes G-Class has served as the foundation for countless aftermarket projects over the years, but Venuum’s latest creation takes a far more ambitious route than most. Known as the Mastodon V4, the vehicle abandons the traditional enclosed SUV format in favor of an open-top layout and introduces a completely reworked exterior design.
While reports suggest Mercedes-Benz is developing a new-generation G-Class Cabriolet, Venuum has already unveiled its own interpretation. The company labels the Mastodon V4 as a limited-edition offering, although details regarding production volume have not been released. Pricing information has also not been made public.
A quick glance reveals how extensive the transformation is. Unlike many custom G-Class projects that preserve much of the factory styling, the Mastodon V4 appears to replace nearly every outer body panel. Only the door skins seem to carry over from the original vehicle.
The front section receives some of the most dramatic changes. A bespoke bumper incorporates substantial forged-carbon fiber elements, while the grille and hood feature entirely new designs. Perhaps the most striking departure from the standard G-Class formula comes from the lighting setup. Traditional round headlights have been discarded in favor of square-shaped units, giving the SUV a very different visual identity.
Moving along the sides, Venuum continues the forged-carbon theme with enlarged wheel arch extensions and redesigned side skirts. New wheels further separate the vehicle from its donor platform. Some photographs create the impression of a shortened wheelbase, though the Mastodon V4 retains four doors. The available images do not provide enough evidence to determine whether the proportions have truly changed or whether the effect results from the revised bodywork.
The rear portion introduces the defining feature of the project. Everything behind the front seating area has been opened up, creating a convertible-style environment for rear occupants. A black fabric cover appears designed to shield the rear compartment when needed, though no photographs show the system deployed. As a result, the exact mechanism remains unknown.
Inside, the cabin follows the same custom approach. Both rows of seating are trimmed in a yellow-and-black leather combination. Rear passengers are separated by a dedicated center console finished with forged-carbon fiber accents. The material appears throughout the build and serves as a recurring design element across both the exterior and interior.
Opinions on the unconventional square-headlight treatment will likely vary. One thing is difficult to dispute, though. Venuum did not pursue a restrained redesign. The Mastodon V4 replaces much of the G-Class’s familiar appearance with a completely different visual theme while fully embracing its open-air character.
Mercedes G-Class by Venuum – Photo Gallery
