Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed development of a downsized version of its iconic G-Class off-road SUV, ending years of speculation. The German manufacturer made the announcement at a recent shareholder meeting, though details on the new model remain scarce, fueling rumors about its specifications, pricing, and release timeline.
Electric G-Class Hints at Baby G EV
Mercedes-Benz already offers an electric version of the full-size G-Class in overseas markets, lending credence to the theory that the "Little G" will also be an EV.
The current Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology features four electric motors – one for each wheel – producing up to 432kW of power and 1164Nm of torque combined. While the "Baby G" is unlikely to match these figures, an electric powertrain would align with Mercedes-Benz's growing focus on electrification.
Affordable Entry Point to the G-Class Range
The smaller G-Wagen is also expected to provide a more affordable entry point to the G-Class range. In Australia, only the range-topping Mercedes-AMG G 63 is currently available, starting at $368,400 before on-road costs. The "Little G" would target off-road enthusiasts seeking a capable SUV with the iconic G-Class design language but at a more accessible price.
Competition and Design
It's speculated that the new model will compete with off-roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler and more affordable versions of the Land Rover Defender. Teaser images of the "Little G" (spelt "g-Class," with a lowercase "g") have been released, revealing a boxy silhouette reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, echoing its larger sibling.
Design Realignment for ICE and EV Models
In addition to the G-Class announcement, Mercedes-Benz shared plans to realign the design of its internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) models going forward.
The current generation of Mercedes-Benz EVs has distinct styling compared to their ICE counterparts, but this is set to change, with both powertrains converging under a shared nameplate.
