A smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will be electric-only when it launches later in the decade.
The model will be developed by Mercedes’ new specialist G division as the third model in an expanded G range, after the upcoming Mercedes EQG.
Mercedes technical chief Markus Schäfer confirmed the powertrain plans to Autocar at the recent CES in Las Vegas, dismissing suggestions that the model could also be offered with hybridised internal combustion engines.
The model was first confirmed by company CEO Ola Källenius at the Munich motor show, where he referred to it as the “little G… a son or daughter of the iconic big G”.
Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener told Autocar that the new machine will take strong design cues from the "iconic DNA" of the existing G-Class, saying: "It will have its own character, but it will be a G."
The G-Class line-up will expand first later this year with the new electric Mercedes EQG, and Autocar understands the new 'little G' will follow in 2026.
Mercedes has launched a new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that will be used for a range of entry-level cars in the coming years, starting with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, but Schäfer confirmed that the 'little G' will sit on a different platform, using modules from Mercedes' larger rear-driven cars, due to its need to offer true off-roading ability.
That means the platform will be different – but likely to take learnings from – that of the full-sized EQG, which will use a reworked version of the existing ICE G-Class’s ladder-frame chassis and will be powered by four electric motors.
As well as giving Mercedes a foothold in the increasingly popular rugged crossover market, the baby G-Class will be crucial in establishing G as a Mercedes sub-brand in the same vein as Maybach and AMG, building on the success of its blocky Land Rover Defender rival. Indeed, G is now its own specialist division within Mercedes, just like Maybach and AMG
Källenius said last year: “Most luxury companies build their portfolio on the basis of one or two true icons. Mercedes-Benz has the good fortune to have multiple iconic products and brands at the upper end of its portfolio, such as the S-Class, the SL, the G-Class as well as the AMG and Maybach brands.
“We see great potential here to expand our top-end portfolio with even more fascinating products.”
His comments hint at the possibility for each of those four brands to spawn more comprehensive line-ups.
Like the upcoming CLA, the new compact SUV is likely to have an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for 248 miles of range to be added in just 15 minutes via a 250kW charger.
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Källenius said last year: “Most luxury companies build their portfolio on the basis of one or two true icons.
The G class is not an icon, it's a ridiculously tarted-up, ridiculously expensive has-been.
Not quite what the buyers think, which is why others have revived their own past icons, like Defender.
Is this their idea of a Defender rival?
No, Defender is JLR's idea of G Classe rival
"Entry Luxury" in other words expensive and compromised, delivering terrible value for money.
People used to buy entry level or smaller cars because they cost less to buy and were affordable.
The world's gone nuts from greed, stupidity and selfish, image-conscious nonsense.
Some people want a luxurioius high quality small car for driving around the inner suburbs.
Exactly, that what it is , not many off roaders go off road, they may climb the odd Kerb, but that's about it.
Quite agree Gavsmit, people have lost all sense of reality.
Forgive the cynicism, but Mercedes-Benz had a small G- Klasse in the GLK, a car that either the designers had forgotten how many markets drive on the left, or just didnt give a toss.
It was a great all rounder that I would have bought if manufacturered in RHD. Proper gearbox too.
f the 'baby' G is electric though, it is of no interest to me.
Agree gav, whenevr Mercedes has gone 'down market', the result as you say has been dismal. 1800cc in a C class, terrible, A class, terrible, CLA, terrible and so on. If you can't afford a proper Benz, one built to represent what they stand for, then don't buy one, wait till you can. Otherwise you will end up with an underpowered, compromised, cheaply built econo-box, albeit one with a Benz badge on the bonnet.