The Little G is expected to arrive around 2026 as the smaller and more affordable sibling of the G-Class
by Staff
April 14, 2024 at 16:00
Mercedes recently confirmed that its first-ever electric G-Class, based on the thinly disguised EQG concept from 2021, will be revealed in production form on April 24 alongside a slew of other new models at the upcoming Auto China show in Beijing. But that’s not the only hardcore SUV going electric, as Mercedes is also developing a smaller ‘baby’ G-Wagen.
The new car’s existence was initially confirmed following the reveal of the electric Concept CLA Class at the 2023 IAA Munich Motor Show. Speaking with Car at the time, Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer underscored the global recognition of the G-Class nameplate and advocated for expanding its lineup.
More: Everything We Know About Next Year’s 2026 BMW iX3 Electric SUV
“Why not have a larger family of G?” he asked. “AMG started small. Maybach also started very small. We believe we can get much more out of the G, and so the next step is the ‘little G’.”
Earlier this year, during an interview with Autocar, Schäfer confirmed that the upcoming model will exclusively feature an electric powertrain. Though he didn’t provide further details, it’s speculated that the Little G will follow in the footsteps of the electric CLA and share a number of powertrain components.
Platform And Range
However, Schäfer pointed out that the Little G won’t ride on the MMA platform that will be used in the CLA. Instead, it will reportedly be underpinned by a different architecture and use “modules from Mercedes’ larger rear-driven cars, due to its need to offer true off-roading ability.” This suggest the model will be far more capable than the GLB, which was initially pitched as a ‘baby G.’
The specifics are yet to be confirmed, but the German automaker has previously indicated that the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) will offer two different battery options. The base configuration employs a lithium-iron phosphate chemistry, while the higher-end variant incorporates an anode design featuring silicon-oxide content, promising superior energy density.
Mercedes said this would allow for a WLTP range in excess of 466 miles (750 km). The company has also suggested that its upcoming EVs will have an 800V architecture and a 250 kW DC fast charging capability, which will enable models, such as the CLA, to get up to 248 miles (400 km) of range in as little as 15 minutes. The same should apply to the Little G-Wagen.
Exterior And Interior
Obviously, the yet-to-be-named baby G-Class will inherit its styling from its larger sibling. Our speculative render aims to capture this essence maintaining the G-Class’s boxy and utilitarian appearance while adding a modern twist.
We’ve integrated new styling cues such as black bumpers and fender extensions that more seamlessly blend with the body. Additionally, we’ve lowered the greenhouse height for a more aggressive stance and added slightly rounded corners. Our experimentation extended to two different grille options: one traditional and another modern, inspired by the EQG concept. The outcome is a vehicle instantly recognizable as part of the G-Class family, yet refreshed for a younger audience.
The interior will also likely draw heavily from the recently refreshed G-Class, blending luxury with high-tech features such as dual screens and an MBUX infotainment system, all within a similar boxy interior design.
When Will It Go On Sale?
While Mercedes has officially confirmed the baby G-Class, a release date remains under wraps. However, analysts predict that the company will kick off production of the zero-emission luxury SUV in late 2026 at their Kecskemet, Hungary factory, with a projected sales launch during the first quarter of 2027.
More: Mercedes CEO Confirms A Little G Class Is Coming In A Few Years
When it comes to pricing, the full-size G-Class stands as one of the most expensive SUVs on the market today, starting at a staggering $143,000 in the United States. This should give you an idea of Mercedes’s target audience with their upcoming electric baby G-Wagen.
While concrete details are still unavailable, our most optimistic estimate places the starting price at no lower than $60,000. Depending on a number of factors, such as size and available power and battery options, which have not been revealed yet, it could even go higher than that.
John Halas and Mike Gauthier contributed to this story.
