Mercedes G-Class Too Big and Expensive, New Small G Aims to Fix It

The small Mercedes G-Class will compete with Land Rover's smaller Defender.
Beneath the SUV will be a custom-built ladder frame chassis.
Introduces as an electric vehicle, but the option of combustion power is still available.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz The G-Class increased by 23 percent last year, reaching a new high of 49,700 units. That's impressive for a vehicle that still feels capable of scaling a mountain during the school drop-off. For those who can't get enough of the G-Wagen, there's now another attractive, though more compact, choice.

Read: Mercedes Hopes This Mini G-Wagen Will Attract Customers That The Large One Failed To Win

The so-called "Little G" is coming, offering all the rugged style of the full-size version in a more compact and cost-effective design. Situated below the full-size model, the Little G represents Mercedes' first genuine effort to expand the G-Class brand beyond just one model line.

A Refined G Begins to Emerge

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Also referred to as the mini G andbaby G, this new model from Mercedes-Benz is sure to capture the interest of car enthusiasts. It is set to compete with the smaller Defender that is being developed by Jaguar Land Rover. At this time, it is confirmed that it will be available as an all-electric vehicle, although a version with a traditional engine could be introduced in the future.

The most recent set of spy images ofthe Little Gdisplays the model being tested during the harsh European winter. Although this prototype is still heavily covered in camouflage and has some body panels, the general shape is clearly visible. It resembles a G-Class, but scaled down to approximately 70 percent with slightly rounded edges.

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Located at the front are the round headlights you would anticipate, featuring outer rings that function as turn signals. It also includes rugged front quarter panels and a very flat hood. This specific prototype can also be observed on a set of mismatched wheels along with a pair of roof rails. Although details about future powertrain choices have not been provided, this prototype is clearly an electric vehicle, as shown by the absence of an exhaust system.

Similar to the bigger G 580 featuring EQ Technology, the test vehicles seem to keep distinctive features like a side-hinged rear door and an external spare tire cover. On the electric model, this rear-mounted compartment is anticipated to serve as storage for charging cables, following the design already present on the full-size EV.

Customized Bones Under The Boxy Frame

The foundation of the new model will feature a custom-built chassis. As stated by former Mercedes chief technology officer Markus Schäfer, the Little G will include a "small ladder-frame chassis," noting that it will share comparable characteristics "in terms of suspension and wheel size" with the larger version.

EV Rollout Plan

Mercedes is planned to introduce theBaby G as a fully electric sports utility vehicle. The exact battery dimensions and motor power specifications remain undisclosed, but it is anticipated that it will incorporate significant technology from the electric models currently being introduced by Merc, such as the GLA and GLC.

According to Schäfer, it will not feature a range-extender system. Smaller and mid-sized Mercedes models are avoiding this intermediate option, meaning the Little G will rely on genuine, full battery-electric technology.

Regarding combustion power, there is no confirmation. Mercedes has not ruled it out, but it has not confirmed it either. If a gasoline engine model does appear, it will probably be based on market demand. For the time being, the company is maintaining its possibilities open.