In an electrifying declaration from Mercedes’ research and development board member, Markus Schäfer, tantalizing glimpses into the highly anticipated baby G-Class SUV have come to light! This miniaturized twist on the legendary off-road icon has fans buzzing with excitement as they await its expected arrival in 2027. Teased alongside an upcoming G-Class convertible, the baby G aims to cater to the ever-growing legion of G-Class devotees, providing a more compact and city-friendly alternative to the classic. But fear not, off-road purists! Mercedes is committed to preserving the charm and essence of the full-size model without compromising on quality. As Schäfer emphasized, “The G is a very special and authentic car, so the mini G has to be authentic too. I cannot just take an existing platform; I have to create my own platform modules, and that’s what’s happening.” This commitment points to substantial efforts in engineering a fresh chassis that mirrors the allure of today’s G-Class, but in a more manageable package.
While the upcoming baby G-Class will forgo a traditional ladder chassis, it's poised to deliver a distinctive driving experience. Schäfer assured us, “We spent a lot of time tuning this car, and over time developed unique components to make it not just aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly capable.” Indeed, the team found themselves designing an abundance of exclusive parts, a testament to their belief in the vehicle's potential. Though the powertrain specifics remain shrouded in mystery, Schäfer hinted at unique options: “I don’t want to go into those details, but just looking at the current capabilities and what’s needed, I came to the conclusion that it has to be exceptional.” While it seems that an electric powertrain is on the horizon, the fate of a traditional internal combustion engine option remains uncertain. Additionally, Schäfer has dismissed the idea of range-extender powertrains for small to medium models, including this new iteration of the G-Class. Excitingly, prototypes are set to hit the roads soon, although an official unveiling may not happen until late 2026, with a potential market launch in 2027. What’s more, the pricing for this electric marvel is tipped to undercut its full-size sibling significantly, although just how much remains to be seen.
Currently, the G-Class commands a starting price around €210,000, leaving us all speculating where this smaller model will fit in the lineup. Will it emerge as a formidable competitor to the Land Rover Defender, or perhaps vie for positioning against Land Rover’s own miniature Defender set for release in 2027? Whatever the outcome, enthusiasts on the hunt for their next SUV should be prepared for an array of choices! As a predominantly electric vehicle, expect the baby G-Class to sport a sleek, flush grille with an illuminated outline. Its signature boxy profile will remain intact, characterized by a robust front end and an upright windshield, while incorporating some of the modern updates seen on the current electric G-Class, like a reduced-size rear spare wheel designed to accommodate charging cables. Naturally, being smaller, this new model will feature a narrower body and a shorter wheelbase—two elements that could enhance its off-road capabilities.
Details on battery capacity are still tightly guarded, but it’s a safe bet that it will be smaller than the hefty 116 kWh battery found in the G 580 with EQ Technology. Internally, the baby G-Class is poised for a dynamic presentation as well, drawing ample inspiration from its larger counterpart. Expect squared-off turbine air vents, an oversized passenger grab handle, and an upright driving position to be part of the luxurious interior. The SUV will also feature Mercedes' cutting-edge MBUX system, boasting expansive touchscreens and intuitive user interfaces ready to elevate the driving experience.
With all these exciting features and innovations on the horizon, it’s clear that the baby G-Class is shaping up to be not just a simpler version of its iconic predecessor, but a truly unique vehicle in its own right. Keep your eyes peeled; the automotive world is about to get a lot more thrilling!