- “Little G” is just as boxy as its big brother
- The prototype was electric, but a gas engine was reportedly planned.
- It is expected to go on sale before the end of 2027.
It’s been almost three years since Mercedes first gave us a glimpse of the downsized G-Class. While there’s still no word on when it will be revealed, new spy footage gives us our best look yet at “Little G.” That’s how CEO Ola Källenius affectionately refers to what will be a huge success, as is the full-fat Geländewagen.
This big-bodied off-roader looks exactly as you’d expect: basically a scaled-down version of the original G. The car carries all the hallmarks of its larger sibling, including boxy proportions with prominent wheel arches and a flat roofline. Most likely it’s not a spare wheel at the back, but rather a storage box similar to the one on the electric G-Class. It is mounted on a side-hinged fifth door and swings up, similar to a go-anywhere SUV.
Even in full camouflage, it already looks promising, and its more compact size will make it easier to carry around town. As with the full-fat G, we can’t imagine many owners venturing far off the beaten path. However, if that happens, Mercedes has promised to give the new G variant real off-road capabilities thanks to a platform that the company chief describes as a “completely new development”.
While the standard G-Class is around 185 inches (4.7 meters) long without the rear-mounted spare wheel, the upcoming version will reportedly measure around 173 inches (4.4 meters). Judging by this prototype, it also appears to sit lower than the original G-Wagen, meaning it won’t match its ground clearance.
While this prototype appears to be fully electric, given the lack of engine noise, an ICE version may follow. Recent reports suggest Mercedes is also planning to install a combustion engine for the hybrid variant. It is said to use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the new CLA. As you can imagine, both electric and gas-powered versions should feature a standard 4×4 setup.
The “little G” isn’t the only new addition to the G-Class family, as Mercedes is also planning the return of the Cabriolet. A four-door model with a retractable cloth roof has been teased and is believed to receive the AMG treatment in the cool G63 variant. Production is expected to start in the second half of 2027.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
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