The legendary Mercedes G-Wagon is getting a little sibling. Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the development of a smaller and potentially more affordable version of its iconic off-roader, commonly referred to as the Mercedes "Little G." This announcement marks a major shift in the G-Class lineup, expanding its reach to a broader audience. But what exactly can we expect from the Baby G-Wagon? Here’s everything we know so far.
What is the Mercedes "Little G"?
The Mercedes "Little G," also known as the Baby G-Wagon, is a compact adaptation of the iconic G-Class SUV. It aims to deliver a similar rugged, boxy design and off-road capability in a smaller, more accessible package. This move aligns with Mercedes’ strategy of capitalizing on the G-Wagon's brand power, making it more attainable for buyers who want the G-Class experience without the hefty price tag.
Mercedes "Little G" Release Date
Mercedes has not yet announced an official release date for the "Little G," but reports suggest it could arrive by 2025 or 2026. The company first teased the model in September 2023 and has been developing it as part of its biggest-ever product launch campaign.
Given the growing popularity of luxury compact SUVs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Baby G-Wagon debut in the next two years, with pre-orders opening by late 2025.
Mercedes "Little G" Price: What to Expect?
While Mercedes has not officially disclosed pricing details, industry insiders speculate that the Mercedes "Little G" price could start between $55,000 and $70,000. This would place it below the full-size G-Wagon, which currently starts at over $140,000.
Pricing may vary depending on trim levels, drivetrain options, and whether Mercedes introduces an all-electric version alongside internal combustion models.
Design and Features: What Will the Baby G-Wagon Look Like?
- Exterior: Mercedes has teased that the "Little G" will retain the signature boxy G-Wagon silhouette, with a smaller footprint. Early design sketches suggest a miniature version of the G-Class, possibly with three- and five-door variants.
- Interior: Expect a luxurious, high-tech Mercedes Neue Klasse-inspired cabin with advanced infotainment, digital displays, and premium materials.
- Chassis: It remains unclear whether the Little G will use a body-on-frame platform like its big brother or transition to a more road-friendly unibody design. However, it must maintain some off-road prowess to stay true to the G-Class heritage.
Will the Mercedes "Little G" Be Electric?
There are strong rumors that the Baby G-Wagon could be available in a fully electric variant. Mercedes has been investing heavily in EV technology, including the Mercedes G-Wagon EV. Some reports suggest that the Little G could be built on the same electric platform as the upcoming CLA EV, featuring a mild-hybrid or fully electric powertrain.
The electric Baby G-Wagon could rival the likes of the Jeep Recon EV and other luxury compact electric SUVs. A gasoline-powered version may also be in development, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a mild-hybrid setup.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
- Powertrain: Expect a hybrid and fully electric powertrain option.
- Battery: If fully electric, it may feature Mercedes’ latest round battery cell technology for better range and efficiency.
- Drivetrain: The "Little G" will likely come with all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4MATIC, ensuring it retains some off-road credibility.
- Suspension: A focus on comfort and off-road capability, though a unibody construction might limit extreme off-road use compared to the larger G-Class.
Competition: How Will the Little G-Wagon Compare?
The Mercedes "Little G" will face competition from several luxury compact SUVs, including:
- Land Rover Defender 90 – Offers similar rugged styling and off-road capability.
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe – A hybrid off-road SUV with serious trail capabilities.
- Ford Bronco Sport – A more affordable, off-road-focused SUV.
- BMW X3/X4 – Luxury compact SUVs with strong performance but less off-road focus.
- Electric Rivals – If the "Little G" is fully electric, it could compete with the Jeep Recon EV and Tesla Model Y.
Final Thoughts: Is the "Little G" Worth the Hype?
The Mercedes "Little G" is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated luxury compact SUVs of the decade. With a smaller size, more affordable price, and possibly electric powertrain, it has the potential to reach a broader market while maintaining the legendary G-Class appeal.
As Mercedes prepares to expand the G-Wagon lineup, the "Little G" could be the perfect alternative for buyers looking for an iconic, stylish, and capable SUV without the ultra-premium price tag. Whether it will be a true off-roader or a luxury city SUV remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Mercedes "Little G" release date, pricing, and specifications!