If you are patiently waiting for the smaller and more affordable sibling of the G-Wagen to hit the dealers you will be happy to learn that the CEO of Mercedes-Benz confirmed its coming “sooner than you think.” How soon? Speaking to Bloomberg Business recently, Ola Källenius clarified its market launch will take place in “less than 24 months from now.”
Mercedes originally announced the “little G” back in 2023, and it shared the first official teaser in 2025. While the company has yet to set a debut date for the compact off-roader, Mercedes boss, Ola Källenius, gave us a few hints. Källenius said: “It seems like everybody loves the G-Class, it’s an iconic car. And when we made that announcement, we’re going to make a smaller brother to the G, it was like my phone was on fire with messages. And I can say this: It’s coming, and it’s coming sooner than you think.”
This new model was teased as the “g-Class” (lowercase g) moniker, but it’s not clear what this down-sized off-roader will be called. While we’re hopeful it could debut next year, we now know that the model will definitely arrive before the end of 2028.
What to expect from the little G
The Baby G — or whatever it’s called — will be part of the compact-sized lineup within the broader Mercedes portfolio, with a footprint similar to the GLA, GLB, and CLA. However, instead of using the standard Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) underpinnings, it will ride on a bespoke ladder-frame chassis engineered to make it more capable off the beaten track.
Initially, Mercedes had announced that the model would be exclusively offered in fully electric form. However, pressure from U.S. dealers, the lack of interest for the larger G580 with EQ technology, and charging market dynamics forced the company to rethink its strategy and add a hybrid powertrain option into the mix.
The EV is expected to adopt a dual-motor AWD setup in combination with an 85 kWh NMC battery pack, while the hybrid could use the electrified 1.5-liter engine already found in the low-slung CLA. In any case, AWD will be standard, honoring the heritage of the model name.
Visually, spy shots suggest that the G-class will borrow many styling cues from the regular G-Class, including the boxy shape, flat surfacing, tall greenhouse, round LED headlights, and low-mounted taillights. The interior will likely inherit the latest tech from Mercedes’ parts bin alongside a taller driving position and more practicality than your average SUV.
While some could argue that the Suzuki Jimny with a G-Class body kit is a rival, the true direct competitor will be the smaller version of the Land Rover Defender.
