That Mercedes-Benz is making a baby version of its iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class Geländewagen is not news and should launch in 2027. However, the Baby G was supposed to be all-electric (EV) but apparently Stuttgart is now having second thoughts and is considering a combustion engine in a hybrid setup just in case. The Baby G
The Baby G slots in below the full-sized G-Class and is reportedly around 30% smaller. If you are wondering what it would look like, perhaps the Suzuki Jimny with a G-Class conversion kit would give you a rough idea. What underpins though has been changed, being swapped due to the powertrain expansion.
Previously, it was to sit on the same platform as the new electric GLC. However, Mercedes-Benz boss Markus Schäfer shared with Autocar that the Baby G will now be built on a unique one that is a combination of a traditional ladder chassis and the MMA platform used in the new CLA and GLB.
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The reason is simple, the MMA is capable of supporting both electric and hybrid powertrains. As for the former, it has been reported that all-wheel drive will be courtesy of a pair of eATS2.0 electric motors, one on each axle. Given the platform, it could also run the same 85 kWh NMC battery from the CLA and GLB.
In the GLB, it delivers 614 km (WLTP) of range but do not expect the same in the Baby G due to its barndoor design language.
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Additionally, it will not be as capable off-road as its bigger brother G-Class EV that houses an electric motor at each wheel with four low-range gears for unparelled traction and torque vectoring.
The full-sized G-Class EV can perform some nifty party tricks with a motor at each wheel, such as the tank turn or G Steer feature. Therefore, your Baby G will not be able to tick any of those boxes.
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It is no surprise why Stuttgart has decided to commit to something as radical as a platform switch smack in the middle of development. Sales of the G-Class EV are not promising despite its performance and capabilities.
On top of that, the European Union’s reversal of its combustion engine ban in 2035 has made it feasible to maintain combustion powertrains in models for longer.
Many carmakers are making a 180 on their decisions to go fully electric, instead opting to take the path Toyota said would always be the answer, to provide multiple propulsion methods and let the consumer decide. Never doubt the Big T.