Model ‘Baby G’ ini diposisikan di bawah G-Class bersaiz penuh dan dilaporkan kira-kira 30% lebih kecil. Jika anda tertanya-tanya tentang rupa bentuknya, bayangkan sebuah Suzuki Jimny dengan kit penukaran G-Class untuk gambaran kasar. Walau bagaimanapun, struktur asasnya telah diubah suai berikutan peluasan pilihan rangkaian kuasa tersebut.

Sebelum ini, model ini dirancang untuk menggunakan platform yang sama dengan model elektrik GLC. Namun, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Mercedes-Benz, Markus Schäfer, memaklumkan kepada *Autocar* bahawa ‘Baby G’ kini akan dibina di atas platform unik yang menggabungkan casis *ladder frame* tradisional dan platform MMA yang digunakan pada model CLA dan GLB baharu.

Rasional di sebalik perubahan ini adalah mudah: platform MMA mampu menyokong kedua-dua rangkaian kuasa elektrik dan hibrid. Bagi versi elektrik, dilaporkan bahawa sistem pacuan semua roda akan dijana oleh sepasang motor elektrik eATS2.0, dengan satu motor pada setiap gandar. Berdasarkan platform tersebut, ia juga berkemungkinan menggunakan bateri NMC 85 kWh yang sama seperti pada model CLA dan GLB.

Bagi model GLB, bateri tersebut menawarkan jarak gerak sejauh 614 km (WLTP), namun jangan harapkan angka yang sama bagi ‘Baby G’ memandangkan reka bentuknya yang kurang aerodinamik (seperti “pintu bangsal”).

Selain itu, keupayaan pemanduan luar jalan (*off-road*) model ini tidaklah setanding dengan “abangnya,” G-Class EV, yang dilengkapi motor elektrik pada setiap roda dengan empat gear nisbah rendah bagi memberikan cengkaman serta agihan tork (*torque vectoring*) yang luar biasa.

G-Class EV bersaiz penuh mampu melakukan beberapa aksi menarik dengan motor pada setiap roda, seperti pusingan tangki (*tank turn*) atau ciri *G-Steer*. Oleh itu, ‘Baby G’ anda tidak akan mempunyai keupayaan tersebut.

Keputusan Stuttgart untuk melakukan perubahan drastik pada platform di tengah-tengah fasa pembangunan bukanlah sesuatu yang mengejutkan. Jualan G-Class EV dilihat tidak begitu memberangsangkan meskipun mempunyai prestasi dan keupayaan yang tinggi.

Tambahan pula, langkah Kesatuan Eropah yang menarik balik pengharaman enjin pembakaran dalaman pada tahun 2035 telah menjadikannya lebih praktikal untuk mengekalkan rangkaian kuasa pembakaran dalam sesebuah model bagi tempoh yang lebih lama.

Kebanyakan pengeluar kenderaan kini sedang melakukan pusingan U terhadap keputusan mereka untuk beralih sepenuhnya kepada elektrik. Sebaliknya, mereka kini memilih laluan yang sering ditegaskan oleh Toyota sebagai jawapan terbaik—iaitu menyediakan pelbagai kaedah dorongan dan membiarkan pengguna membuat keputusan. Jangan sesekali meragui Toyota.

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.

You may also be interested: The Test of Time: 80% Of All G-Class Models Produced Are Still On The Road Today

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.

You may also be interested: Mercedes-Benz Unveils the All-New Electric G-Class – 879hp, 1164Nm of Torque, 473km EV Range

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.

You may also be interested: Mercedes Teases A Smaller G-Class: The “Little G”

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.

Mercedes-Benz has officially announced that a smaller version of the iconic G-Wagen is in development. The confirmation came during an investor-relations presentation, though the German automaker has yet to disclose details regarding powertrains, design, or a release timeline.

Speculation has been mounting that the “Baby G-Wagen” will feature an all-electric powertrain, potentially utilizing technology derived from the current electric G-Class. However, Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed whether the smaller off-roader will be EV-exclusive.

Additionally, the automaker revealed plans to overhaul its design philosophy, eliminating distinct styling cues between electric and internal combustion models. Moving forward, Mercedes-Benz will integrate multiple powertrain options—including internal combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric—within the same model lineup. The upcoming CLA-Class will be the first vehicle to adopt this new strategy.

The development of the compact G-Wagen, often referred to as “The Little G,” was first confirmed by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show in Munich. At the time, Källenius teased the project, stating, “If you wait for something good, it will be worth the wait.”

The G-Class has already embraced electrification with the introduction of the G 580 with EQ Technology. This electric variant produces an impressive 579hp and 1164Nm of torque, delivering robust performance on and off the road. Meanwhile, enthusiasts continue to favour the high-performance AMG G 63, which packs a twin-turbocharged V8 generating 577hp.

How the market will respond to another electrified G-Wagen remains to be seen. However, with Mercedes-Benz pushing forward with its electrification strategy, the upcoming “Baby G” could mark a significant step in the brand’s evolving SUV lineup.

2022 Mercedes-Benz G-ClassMichael Schiebe, CEO of AMG and head of the G-Class and Maybach business units, recently spoke about the legendary durability of the G-Class during a roundtable interview in France. He highlighted that an impressive 80 per cent of all G-Class vehicles ever produced are still on the road today, a testament to their longevity and reliability.

Despite the complexity of its design and higher servicing costs compared to compact cars, the G-Class has proven to be a stalwart in terms of durability. Schiebe emphasised that the new electric G-Class, equipped with EQ Technology, is expected to maintain the same level of longevity as its gas-powered counterparts.

Mercedes-Benz reached a significant milestone in 2023 with the production of the 500,000th G-Class, indicating that over 400,000 of these vehicles are still actively driving on roads worldwide. This remarkable retention rate surpasses that of other iconic vehicles like the Porsche 911.

With the introduction of the electric G580 and other variants, Mercedes-Benz aims to cater to a wider range of customer preferences. Schiebe expressed confidence that both dealers and customers will find satisfaction in the expanded lineup, which now includes options for V-8 enthusiasts, efficiency-focused drivers, and those embracing electric mobility.

Mercedes-AMG G 63In a strategic move, Mercedes-Benz is diversifying its G-Class lineup for the 2025 model year, offering powertrain options beyond the traditional V-8 engine. This marks a significant shift from the brand’s reliance on V-8 power since the G-Class’s introduction in the US in 2002. The new lineup includes an electric variant and a turbo inline-six model with mild-hybrid technology, providing customers with a broader range of choices to suit their preferences and driving needs.

As Schiebe aptly summarised, Mercedes-Benz has implemented a “de-risking strategy” by offering a diverse lineup of G-Class variants, ensuring that there is a model to meet the needs and desires of every customer while maintaining the iconic appeal of the legendary G-Wagon.

The G 580 with EQ Technology retains the unmistakable design and ruggedness of the G-Class, featuring a ladder frame setup similar to the recently revised G-Class models. Its suspension layout, including an independent front setup and a redeveloped de Dion configuration at the rear, ensures formidable off-road performance while embracing electric power.

Unlike its ICE counterparts, the G 580 boasts four motors integrated into the chassis, delivering an impressive 879hp and 1164Nm of torque. This setup enables precise torque distribution to each wheel, enhancing off-road capabilities with features like the G-Turn mode and G-Steering assistance.

Innovative technology, such as individual-wheel drive and virtual differential locks, further elevates the G 580’s off-road prowess. Additionally, the vehicle offers impressive on-road performance, with a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds, although its range may be somewhat limited, with an estimated 473km on the WLTP test cycle.

Aerodynamic enhancements, including air curtains and a rear lip spoiler, contribute to improved efficiency, with a coefficient of drag reduced to 0.44. The vehicle also features a robust battery protection system, ensuring durability in rugged terrain.

Inside, the G 580 offers luxurious amenities and advanced tech features, including an optional light band integrated into the grille and various storage solutions. It has the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and a 12.3-inch driver and media display with touch controls are included as standard. The display and operating concept uses adaptive software to make personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. Smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay enables occupants to make optimum use of their mobile phone functions.

While pricing details are yet to be disclosed, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology promises to set a new standard for electric SUVs, blending performance, capability, and luxury in true G-Wagon fashion.

While retaining its iconic boxy design, the new G-Class receives mild electrification and a host of enhanced features, setting the stage for the upcoming EQG EV slated for release later this year.

At the heart of the base G550 lies a new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the traditional V-8 powertrain. This configuration delivers 443hp and 560Nm of torque, with an integrated starter generator contributing an additional 20hp and 200Nm. Despite the downsized engine, the G550 maintains formidable off-road capabilities, aided by standard all-wheel drive with a 40-60 torque split and three mechanical differential locks.

Mercedes introduces an Off-Road Cockpit function within the MBUX infotainment system, offering vital off-road information such as vehicle positioning, altitude, and steering angle on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Additionally, the “Transparent Hood” feature allows drivers to visualise obstacles with the help of a 360-degree overhead camera.

The base G550 also boasts a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition, while the Parking package enhances manoeuvrability with a 360-degree overhead camera. For those seeking even more performance, the G63 variant retains its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8 engine with 577hp and 850Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.

Visually, both the G550 and G63 receive subtle updates for 2025, with the latter offering a new paint option, adaptive LED headlights, and refreshed bumper design. Optional features include the AMG Active Ride Control, enhancing on- and off-road performance with hydraulic roll stabilisation and adjustable adaptive damping.

Mercedes has not disclosed pricing details for the 2025 G-Class lineup.