Mercedes-Benz is venturing into new territory by expanding its iconic G-Wagen lineup with a second, smaller offering, playfully nicknamed the “Little G.” This compact off-roader is poised to be a scaled-down version of the current G-Class, drawing a parallel to the Ford Bronco and its smaller counterpart, the Bronco Sport.
What sets the “Little G” apart is its eco-friendly approach. Much like the standard G-Class, which will soon offer an electric option called the EQG, this smaller G-Class will also be battery-powered. Harnessing Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge EV technology, the “Little G” is gearing up to deliver emissions-free off-roading while maintaining the luxury standards that Mercedes is renowned for. Enthusiasts can anticipate its debut in the next few years.
The concept of the “Little G” made its official debut at IAA Munich 2023 when Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius introduced it to the world. In a charming twist, even the logo that accompanied the announcement used a lowercase “g.” While it’s unlikely that Mercedes will stick with “Little G” as the official name for the production version, the electric G-Class will be designated as the EQG when it’s released to the public. It’s safe to assume that some variation of this three-letter nomenclature will be adopted for the smaller model.
So, what can we expect in terms of design? Picture a G-Class but in a more compact form. Our talented rendering artists have envisioned a pint-sized off-roader that blends design cues from the current G-Class with some EQ-specific elements, like a closed-off “grille” adorned with repeating tri-star logos and illuminated accents.
Given its off-road pedigree, rugged features are inevitable. Plastic cladding is likely to cover a substantial portion of the front fascia, wheel wells, and the rear bumper. Off-road enthusiasts can look forward to purpose-built tires, and there might be other off-road-specific elements such as brush guards, skid plates, and tow hooks.
However, there’s a fundamental difference: the “Little G” will employ a unibody construction instead of the standard G-Wagon’s ladder frame. This means it won’t have the same towering ground clearance as its larger sibling and should sport a considerably shorter wheelbase.
Under the hood, the “Little G” is expected to utilize the latest compact Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), as introduced with the Concept CLA-Class. This platform accommodates both traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains. As for the electric side of things, the “Little G” should boast an 800-volt charging capability and a range slightly exceeding 300 miles, all while maintaining standard all-wheel drive. Specifics about battery size, motor configuration, and capacity remain undisclosed for now.
Production of the “Little G” is still a few years away. Analysts project that manufacturing will commence around the end of 2026 at the Mercedes Kecskemet factory in Hungary, which is known for producing compact cars. This timeline also places the debut of the new CLA, EQA, and EQB models ahead of the “Little G,” as well as the electric version of the full-size G-Class, expected to arrive sometime next year.
Pricing is always a topic of interest, and the “Little G” is poised to be more accessible than its larger sibling. While the current G 550 starts at $141,050 in the US (including destination charges), and the G63 comes in at $180,150, early estimates suggest that the “Little G” will have a starting price ranging from $55,000 to $65,000. This more budget-friendly approach opens the doors for a broader audience to experience the allure of the G-Wagen legacy.
