Abstract:
Mercedes-Benz CEO Källenius recently confirmed in an interview that
the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz "Baby G" will be launched "sooner than you think" and made it clear that it will be launched on the market "less than 24 months from now", which means it will be officially unveiled before the end of 2028 at the latest.
Mercedes-Benz announced the "Little G" plan as early as 2023, and released the first official trailer in 2025, but has never given an exact release date. Kallenius revealed in the interview that when he announced that he was going to build a G-class little brother, his mobile phone almost exploded with messages. "Everyone was asking when they could buy it." He said: "I can tell you that it is coming, and it is coming faster than you expect."
The "Little G" will be included in Mercedes-Benz's compact product line, with a body size similar to GLA, GLB and CLA. However, unlike models on the same platform,
"Little G" will not use Mercedes-Benz's standard MMA modular architecture, but will use a proprietary ladder-frame chassis to improve off-road passing capabilities. This is also a tribute to the classic Big G non-load-bearing body tradition.
In terms of power, Mercedes-Benz initially planned to only launch pure electric versions of the "Little G", but this strategy has been adjusted. The direct reason is the poor market performance of the pure electric version of Big G, namely G580 with EQ Technology. The G580 starts at US$162,600, has an EPA range of only 204 miles (approximately 328 kilometers), and only ran 160 miles (approximately 257 kilometers) in the actual high-speed test. It was admitted by Mercedes-Benz internal executives as a "complete failure." Coupled with pressure from U.S. dealers and the charging market not developing as expected, Mercedes-Benz decided to add a hybrid version to the "Little G".
The pure electric version is expected to adopt a dual-motor four-wheel drive layout and be equipped with an 85kWh NMC battery pack. The battery life is expected to reach 724 kilometers. The hybrid version may be equipped with the same electrified 1.5-liter engine as the CLA. Regardless of the power source, a four-wheel drive system will be standard to continue the G-Class’ off-road genes.
In terms of appearance, previously exposed winter test spy photos show that the "Little G" will inherit a large number of the design language of the Big G, including the square box body shape, straight body panels, towering window lines, round LED headlights and low-mounted taillights. The rear spare tire also appeared on the test car.
The interior is expected to be equipped with Mercedes-Benz's latest generation technology configurations. The driving posture is higher than that of ordinary SUVs, and its practicality is more focused on outdoor scenes.
In terms of pricing, the outside world estimates that the starting price of the "Little G" in the US market is about US$70,000 (Quick Technology Note: equivalent to about 467,000 yuan), which is significantly lower than the starting price of the Big G of US$153,900. The domestic market is expected to be introduced through imports, with the pure electric version going on the market first and the hybrid version following later.
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