Mercedes-Benz has an affordable and compact lineup – A, B, CLA, GLA, GLB Classes. These are all front-engined, FWD (primarily) vehicles built on a common MMA platform serving the brand well. Now, Mercedes-Benz recently showed Concept CLA-Class and at the same event, teased a baby G-Class too. Yes, we’re talking about a proper G offering, but smaller and more economical.
It is highly likely that the Baby G-Class or ‘Little G’ will sit on a bespoke platform and not Merc’s modular MMA platform. Probability of it being a monocoque and a 3-door is evident too. Something in line with Land Rover Defender 90, which is a monocoque 3-door SUV as well.
At 2023 IAA Mobility Munich Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz teased Little G’s silhouette. In terms of design, baby G-Class is reminiscent of the full-fat G-Class. Boxy design, spare wheel on tailgate and other G-Class trademarks like side exhausts are likely too. Depending on market, there will be both BEV and ICE versions of Little G including PHEVs.
Also, 4X4 is likely to be offered as standard. Mercedes-Benz is facelifting G-Class and launching EQG sometime next year. Little G or Baby G-Class could derive design elements from these vehicles for their ICE and BEV versions respectively. However, upcoming smaller G-Class could take its own design journey as well, considering it gets its own platform.
For a handful of enthusiasts, who can afford a real G-Class, this might be a turn-off as the exclusivity factor is now gone. That said, we think it is a rather brilliant move by Mercedes-Benz going forward in bolstering its SUV portfolio. When the A-Class hit the market, it garnered similar criticism. But now, it is a success story for Mercedes-Benz.
This will likely garner a lot of demand upon launch. G-Class as is, is one of the most desirable, popular and sought-after vehicles in the world. G-Class holds its monetary value better and even appreciated in some cases, rather than depreciating. This speaks nicely about its desirability factor.
Market positioning is supposedly above C-Class, as per Mercedes Chief Designer, Gorden Wagener. Going by its positioning, powertrain options are likely to be a 2.0L diesel engine making 188 bhp and 400 Nm, mated to an 8-speed TC and AWD, or a 1.5L turbo petrol with 201 bhp and 300 Nm, mated to a 9-speed TC and AWD. AMG 35 or even 45 variants with up to 400 bhp of power could be possible in the future too.
The BEV version of Little G might share its powertrains with other EQ Mercs like EQB or EQC. In terms of design, this EV variant will draw similarities with upcoming EQG, an electric offering of full-fat G-Class. Even though Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius called it Little G, production version may bear a different name. So, Baby G-Class? GLG? ALG? G-Class Mini? Or G Square Root?