An all-electric, compact version of Mercedes’ legendary G-Wagen – dubbed ‘Little G’ – could arrive as early as 2027 as a rival to the Land Rover Defender, according to a report from UK magazine Autocar.
Set to be sold exclusively as an EV and as a smaller alternative to the newly-electrified G 580 with EQ Technology, plans for ‘Little G’ were originally outlined as early as 2023. As per a new report from Autocar, the smaller Geländewagen, currently penciled in for a 2027 release, would go head-to-head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender, the Ford Bronco, and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Prices have been mooted around the $90-$95,000 mark as and when Little G makes its way to North America (currently one of the model’s largest markets) in contrast to the $161,500 starting price for the luxury G 580 range-topper.
Key takeaways
- ‘Baby’ Mercedes G-Wagen penciled in for 2027; likely to take on Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler 4xe in North America.
- All-electric architecture means ladder frame chassis likely to be scrapped.
- Around 480-horsepower expected for $90,000-plus starting price.
Traditional G-Wagen Design Remains Intact
Unsurprisingly, the smaller G-Wagen will not veer too far from its larger counterpart’s historic looks, despite Mercedes’ designers’ initial attempts to update its famous circular headlights with more modern ‘U-Shaped’ graphics (this plan was quickly shot down). The G-Wagen’s traditional ‘shoulder’ indicators and boxy, subtly flared wheel arches, and utilitarian front end with its almost vertical windshield, side windows and rear glass are expected to remain intact as well. A spare wheel is also expected to be mounted on the rear panel, although, like the larger G 580, this could instead be used as storage for charging cables.
“The G-Wagen’s traditional ‘shoulder’ indicators and boxy, utilitarian front end will remain intact.”
This being an all-electric model, aerodynamics have been taken into consideration, with the drag coefficient for Little G apparently said to be “well below” the already impressive 0.44cd on the G 580. Also, in case you’re wondering why that slightly nauseating name has stuck for so long, exterior badging will apparently incorporate a lower case ‘g’ to help differentiate the smaller G-Wagen from its flagship counterpart. The five-seater cabin is similarly expected to retain G-Wagen-esque traits like the shallow dashboard and the connecting center console.
All-Electric Architecture Could Potentially Produce Around 480-Horsepower
It’s likely the larger G-Wagen’s ladder frame chassis will be scrapped in favor of the all-electric, 800-volt MB.EA architecture that currently underpins the GLC EV crossover. This would work in tandem with a two-speed gearbox and two, eATS electric motors – one at the front, one at the rear – that could potentially send around 480 horsepower to all four wheels, just under 100 horsepower fewer than the G 580.
“It’s likely the larger G-Wagen’s ladder frame chassis will be scrapped in favor of Mercedes’ all-electric, 800-volt MB.EA architecture.”
Those of you concerned that the baby G-Wagen will be nothing more than a quirky city runaround can put down your pitchforks. A specially modified version of the double wishbone/multi-link suspension on the GLC is in the works – with air springs for increased ground clearance – to ensure Little G performs well off-road. While there’s no official word that the smaller model will also utilize the G-Wagen’s 360-degree G-TURN, this seems a safe bet, given its off-road capabilities and the marketing clout behind the technology.
It’s been said that work on a compact G-Wagen is being pushed to help increase interest in the model in China, given the recent influx of off-road models in Asia like the BYD range and the new “Lite Off-Roader” JETOUR T1. Indeed, Mercedes has stated that slow sales in China last year contributed massively to sales dropping 28 percent in 2024.
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