Although it was initially announced that the baby Mercedes G-Class would be offered exclusively with electric propulsion, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has confirmed that it will also get a combustion-engine version.
It is now official: the baby Mercedes G-Class will be available with two types of powertrains, not just electric as originally announced.
Mercedes had planned to launch the baby Mercedes G-Class as an exclusively electric model in 2027, but in an interview, Mercedes boss Ola Källenius confirmed that the baby Mercedes G-Class, or “Little G” as it has been nicknamed, will be available with both electric and combustion-engine powertrains.
This decision, anticipated by many analysts, comes at a time when sales of the Mercedes G-Class EQ are very weak, while total Mercedes G-Class sales reached an all-time record in 2025.
It is also very likely that Mercedes took into account the future competition for the Little G. Toyota has already launched the Land Cruiser FJ with a full-hybrid powertrain outside Europe, the Ineos Fusilier due in 2028 will also offer a range-extender version alongside the electric model, and the future baby Land Rover Defender (Defender 80), planned for 2027, could also feature a hybrid version in addition to a fully electric one.
The new baby Mercedes G-Class will retain the design characteristics of its larger sibling, including the boxy silhouette, short overhangs, flat roof, flared wheel arches, and externally mounted rear spare wheel.
There have been many discussions regarding the technical platform, but the latest reports suggest a body-on-frame platform in order to preserve the legendary off-road capabilities of the G-Class.
As for the electric version, Mercedes has learned from previous experiences that it needs to offer high charging power and competitive range. For this reason, the Little G will be based on an 800V architecture that will provide charging power of up to 300 kW, significantly higher than the 200 kW of the G-Class EQ, along with a WLTP range of up to 500 km.
Regarding the combustion-engine version, the Little G will not use a six-cylinder engine, but rather the new 1.5-liter turbo engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology developed by Geely and already used in the new compact CLA and GLB range. In its top version, this engine produces 190 hp plus an additional 30 hp from the electric motor integrated between the combustion engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Although it is theoretically a mild hybrid, this powertrain system also allows short-distance electric driving.
