Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius once again confirmed at the world premiere of the Mercedes GLC EV at the IAA Munich Auto Show that Mercedes will build a smaller, all-electric Mercedes G-Class. And we know now some more details.
Back in October 2020, when Ola Källenius presented Mercedes’ strategy for this decade, one of the key development directions was the expansion and electrification of the G-Class lineup. Electrification took place last year when Mercedes launched the electric version Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology and introduced a 48V mild-hybrid system for internal combustion engine models.
In 2023, the idea of a more compact G-Class emerged; in 2024 came the official confirmation. And now, during the world premiere of the GLC EV, Mercedes revealed a photo of the future G-Class family, showing in the center the current G-Class from the rear, flanked on the left by the upcoming G-Class Cabrio and on the right by the Mercedes G-Class Mini.
Ola Källenius told the British magazine Autocar that the first test models will soon be running on public roads. The Mercedes CEO wants to transform the G-Class from a single model into a sub-brand, similar to how Land Rover has developed the Range Rover line with the Evoque, Range Sport, and Range Rover.
There had been rumors that the Mercedes G-Class Mini might be built on the new MMA platform, used for the latest generations of the Mercedes GLA, CLA, and GLB. However, without a body-on-frame construction — a must for a true uncompromised off-roader — the Mercedes G-Class Mini would have had little chance of competing with the five-door Suzuki Jimny or the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Mini. For this reason, it seems Mercedes has changed its initial plans.
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ Chief Technical Officer, stated at the IAA Munich Auto Show:
“The Mercedes G-Class is a very special and authentic vehicle, and the G-Class Mini must be authentic too. That’s why we can’t adapt an existing platform or use one we already have. We must create a dedicated platform, and for that reason, it will be completely new. In terms of construction, it will be similar to the G-Class.”
Therefore, the Mercedes G-Class Mini will feature many unique components, and the body will be entirely new.
Unfortunately, Mercedes has not reversed its decision to build the future G-Class Mini exclusively with electric propulsion. Although in the meantime the Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology has proven to be a major commercial failure, Mercedes has decided to offer the G-Class Mini only as an EV. However, unlike the G 580 EV, the G-Class Mini will use 800V technology and have a WLTP range of over 500 km, compared to the 473 km of the G 580 EV.
As for design, there will not be many changes. Chief designer Gorden Wagener has stated that the G-Class is iconic and its design cannot be altered too much. Still, Wagener notes that the compact version may feature a more youthful lighting system and sharper, more aggressive lines.
In 2024, a teaser of the future G-Class Mini was presented, showing the angular silhouette of the G-Class and the name written with a lowercase g.
