During the launch of the Concept CLA Class at the 2023 IAA Munich, Mercedes’ CEO, Ola Källenius, took the stage to make an even more noteworthy announcement. He confirmed the rumours that the famous G-Class was being scaled down. Källenius described this little off-roader while a boxy SUV design draw-up was shown in the backdrop. He made it clear that this “Little G” will run solely on electricity.
The smaller G-Class hasn’t yet been given a release date, but given that all we have to go on right now is a design sketch, it’s safe to assume that it won’t be until at least a few years. Källenius emphasised that Mercedes is well aware of the responsibilities involved in this endeavour while acknowledging the difficulty of living up to the iconic G-Class tradition. He guaranteed that the “Little G” will be “instantly recognisable” and confirmed that it will provide a pleasurable driving experience both on and off-road.
The rumored release date for the smaller G-Class is reportedly set for 2026, and it’s expected to utilize the same MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) as the Concept CLA Class unveiled at the IAA event. If these rumors hold true, it suggests that the more compact G-Class will depart from the body-on-frame platform of its larger sibling, opting instead for a unibody construction.
Despite its smaller stature, the reports indicate that the “Little G” won’t differ significantly in length from the full-sized G-Class. However, it’s expected to have a notably lower ride height, bringing it closer to the road. This shift in construction and design philosophy could make the “Little G” a unique and appealing addition to Mercedes’ lineup, offering a fresh take on the legendary G-Class formula.
