News about the Mercedes Baby G: More than just a mini G-Class

Although the G-Class has been on the market for almost 50 years, it remains one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models. Now the Stuttgart-based automaker wants to expand this legend with a new model – the off-roader, unofficially dubbed the "Baby G," which is scheduled to premiere next year.

Since its initial announcement in 2023, numerous rumors and speculations have circulated about the Baby G. Now, however, Mercedes has confirmed one crucial detail: It won't simply be a scaled-down version of the G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius announced last weekend at the IAA Mobility in Munich that the first prototypes of the Baby G will be seen "very soon on the road." The company also presented a short teaser showing the new model alongside the classic G-Class . Källenius also emphasized that the Baby G will be built on a completely separate platform and not on the existing G-Class architecture.

"The G-Class is a very special, authentic car – and a Mini G must be authentic too. So I can't simply adopt a platform; I have to develop a completely new one."

Mercedes-Benz 'Baby G' teaser

Image by: Mercedes-Benz

At the same time, COO Markus Schäfer confirmed to Autocar that the Baby G will have a ladder-frame chassis like its big brother. This suggests it should be just as capable off-road. However, the compact SUV will use "a great many" completely unique components – not even the door handles will be shared with the G-Class. Schäfer commented: "You know, I can't even take a door handle from the current portfolio because the G-Class has such unique door handles."

While the current G-Class is offered with both combustion engines and an electric version, the Baby G is expected to launch exclusively as an electric vehicle. Given the recently introduced electric GLC variant, it's likely that the Baby G will also feature a similar setup – a battery with a capacity of around 94 kWh and up to 483 hp is conceivable.

There are still many unanswered questions, but the debut is expected in 2026. The market launch is expected to take place at the end of that year or early 2027. Initial estimates suggest a starting price between 60,000 and 68,000 euros.

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