Mercedes, the renowned automaker, has brought forth a significant revelation at the 2023 IAA Munich with its latest creation, the Concept CLA Class. However, the CEO of the company, Ola Källenius, took this occasion to unveil yet another momentous announcement. Confirming earlier reports, he divulged that a smaller iteration of the famed G-Class is currently under development. Amidst discussions by the higher-ups about this compact off-road vehicle, an illustrative depiction of a rugged SUV emerged in the backdrop. Källenius, a 54-year-old executive hailing from Sweden, aptly dubbed it the “Little G” and emphasized that this diminutive contender will be propelled by electric power.
Källenius opted to withhold the precise timeline for the release of the downsized G-Class, considering that only a preliminary sketch is available at the moment. Given this scenario, it is plausible to assume that its arrival is still a few years away. Admitting the formidable challenge at hand, Källenius acknowledged that the newcomer has substantial expectations to meet, requiring it to fill the sizable shoes of its predecessor. The iconic three-pointed emblem, representing Mercedes, is acutely aware of the weight of this responsibility and is committed to retaining the distinct identity that makes it recognizable. Moreover, the upcoming “Little G” is anticipated to deliver an enjoyable driving experience both on and off the beaten path.
The German publication Handelsblatt was the pioneer in reporting the prospects of a smaller G-Class in February. Speculation surrounds its potential availability in 2026, riding on the same foundational MMA architecture showcased in the Concept CLA Class unveiled during the IAA event. If these rumors hold true, the compact G-Class is poised to diverge from the conventional body-on-frame structure of its larger sibling, opting for a more unified construction. Although its overall dimensions may not drastically differ from the full-sized G-Class, it is projected to ride noticeably closer to the ground.
However, it’s important to note that the MMA architecture is not exclusively tailored for electric vehicles. In contrast, it is engineered to accommodate both traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains. Christoph Starzynski, the Vice President of Development for Electric Drive at Mercedes-Benz, affirmed this strategic approach, emphasizing that compromises would be made on the internal combustion engine front, in contrast to the current scenario observed with models like EQA and EQB. Handelsblatt’s reliable sources indicate that the “Little G” will also provide options for traditional powertrains alongside its electric counterparts.
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