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► Entirely bespoke
► Will maintain G-Wagen looks
► Powertrain unconfirmed
At the 2023 Munich motor show, Mercedes confirmed it was working on an all-new sibling to the iconic G-Class. Back then we were told it was going to be smaller, more compact but with the same character that continues to define the original. At the 2025 Munich more details were revealed, and in 2026 we have new pictures of the car testing.
Originally the baby G was destined to be an EV, but CAR now understands the plan has changed. It’s now looking likely that the baby G-Class will likely receive the same mild hybrid, 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo powertrain from the new CLA.
What about the pics?
These new pictures show Mercedes’ baby G cold weather testing, and give us our first look at the new mini 4×4. It’s covered in bespoke ‘little g’ camo but it’s still possible to make out some key details. As widely hinted by Mercedes suits, it’ll feature much of the robust styling of the G-Wagen, but wear it on a slightly smaller, more urban-friendly frame. That’s the baby G’s mission.
What else do we know?
According to the top Mercedes bosses, the new car will be totally new, totally bespoke – but a scaled down (and slightly modernised) version of the iconic 4×4 we already know.
Speaking to CAR magazine at the 2025 Munich show, Mercedes CTO Markus Schäfer revealed some technical aspects of the forthcoming baby 4×4: ‘The G is very special, authentic car. And the Mini G also has to be authentic,’ he said. ‘So, I cannot take just an existing platform, I have to create my own modules.’
With that in mind, the new baby G won’t use an adapted version of the G-Class platform, nor an adapted version of any Mercedes Benz platform currently in use. Instead, Stuttgart has developed a whole new platform, such are the unique requirements of the forthcoming car.
‘When it comes to suspension, when it comes to wheel size, [it’s a] completely new development,’ Schafer added. ‘We went to far more unique components than I ever wished over time, just looking at the current capabilities and what’s needed.’
However, Schafer was able to confirm that the car won’t be using a ladder chassis.
What will it look like?
Stuttgart’s ex-head of design, Gordon Wagener was also able to shed more light on what the new tiny G will look like – again at the 2025 Munich show: ‘We will give it slightly different tweak,’ he confirmed. ‘Front end might have a bit more sharpness, a bit of a younger graphic…’
Despite the modernisation though, it’ll still look like a G, as that remains the key selling point of the car. After all, how will it be a mini G if it’s not a G at all? ‘It’s a touch more modern than the big one, but it’s a G,’ Wagener added. ‘[We] must not change it.’
These new spy shots all confirm what the outgoing head of design told us.
What don’t we know?
The current big G benefits from a multi-powertrain line up, from diesel to petrol and electric – as well as a the V8-powered, AMG-badged G63. It looks like the G-Wagen will offer petrol mild hybrid and EV – for now.
Its release date is also up in the air. When it does launch, it’ll have immediate competition – especially in the form of a new baby Defender.
