Mercedes-Benz is preparing to shrink its most recognizable off-roader—and judging by the first prototypes caught on the road, the so-called “Little G” could become one of the brand’s most important launches this decade. Expected to arrive by 2027, the baby G-Class will serve as the new entry point into an expanded G-brand, much like what JLR has done with Range Rover and Defender.
A Smaller Box on Wheels
Spy shots show a heavily camouflaged mule running alongside the EQS SUV, and the size difference is striking. The Little G stands visibly shorter than the EQS SUV’s 1718 mm height—and dramatically below the full-size G-Class, which towers at 1969 mm. The result is a footprint that positions it squarely against one of its soon-to-arrive rivals: the Defender Sport, JLR’s own take on the “compact but capable” off-roader.
Even under camouflage, the Little G’s identity is impossible to miss. Boxy proportions, upright glass, and the signature tri-window profile all make the cut. There’s even a rear-mounted spare wheel, because a G without one isn’t really a G. But look closer and the differences start to surface: a new lighting signature, more modern surfacing, and slightly sharper details meant to give the baby variant its own personality.
A Unique Platform—Because Nothing Else Was Good Enough
If you assumed Mercedes would simply shrink one of its existing platforms, think again. Former tech chief Markus Schäfer says the engineering team went in the opposite direction, creating what he calls a “miniature ladder-frame chassis” developed specifically for this model. It’s not as hardcore as the big G’s ladder frame, but it’s built to preserve the same rugged character—right down to suspension geometry and wheel dimensions.
Schäfer admits the amount of bespoke engineering involved surprised even him. “Everything has to be unique,” he explained. “We couldn’t even reuse the door handles,” because the G-Class’s iconic design cues require their own hardware. From the upper body to countless small components, the Little G is shaping up to be a ground-up creation rather than a parts-bin special.
All-Electric, Naturally
While the main G-Class offers both internal combustion and electric variants, the Little G will go EV-only. Mercedes isn’t ready to talk numbers—battery size, motor layout, range estimates—but the brand is clearly aiming at authentic off-road credibility, not just a tough-looking urban crossover. Expect a torque-rich powertrain, off-road drive modes, and the kind of wheel articulation worthy of the G badge.
Design: A Modern G, Just Fresher
Chief designer Gorden Wagener has the unenviable task of modernizing an icon without messing it up—a challenge he describes as “holding yourself back.” His goal is a design that stays true to the G-Class formula while adding a bit more sharpness and youthful energy.
That means round headlights remain, but with updated graphics. The body maintains the classic upright stance, but with a slightly cleaner, more contemporary execution. Wagener even says the Little G might look “a touch more modern than the big one.”
Why the Little G Matters
The G-Class has always been a halo product—wildly capable, wildly expensive, and wildly desirable. But the market has shifted. Luxury brands now build families of models around their icons. Think Mustang. Bronco. Defender. Range Rover. By creating a smaller, more accessible G, Mercedes can tap into new customers while preserving the mythical aura of its flagship off-roader.
If the Little G truly delivers the same confidence, cool factor, and go-anywhere grit in a more compact, electric package, Mercedes may have just cracked the formula for the next great premium off-road EV.
2027 can’t come soon enough.
Source: Autocar