Mercedes-Benz has officially announced its plans to develop a more affordable companion to its highly anticipated G-Class all-electric SUV. This exciting revelation was initially reported by Electrek and confirmed at the IAA Mobility 2023 event in Munich over the weekend.
CEO Ola Kallenius unveiled this ambitious project, describing it as the “baby” G-Class EV. Unlike its larger counterpart, this electric vehicle promises to be significantly more compact while maintaining the hallmark luxury and performance associated with the G-Wagon brand. Kallenius further emphasized that it will be a “fun to drive” model, highlighting the brand’s commitment to delivering a thrilling driving experience.
This new model is derived from the G-Class EQG concept, which first made its appearance at IAA Mobility 2021. The German newspaper Automobilwoche has reported that Mercedes-Benz has been mulling over the idea of a smaller, all-electric G-Wagon for several years. In an intriguing twist, it’s suggested that the variant could be named “g-Class,” with a deliberate lowercase “g,” indicating its role as a smaller sibling to the big-G.
While specific technical details are still scarce, it’s confirmed that the “baby” G-Class will be powered by a purely electric drivetrain, likely featuring all-wheel drive. This aligns with Kallenius’s assurance that the vehicle will offer an enjoyable driving experience.
One of the most significant selling points of this new G-Class variant is its affordability. The standard Mercedes G-Class SUV starts at a hefty $140,000, making it an exclusive luxury vehicle. However, Mercedes-Benz aims to broaden its appeal with the smaller electric G-Wagon. Although exact pricing remains undisclosed, it is expected to be considerably more accessible than its larger sibling. Still, to achieve mass-market adoption, the automaker may need to target a price range closer to $100,000 to $120,000.
Unfortunately, eager enthusiasts will need to exercise patience. The powertrain for this diminutive wonder will likely be based on the forthcoming MB.EA platform, Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary battery technology. This platform is not expected to make its way into vehicles until 2025, which implies that the release of the smaller, more affordable G-Class EV may not occur until 2026 at the earliest.
