Mercedes Caught Testing A Smaller G-Class

• The “Little G” is just as boxy as its big brother
• The prototype is electric, but gas engines are reportedly planned.
• It’s expected to go on sale before the end of 2027.

It’s been nearly three years since Mercedes first gave us a glimpse of a downsized G-Class. While there’s still no word on when it will be revealed, new spy footage gives us our best look yet at the “Little G.” That’s how CEO Ola Källenius affectionately refers to what’s shaping up to be a smash hit, much like the full-fat Geländewagen.

The chunky off-roader looks exactly as you’d expect: essentially a scaled-down version of the real G. It carries over all the hallmark traits of its bigger brother, including boxy proportions with bulging wheel arches and a flat roofline. That’s likely not a spare wheel at the back, but rather a storage box similar to the one found on the electric G-Class. It’s mounted on a side-hinged, swing-out fifth door, echoing the venerable go-anywhere SUV.

Even in full camouflage, it already looks promising, and its more compact size should make it easier to live with around town. As with the full-fat G, we can’t imagine many owners venturing far off the beaten path. Still, should that happen, Mercedes has pledged to give this new G variant genuine off-road capability courtesy of a platform described by the company’s head honcho as a “completely new development.”

While the standard G-Class measures about 185 inches (4.7 meters) in length without the rear-mounted spare wheel, the upcoming version is rumored to come in at roughly 173 inches (4.4 meters). Judging by this prototype, it also appears to sit much lower to the ground than the authentic G-Wagen, meaning it won’t match its generous ground clearance.

Although this prototype appears to be fully electric, given the lack of engine noise, an ICE version could follow. Recent reports suggest Mercedes also plans to fit a combustion engine for a hybrid variant. It’s said to use the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder found in the new CLA. As you can imagine, both electric and gas-powered versions should feature a standard 4×4 setup.

The “Little G” won’t be the only new addition to the G-Class family, as Mercedes is also planning the return of the Cabriolet. The four-door model with a retractable fabric roof has already been teased and is believed to receive the AMG treatment in a hot G63 flavor. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.

Mercedes G-Class Convertible teaser

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes G-Class Convertible teaser

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

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Motor1’s Take: It’s fair to wonder what took Mercedes so long to greenlight a smaller, more affordable G-Class. It’s shaping up to be another license to print money and could replicate the success of its bigger sibling. 2025 was the best year ever for the full-fat G, with sales nearing the 50,000-unit mark.

We expect the Little G to be significantly more affordable than the venerable off-roader, which starts at $155,250 for the G550 in the United States. In Germany, the entry-level version comes with a diesel engine, with Mercedes asking €127,591 for the G450d.

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