For decades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has represented the ultimate blend of rugged off-road capability and uncompromising luxury. First launched in the late 1970s as a military and utilitarian vehicle, the G-Wagon gradually transformed into a global luxury SUV icon. Today, it exists in both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and fully electric formats, with pricing in India starting at around ₹2.55 crore ex-showroom. That figure keeps the G-Class well out of reach for most buyers.
But this exclusivity may soon shift. At the recent IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Mercedes-Benz offered the first glimpse of what enthusiasts have long been speculating about a smaller, more affordable G-Class model. Often referred to as the “Baby G” or “Little G-Class”, this new SUV aims to bring the essence of the legendary G-Wagon to a wider audience.
The First Teaser at IAA
During Mercedes-Benz’s presentation of the new GLC Electric in Munich, a teaser image caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. The visual showed three silhouettes from the rear: the newly announced G-Class Cabriolet, the traditional G-Class, and a noticeably smaller SUV positioned on the far right.
Despite being shrouded in shadows, the third silhouette displayed unmistakable G-Wagon cues: a boxy shape, upright stance, rear-mounted spare wheel, and low-set tail lamps. However, the proportions were significantly more compact, strongly suggesting Mercedes is preparing a scaled-down G-Class. This marked the first semi-official confirmation of the Baby G-Wagon’s existence.
Summary Table
Category |
Details |
Official Source |
|---|---|---|
Model |
Baby G / Little G-Class |
Mercedes-Benz executives, IAA teaser |
Platform |
Unique EV platform, likely monocoque |
Autocar India, Motor1 |
Powertrain |
Electric-only |
Mercedes-Benz CEO statements |
Battery & Range |
58-85 kWh packs, up to 700 km (rumored) |
Autocar India |
Charging |
800-volt architecture, 250 kW fast charging |
Industry reports |
Design |
Scaled-down G-Wagon with classic cues |
Mercedes design teasers |
Launch Timeline |
Late 2026 (global), 2027 (India likely) |
Autocar India |
Price (Global) |
USD 55,000-65,000 |
Motor1 |
Price (India, est.) |
₹80 lakh – ₹1 crore (depending on duties) |
Analyst estimates |
Official Site: Mercedes-Benz Global
Platform and Underpinnings
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Baby G is what platform it will use. Unlike the current G-Class, which rides on a ladder-frame chassis, reports indicate that the Baby G will be based on a new, dedicated electric platform. This architecture is expected to support a unibody (monocoque) structure, delivering better efficiency and a lighter footprint compared to the traditional body-on-frame design.
Industry reports suggest the Baby G could borrow heavily from the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which underpins the next generation of compact EVs such as the CLA Electric. However, Mercedes executives have hinted that the Baby G will be engineered with off-road readiness in mind, meaning reinforcements and unique suspension tuning will set it apart from regular road-focused EVs.
Electric Powertrain and Range
Mercedes has confirmed that the Baby G will be electric-only at launch. Unlike the flagship G-Class, which still offers petrol and diesel versions alongside the EQG (Electric G-Class), the Baby G is expected to debut purely as an EV.
Early reports suggest:
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Battery capacity could range between 58 kWh and 85 kWh, depending on variant and market.
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Range estimates are ambitious, with figures of up to 700 km being speculated in some driving cycles.
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The SUV is likely to feature 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging. Charging speeds of up to 250 kW DC may allow 400 km of range to be added in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions.
While these numbers are not officially confirmed, Mercedes has consistently highlighted long-range capability and rapid charging as priorities for its next wave of EVs.
Design and Styling
Mercedes-Benz design boss Gorden Wagener has emphasized that the Baby G will stay true to the G-Class’s identity. Expect design elements such as:
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Flat, upright body panels and sharp edges
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Distinctive rear-mounted spare wheel
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Prominent fenders and muscular wheel arches
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Short overhangs for off-road capability
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Tail lamps positioned low in the bumper, mirroring the larger G-Class
Inside, the Baby G will likely share its digital interface with the CLA Electric and other next-generation compact EVs, featuring MBUX Hyperscreen options, minimalist controls, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Launch Timeline
While Mercedes has yet to commit to a firm date, company executives confirmed at IAA that test mules will be seen on roads soon. Based on the typical Mercedes development cycle, the Baby G is expected to make its global debut by late 2026, with customer deliveries beginning in early 2027 in select markets.
For India, the launch timeline will depend heavily on Mercedes’ EV strategy and government import duties. If imported as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), prices could be significantly higher than in Europe or the US. However, local assembly under the “Make in India” program could help make it more competitive.
Pricing and Positioning
Industry analysts estimate that the Baby G will be priced between USD 55,000 and 65,000 in international markets. In Indian terms, after taxes and import duties, pricing could easily cross ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore, unless Mercedes pursues localization.
Still, this is a massive step down from the ₹2.55 crore starting price of the full-size G-Wagon. The Baby G may well become the entry ticket into the G-Class lifestyle, appealing to younger buyers who admire the G-Wagon but cannot justify its premium pricing.
FAQs
Q1. Will the Baby G be offered with petrol or diesel engines?
A. No. At launch, the Baby G will be exclusively electric.
Q2. How does it differ from the regular G-Class?
A. It will be smaller, lighter, and based on a unibody EV platform rather than the ladder-frame of the G-Class.
Q3. What will the range be?
A. Mercedes has not confirmed exact figures yet, but speculation suggests up to 700 km in top variants.
Q4. When will it launch in India?
A. Likely sometime in 2027, after its global debut.
Q5. How much will it cost?
A. Globally, around USD 55,000-65,000. In India, prices could be in the ₹80 lakh-₹1 crore range.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz Baby G-Class marks a bold step in making the G-Wagon DNA more accessible. With an electric-only drivetrain, modern platform, and a design that pays homage to its legendary sibling, the Baby G has the potential to expand Mercedes’ presence in the luxury SUV space. For buyers in India, it could serve as a more attainable entry point into the world of G-Class ownership-if Mercedes manages pricing and localization effectively.
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