Baby Mercedes-Benz G-Class to be electric-only, due in 2026

The new ‘baby’ Mercedes-Benz G-Class will not be offered with petrol or diesel power when it arrives in showrooms in 2026 at the earliest.

While there was some suggestion a petrol or diesel version could be developed, Mercedes-Benz technical boss Markus Schafer told UK publication Autocar the smaller sibling to the G-Class would be electric-only.

The new model – expected to be closer in size to a Jeep Wrangler than a Suzuki Jimny – is set to use heavy-duty ladder-frame underpinnings derived from the full-size G-Class, rather than use the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) shared with the new CLA, as previously anticipated.

This is because the ‘Little G’ – its final showroom name has not been announced – needs to offer the genuine off-road capability of its larger sibling, with Mercedes having previously said the Little G will offer similar ability.

It will be the third member of the 'G' family alongside the full-size petrol and diesel G-Class, and this year's upcoming electric EQG, which was previewed by a ‘near production ready’ prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month.

The G-Class department at Mercedes-Benz has effectively become a sub-brand within the company, such is its importance.

The EQG at 2024 CES – first shown in a concept in 2021 and tested by Drive in 2022 – uses a modified version of the G-Class ladder-chassis with four electric motors, with each motor able to control the speed of its individual wheel for enhanced off-road capability.

The 'Little G' is also expected to use an 800-volt electrical system for ultra-fast charging times, and offer a driving range of approximately 500km between recharges, according to reports out of Europe.

Mercedes-Benz teased the silhouette of the 'Little G' last year, confirming it will look much like its full-size sibling.

For those who can’t wait until 2026 for a baby G-Class, Australian supplier OzJimny.com will sell you a package to modify your Suzuki Jimny to look like a shrunken G-Class inside and out, complete with suspension upgrades – but it too commands a Mercedes-like price.