Smaller G-Class under consideration at Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is considering a smaller version of its iconic G-Class off-road SUV, and it could appear as early as 2026.

According to Drive sources, a junior G-Class-inspired off-roader is being discussed internally at the German marque.

However, there is “no decision yet on whether it will form part of the new line-up," sources said.

A report from German newspaper Handelsblatt claimed Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius "absolutely" wants the smaller G-Class and views the model as a "necessity" for the marque's success.

While the current-generation G-Class measures 4.87 metres long and 1.96m high, Handelsblatt reports the shrunken version will be slightly shorter in length and substantially lower in height.

It's also believed the downsized G-Class will ride on the company's new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which is set to make its debut in 2024 and will also underpin the next-generation CLA, GLA and GLB models.

This MMA architecture allows for both internal combustion and electric powertrains, but favours the latter.

Previously, Mercedes-Benz's Vice President of Electric Drive, Christoph Starzynski, has told Motor1: “The platform will be [electric]-first but not [exclusively electric], and the compromise will rest on the [petrol model] side, not the [electric] side."

Some reports suggest the electric version of the baby G-Wagen could offer more than 500km of range on a single charge.

If confirmed, the baby G-Wagen could become the fifth car in Mercedes-Benz's reduced 'compact' model line-up, with the carmaker previously announcing plans to reduce its range from seven to just four cars by the end of 2026.

These changes will spell the end for the A-Class and B-Class models, with only the CLA sedan and CLA Shooting Brake wagon, GLA/EQA and GLB/EQB SUVs remaining.

Drive's European correspondent Greg Kable contributed to this report.