Mini Mercedes G-Class Electric (Mercedes GLG?): What we know

Update: ‘Confirmation,’ ‘Design & interior,’ and ‘Specifications’ sections updated.

In addition to the Mercedes EQG, the pure-electric variant of the G-Class, Mercedes-Benz G GmbH is developing a mini G-Class. Targeted at younger customers who want a G but in smaller dimensions and perhaps with more focus on practicality than extreme off-roading, it could take on the ‘Mercedes GLG’ branding.

Confirmation

On September 3, 2023, during the world premiere of the Mercedes Concept CLA Class Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius announced the launch of the mini G-Class, or mini EQG, if you will. Presenting a teaser of the future model behind him, he said:

There will be a smaller version of one of our most iconic shapes. Yes, there will be a little G.

Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group at Mercedes-Benz Pre-Night IAA Open Space (September 3, 2023)

Design & Interior

The mini G-Class electric would look like a downsized EQG, featuring a similar shape and the signature G-Class design cues. “It will be instantly recognizable,” Källenius said during its announcement on September 3, 2023. As suggested by the teaser, it’ll have a squarish, boxy body with a flattish roof, a straight but mildly sloping hood, and a slightly raked tailgate with an external spare wheel, possibly secured in a stainless steel cover.

The teaser and Källenius’ statement provide confidence that the brand intends to stay close to the original G-Wagon’s iconic design. The smaller Geländewagen may also share some resemblances with the Ener-G-Force concept, which was revealed in 2012.

The interior will likely follow suit, featuring crisp digital screens and advanced infotainment technologies. The electric SUV should be a strict five-seater and feature sustainable materials and multi-color LED ambient lighting to offer an upmarket cabin experience.

According to a Handelsblatt report dated February 16, 2023, Mercedes-Benz is considering an “XXL screen” that covers the whole width of the cockpit for the mini G-Class Electric. We expect to see a free-standing fully digital instrument cluster, along with an infotainment display and a passenger display beneath a large, gently curved glass surface in a seamless design.

Specifications

According to the Handelsblatt report, the rumored Mercedes GLG should be slightly shorter but significantly lower than the G-Class. For reference, the G-Class measures 189.7 in. in length, 74.5 in. in width, and 77.5 in. in height.

The little G will be electric. It will be capable. And it will be instantly recognizable. And it will be a lot of fun to drive, both on and off the road. That’s a promise.

Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group at Mercedes-Benz Pre-Night IAA Open Space (September 3, 2023)

Mercedes-Benz is likely to equip the new mini G-Class Electric with its in-house-developed eATS 2.0, the second generation of the company’s electric drivetrain or electric drive unit (EDU) that consists of the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics. Unlike eATS (1.0), eATS 2.0 will likely have a two-speed gearbox and a Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter. Moreover, the operating voltage will likely be double – 800 V, leading to reduced current and energy losses.

It goes without saying that the so-called Mercedes GLG will have an AWD drivetrain layout as standard, with one EDU on each axle. The output figures would vary as per the variant, though. The battery pack should also have an operating voltage of 800 volts and thus support ultra-fast charging speeds. A 10 to 80% fast-charging session may take just around 20 minutes. The EPA-est. range of the baby G-Class Electric could be over 300 miles.

Release date

While Källenius was careful not to offer a timeline, we’re expecting the mini Mercedes G-Class Electric to be revealed in 2026. Given the G-Class’s premium pricing, we can expect a similar strategy for the EQG and its smaller counterpart. The smallest model from Mercedes-Benz G GmbH may retail at around USD 65,000 onwards in the U.S., putting it in competition with the Rivian R2S, which is also to debut around the same time.

TopElectricSUV says

The mini-Mercedes EQG will likely be a great choice for customers who desire the same character in a model that’s more affordable, compact, and focused more on efficiency and everyday practicality than extreme off-roading capability. We expect the compact electric SUV to come with an eye-catching design, a comfortable & feature-rich interior, and a great all-around performance. One aspect that it certainly won’t be winning awards for is aerodynamic efficiency!

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Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group