Mini Mercedes G-Class Electric (Mercedes GLG?) arriving in 2026: Report [Update]

Update: ‘Not a Mercedes GLG’ and ‘Release date’ 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, as per a Handelsblatt report dated February 16, 2023. Targeted at younger customers who want a G but in smaller dimensions and maybe with more focus on comfort than extreme off-roading, it will be available in gasoline and electric variants.

Not a Mercedes GLG

The rumored ‘Mercedes GLG’ name is unlikely for the mini G-Class, as an American logistics company has already trademarked it. Mercedes is also unlikely to use the ‘EQ’ branding for this SUV, as the company plans to drop the whole EV-specific sub-brand in future launches, Handelsblatt reported on January 12, 2023. Whatever the actual name turns out to be, we’re certain that it will have the letter ‘G’ in it!

Background

The debut of the Mercedes Ener-G-Force as the company’s Los Angeles Design Challenge 2012 entry has kept the mini G-Class in the rumor mill for over a decade. The concept borrows a lot of design cues from the G-Class while also trying to blend futuristic styling details for what the company thought an advanced off-roader will look like in 2025.

The Ener-G-Force is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, but not one like the Hyundai Nexo that stores hydrogen. It has a “hydro-tech converter” that converts recycled water, stored in tanks on the roof, into hydrogen for operating the fuel cells. Hot-swappable battery packs integrated into the side skirts store the electricity generated in this process. Four hub-mounted electric motors transfer that energy to the wheels. Mercedes-Benz estimates this concept can travel up to approximately 500 miles.

Video Source: YouTube/Mercedes-Benz

Design & interior

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed what the mini G-Class Electric would look like. However, we are fairly certain that the brand wouldn’t wish to venture too far out from the original G-Wagon’s iconic design language. The baby Geländewagen may have some similarities to the Ener-G-Force concept as well.

The mini G-Class electric will possibly boast a boxy exterior with an upright stance and flattish body panels, though with modern LED lights and perhaps a traditional tailgate design. The interior will likely follow suit, featuring crisp digital screens and advanced infotainment technologies. This SUV should be a strict five-seater and feature sustainable materials and multi-color LED ambient lighting to offer an upmarket cabin experience.

The German report says that Mercedes-Benz is considering an “XXL screen” that covers the whole width of the cockpit for the mini G-Class Electric. It’s probably referring to the 2024 Mercedes E-Class’ MBUX Superscreen, designed and developed on the lines of MBUX Hyperscreen. So, we expect to see a free-standing fully digital instrument cluster, along with an infotainment display and a passenger display lying beneath a large, gently curved glass surface in a seamless design without transitions or bumps beside it.

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. We think it’ll be just a wee bit longer than the EQB (184.4 in.), but while three-row seating, even if optional, would be like a cherry on the cake, there is no indication of that sort from the German publication.

The mini G-Class Electric will be based on the upcoming unibody MMA platform. Mercedes-Benz is developing the MMA platform primarily for electric vehicles, not exclusively. The electric-first platform would not be as advanced as the EVA2 platform that underpins the EQE SUV and EQS SUV and has been confirmed to spawn a China-only model, possibly an EQE All-Terrain. On the plus side, it’ll be possible to offer gas-powered and pure electric variants of the same model, and that’s what the plan is.

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

The mini Mercedes G-Class Electric could be launched around 2026. The G-Class doesn’t come cheap, and it’d be the same case with the EQG and its younger brother. The smallest model from Mercedes-Benz G GmbH may retail at around USD 65,000 onwards in the U.S. It will compete with the Rivian R2S, which may arrive around the same time.

Wards Auto revealed in a report published on March 10, 2023, about the German luxury brand’s plans for the MMA platform. The future entry-level line-up is set to include the next-gen CLA, CLA shooting brake, GLA and GLB – with the GLG possibly joining as the fifth model – the American report mentioned while citing sources privy to the developments.

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 suspect the compact electric SUV to come with an eye-catching design, a comfortable & feature-rich interior, and a great all-around performance.

Mercedes GLG FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group