The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has stood as a symbol of rugged luxury for nearly five decades. Now, the German automaker is preparing to extend that legacy with a smaller sibling, informally dubbed the “Baby G.” Set to debut in 2026, the compact off-roader won’t simply be a scaled-down version of the original. Instead, it’s being designed as a unique model with its own platform, character, and all-electric future.
Not Just a Mini G
Rumors about the Baby G have been circulating since Mercedes first hinted at the project in 2023. But this past weekend at IAA Mobility in Munich, CEO Ola Källenius confirmed what enthusiasts had been hoping for: the new SUV won’t be a cut-and-paste G-Class in miniature.
“The G is a very special, authentic car, and the Mini G has to be authentic,” Källenius said. “So I cannot take just a platform, I cannot take an existing platform, I have to create my own. It’s a completely new development.”
Mercedes even teased the upcoming SUV with a short clip showing the Baby G alongside the full-sized G-Class, signaling that the two will share family DNA but little else mechanically.
Built for Real Off-Roading
One of the most important revelations came from Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Operating Officer. He confirmed that the Baby G will ride on a body-on-frame chassis, just like its larger sibling. That move sets it apart from most compact luxury SUVs, which typically use unibody construction.
This signals that the Baby G is being engineered for serious off-road ability rather than just city-focused versatility. Schäfer went further, emphasizing that the SUV is receiving a high level of bespoke engineering—even down to the smallest details.
“You know, I can’t even take a door handle from [the current] portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles,” he explained.
An All-Electric Future
Unlike the G-Class, which today offers both gasoline-powered and electric versions, the Baby G will go straight to an all-electric setup. Mercedes hasn’t released specific technical details, but industry insiders expect a configuration similar to the recently unveiled electric GLC. That SUV uses a 94.0-kilowatt-hour battery with up to 483 horsepower—numbers that could make the Baby G one of the most powerful compact SUVs in its segment.
A fully electric drivetrain would also allow Mercedes to integrate advanced torque vectoring and off-road drive modes, potentially giving the Baby G even more capability than buyers might expect.
When and How Much
The Baby G is scheduled to make its global debut in 2026, with sales expected to begin later that year or in early 2027. Pricing hasn’t been finalized, but early estimates suggest a starting range between $55,000 and $65,000. That would place it just below the larger G-Class while still firmly in luxury territory.
A New Icon in the Making?
Mercedes-Benz faces a delicate challenge with the Baby G: creating a vehicle that captures the G-Class spirit without feeling like a compromise. By designing a unique platform, sticking with body-on-frame construction, and committing to full electrification, the automaker is signaling that it’s serious about authenticity.
If Mercedes succeeds, the Baby G could become more than just the “little brother” of the G-Class—it could carve out its own legendary status in the brand’s history.
