A smaller model of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class shall be electric-only when it launches later within the decade.
The mannequin shall be developed by Mercedes’ new specialist G division because the third mannequin in an expanded G vary, after the upcoming Mercedes EQG.
Mercedes technical chief Markus Schäfer confirmed the powertrain plans to Autocar on the current CES in Las Vegas, dismissing options that the mannequin is also provided with hybridised inside combustion engines.
The mannequin was first confirmed by firm CEO Ola Källenius on the Munich motor show, the place he referred to it because the “little G… a son or daughter of the iconic big G”.
Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener advised Autocar that the brand new machine will take sturdy design cues from the “iconic DNA” of the present G-Class, saying: “It will have its own character, but it will be a G.”
The G-Class line-up will develop first later this 12 months with the new electrical Mercedes EQG, and Autocar understands the brand new ‘little G’ will observe in 2026.
Mercedes has launched a brand new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that shall be used for a variety of entry-level automobiles within the coming years, beginning with the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLA, however Schäfer confirmed that the ‘little G’ will sit on a distinct platform, utilizing modules from Mercedes’ bigger rear-driven automobiles, as a result of its want to supply true off-roading potential.
That means the platform shall be completely different – however prone to take learnings from – that of the full-sized EQG, which can use a reworked model of the present ICE G-Class’s ladder-frame chassis and shall be powered by 4 electrical motors.
As properly as giving Mercedes a foothold within the more and more in style rugged crossover market, the newborn G-Class shall be essential in establishing G as a Mercedes sub-brand in the identical vein as Maybach and AMG, constructing on the success of its blocky Land Rover Defender rival. Indeed, G is now its personal specialist division inside Mercedes, similar to Maybach and AMG
Källenius stated final 12 months: “Most luxurious firms construct their portfolio on the premise of 1 or two true icons. Mercedes-Benz has the great fortune to have a number of iconic merchandise and types on the higher finish of its portfolio, such because the S-Class, the SL, the G-Class in addition to the AMG and Maybach manufacturers.
“We see great potential here to expand our top-end portfolio with even more fascinating products.”
His feedback trace on the chance for every of these 4 manufacturers to spawn extra complete line-ups.
Like the upcoming CLA, the brand new compact SUV is prone to have an 800V electrical structure, permitting for 248 miles of vary to be added in simply quarter-hour through a 250kW charger.