The Mercedes-Benz baby G-Class has finally been spotted during testing in Germany. This smaller off-road SUV is expected to enter production for the 2027 model year, marking a significant shift in the brand’s approach towards urban driving conditions and younger buyers.
From the spy photos, it’s evident that the new vehicle is much more compact than its larger siblings. In fact, it appears quite similar to an all-electric Kia Soul or even the Scion xB from a distance. The design maintains many of the traditional G-Class elements but in a scaled-down version.
One notable difference is the dual front lighting configuration that’s been replaced with LED outlines serving as daytime running lights and turn signals. The photos also reveal full-length roof racks, hinting at potential accessories for active buyers. This approach aligns with CEO Ola Källenius’ comments about appealing to a younger demographic.
The baby G is likely based on the same MMA platform that underpins other Mercedes models such as the CLA and GLA. Given this foundation, it’s expected that the interior will borrow elements from these vehicles, including possibly the Superscreen setup recently teased for the revised GLB three-row variant.
With Toyota introducing a smaller Land Cruiser FJ overseas and Stellantis focusing on electrification for its Recon model, Mercedes-Benz’s baby G-Class stands out as an innovative entry in the market. This new SUV aims to cater specifically to urban areas where restrictions on combustion vehicles are increasingly common. However, it remains intriguing how Jeep is positioning its Recon model against these competitors.
As we reported earlier, this smaller G-Class version could be a game-changer for Mercedes-Benz’s strategy towards younger and more environmentally conscious buyers in the European market. The move to offer an electric powertrain option will likely appeal to those who value both off-road capability and urban drivability.
