Mercedes Baby G-Class SUV Hides Production Lights Under Its Camouflage

Following the incredibly capable G 550 4×4 Squared, the unashamedly luxurious Maybach G 650 Landaulet, and the first series-production G with electric propulsion, the folks at Mercedes-Benz are currently putting the finishing touches on the long-awaited return of the G-Class Cabriolet. Due in 2027, the canvas-topped model will be joined by a decidedly smaller G-Class that may come with electric-only powertrain options.
 

Presently referred to as the Baby G-Class due to a rather perplexing lack of concrete information, the Mini G has been spied testing near the Arctic Circle with production-intent everything. While it may be a G-Wagen through and through in terms of styling, the more compact footprint makes the newcomer a different animal from the W465 series.
 
Pictured with round headlights and rectangular taillights, the Little G sits lower to the ground than its Magna Steyr-produced siblings. Advertised by Mercedes with a lowercase “g” to distinguish it from the W465, the Kinderwagen is a box on wheels that flaunts unexpectedly round box flares. The side windows and the rear-mounted spare tire cover also benefit from rounded corners.
 

Softening up the boxy proportions we normally associate with the W465 should make the Baby G less intimidating for people who never considered a rugged sport utility vehicle before. Teased last fall at the IAA in Munich, the Little G has been confirmed to ride on a ladder-frame chassis. A distinct platform from that of the W465, mind you, although it’s not clear if the mysterious platform will borrow any elements from the W465.
 
There is even talk of electrified internal combustion options, which makes plenty of sense if you remember that Merc’s electric offensive has been met with insufficient customer demand for overpriced EVs with few redeeming attributes. Lest we forget, the Stuttgart-based automaker originally intended to make the switch to all-electric lineups in markets and regions where conditions allow for complete electrification by 2030.
 
Supposedly riding on a bespoke architecture that combines elements from the W465, the MB.EA Medium, and the MMA, the Baby G-Wagen could easily be imagined with four- and six-cylinder turbocharged lumps. Add an electric auxiliary compressor or an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger to the mix, and that would be enough in any imaginable scenario.
 

When it comes to electric options, the lowest Mercedes could go with this fellow is two electric drive units. Three would be interesting for the range-topping performance version, whereas four can be considered overkill. The G 580 with EQ Technology has four drive units, and because of them, the lightest F-150 available today in the US market is nearly 2,900 pounds lighter.
 
Adding insult to injury, the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is almost 900 pounds lighter. Given the increased preference for long-range electric vehicles, three motors could very well be the highest Mercedes will go with the Little G.
 
In stark contrast to the W465 series, the Baby G-Class is projected to be assembled at the Mercedes-Benz AG plant in Kecskemet, Hungary. Intended for higher sales volumes that better suit the automaker’s Hungarian production network, the Kinderwagen will surely adopt MB.OS from the recently facelifted S-Class. An optional front passenger display should be considered as well.