The All-New Mercedes G-Class: A Masterpiece Reimagined
Introduction: Expanding a Legacy
Following the immense profitability and widespread popularity of its G-Class model, Mercedes-Benz is set to broaden the vehicle’s lineup. The company has spent recent years developing a smaller version of the iconic G-Class, currently referred to as the “Mini G.” This new model will retain the boxy design characteristic of its larger sibling but will be built on an entirely new platform. With competitors like Jaguar Land Rover also developing a smaller Defender, enthusiasts of both brands have much to anticipate.
A New Platform for a New Era
Mercedes-Benz had long remained silent about the compact G-Class, but at the Munich Motor Show, CEO Ola Källenius and Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer revealed intriguing details. Schäfer confirmed that the vehicle will feature a completely new platform, described as a “miniature ladder frame.” It will be equipped with a suspension and wheels suited for a ladder-frame vehicle, though it will not match the dimensions of the current G-Class.
Schäfer explained to Autocar, “Over time, assessing the vehicle’s capabilities and requirements, we concluded that everything must be unique—the entire body and every other component. I cannot even take a door handle from our current parts bin because the G-Class has very distinctive ones.” He added, “We spent considerable time refining this vehicle and gradually began developing many unique components to ensure it will be exceptionally beautiful and highly capable.”
Preserving a Classic Look
Ola Källenius noted that prototypes of the new model will soon be seen on public roads. He also unveiled a new teaser image featuring the Mini G, which revealed that the rear lights and spare wheel design closely resemble those of the larger G-Class. Gordon Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, emphasized that the Mini G will look familiar yet refreshed. “We will incorporate some variations: a slightly sharper design, somewhat younger graphics, but still circular. Overall, we remain faithful to the G—it is a modernized G, even slightly more modern than the larger model,” he stated.
An Electric Future
In nearly every aspect, the Mini G has been engineered to stay true to the G-Class formula, with one significant exception under the hood. According to Autocar, the vehicle will be offered exclusively as an electric model, completely omitting internal combustion engines. This distinguishes it from the larger G-Class, which continues to offer both powertrain options. When questioned directly about these plans, Schäfer remained evasive, stating only, “Wait and see. I don’t want to go into those details.”
Source: carscoops