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Pint-sized off-roader inspired by legendary German 4×4 to sit on own platform and be EV-only
The Mercedes-Benz g-Class has been pushed back to 2026, when the all-new small off-road SUV will arrive on a bespoke platform fitted exclusively with a new all-electric powertrain.
Originally it was thought the pint-size Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon could have been introduced as soon as this year, but now a new Autocar report suggests the compact 4×4 is still two years away from landing in showrooms.
When it does, the smallest member of the expanding G-Class family will be all-electric, with no option of any combustion engine.
It’s also understood that instead of adopting the German car-maker’s new MMA architecture, the new off-roader – which is referred to internally as the ‘Little G’ – will be underpinned by an all-new platform.
The baby g-Class will shun the car-based MMA platform to ensure it offers true off-roading ability in a similar vein to the full-size G-Class.
It’s not been confirmed but it’s thought that the g-Class will sit on a ladder-frame chassis, which would make it the only small SUV to do so apart from the Suzuki Jimny.
It’s expected to come with four in-hub radial flux motors that are light, compact, power-dense and offer unbeatable levels of torque vectoring.
As far as its styling goes, the g-Class will borrow directly from the current G-Class, which itself mirrors the rugged 4×4 that was first introduced back in 1979.
So the smallest g-Class will employ similar chassis and powertrain technology to the far larger all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQG, which goes on sale later this year, and that could see it usurp the bigger off-roader for ultimate off-road capability.
It’s been tipped that, like the new CLA, the g-Class will bag an 800-volt electrical architecture and have a big enough battery to provide a range of at least 400km. It’s capable of being charged at up to 250kW and accept a 10-80 per cent top-up in around 15 minutes.
The base g-Class is expected to be offered with a dual-motor rear-drive powertrain with around 150kW, while the most powerful Mercedes-AMG quad-motor versions should offer up to 400kW.
According to the British publication, Benz hopes to establish a new sub-brand dedicated to battery-electric 4x4s that’s expected to be developed (and sold) under the ‘G’, or ‘G-wagon’ banner. If so, further G-Class variants and models could be rolled out.
Speaking last year at the Munich motor show, CEO Ola Källenius said: “Most luxury companies build their portfolio on the basis of one or two true icons. Mercedes-Benz has the good fortune to have multiple iconic products and brands at the upper end of its portfolio, such as the S-Class, the SL, the G-Class as well as the AMG and Maybach brands.
“We see great potential here to expand our top-end portfolio with even more fascinating products.”
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