Photo: Mercedes-Benz
‘Potential Arrival at Dealerships Not Expected Before 2026’
Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a more affordable version of its highly anticipated G-Class all-electric SUV, according to a report by Electrek. The new electric vehicle (EV) will be a smaller and cheaper alternative to the iconic G-Wagon and was confirmed by CEO Ola Kallenius at the IAA Mobility 2023 event in Munich. Kallenius stated that the “baby” G-Class EV will be significantly more compact than its counterpart and will offer an enjoyable driving experience.
This model is derived from the G-Class EQG concept, which was initially unveiled at IAA Mobility 2021. German newspaper Automobilwoche has reported that Mercedes-Benz has been planning a smaller all-electric G-Wagon for several years and speculates that the variant may be named “g-Class” with a lowercase “g” to distinguish it. Kallenius mentioned in an interview with CNBC that he considers this vehicle as the “daughter or son of the big-G.”
While details about the new EV are limited, it is expected to be based on a purely electric powertrain and will likely feature all-wheel drive, aligning with Kallenius’s statement about its enjoyable driving dynamics. In terms of pricing, Mercedes-Benz’s current G-Class SUV starts at $140,000, so the smaller EV is expected to be positioned at a lower price point. However, to achieve mass market adoption, a slight price reduction to the range of $100,000 to $120,000 may be necessary. The specific pricing details for the new model remain undisclosed.
It will be some time before customers can experience this compact marvel firsthand. The vehicle’s powertrain is likely to be built on Mercedes-Benz’s forthcoming MB.EA platform, which incorporates a proprietary battery technology. This platform is not expected to be integrated into vehicles until 2025, indicating that the release of the smaller, cheaper G-Class EV is likely to occur in 2026 at the earliest.