Baby G-Wagen with a V8? Mercedes-Benz could hit a home run

The automaker confirmed plans for a smaller version of their ubiquitous truck, which might be the best idea it has had this decade.

Mar 10, 2025 - 01:24

Baby G-Wagen with a V8? Mercedes-Benz could hit a home run

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been doing so hot lately. Sales have dropped significantly, and revenue has dipped 4.5 percent year over year following a series of high-dollar but low-value EVs, lukewarm styling, and a C63 sans V8. In a late February press release, the brand confirmed key details for its new approach, including plans to develop a smaller G-Class.

Mercedes confirms smaller G-Class is coming, but little beyond that

We have almost no details on the little G-Wagen. The only thing the German automaker has said is that “The legendary G-Class family will be expanded with a new smaller version.” A smaller G-Class is exactly what Mercedes needs to snag new customers and bring back old ones.

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
Mercedes-Benz

There are a few reasons the little G will be good for Mercedes. First off, the small, utilitarian SUV is more in vogue than ever, with trucks like the Bronco and Land Cruiser selling like hotcakes. Even in the luxury segment you’ll find boxy styling is in – refer to the newest Lexus GX or Land Rover Defender. There’s also a more pragmatic reason a smaller G-Wagen makes a ton of sense.

The current G-Class starts around $150,000. A lower barrier to entry means dealers can land customers who come in for a Big G but aren’t ready for the big payments. If the smaller G-Class starts around $60,000 or $70,000, the dealer, and by extension Mercedes-Benz, can still sell a unit. That price also ensures plenty of headroom for options, likely encouraging fully loaded specs for big-sticker buyers who will buy a big one and a little one regardless of price.

The German automaker is also keeping the V8 engine and platform sharing alive

If you’re paying attention, you already know that Mercedes is continuing production of its V8 and V12 engines. A small G-Wagen is good, but a small, V8-powered G-Wagen is excellent. They’ve also outlined a commitment to platform sharing across electric and gas-powered models, which is more akin to what BMW is doing with its flexible architecture.

One of many special edition G-Class SUVs. This one is the Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by NIGO collaboration.
Mercedes-Benz

Even if it was a hyper-exclusive, low-production model, a little AMG G-Class with a hybrid biturbo V8 would be a guaranteed seller. Of course, it’s equally likely that Mercedes-Benz will restrict the serious firepower to the regular G-Class. Arguably the real news here is the brand’s newfound appreciation for platform sharing. With an electric full-size G-Wagen already in production, it’s fair to assume the smaller one will get an electric model, too.

An electric G-Wagen with a more approachable price tag would have few competitors. It would likely closely compete with the BMW iX and maybe the Acura ZDX, but aesthetically, it would squarely target the upcoming Scout trucks when/if those ever show up.

Travis Scott performing on top of a G-Wagen at the electric G-Class premier.
Mercedes-Benz

Final thoughts

Little G, G Jr, Baby G, whatever you want to call it, we call a smaller Mercedes-Benz G-Class an absolute no-brainer. The automaker has a lot of work to do this year, and though the smaller G-Class likely won’t debut until 2026 at the earliest, it’s a big step in the correct direction. It's a pivotal point for the brand, especially since it has had decades to cash in on this idea, but only one chance to do it right.

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