Baby 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Rugged new compact SUV

Baby 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Rugged new compact SUV

Mercedes-Benz is plotting a rugged ‘baby’ SUV inspired by the G-Class as a flagship for its new family of ‘Entry Luxury’ models – and it will have electric and combustion-engine options. Unlike the full-sized EQG, which will use a reworked version of the existing combustion car’s ladder-frame chassis, the compact SUV would sit on the same versatile Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform as the upcoming CLA (see left), which will arrive with a choice of ICE and EV power.


Baby Merc G-Class awaiting green light as junior flagship

BABY DEFENDER RIVAL

Compact SUV would use the same MMA platform as the CLA


Baby 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Rugged new compact SUV

The proposed new SUV is currently being considered by Mercedes and would be its fifth Entry Luxury model if it gets the go-ahead, joining four others being launched over the next three years. As well as giving Mercedes a foothold in the increasingly popular rugged crossover market – joining the inbound Jeep Avenger, Mini Aceman and Ford’s MEB-based electric crossover – the baby G-Class would be crucial in establishing ‘G’ as a Mercedes sub-brand in the same vein as Maybach and AMG, building on the success of its blocky Defender rival. CEO Ola Källenius said last year: “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.” His comments hint at the possibility for each of those four brands to spawn more comprehensive line-ups.

Like the upcoming CLA, the new compact SUV would have an 800V architecture to give a 10-80% battery top-up within 30 minutes from a 350kW charger.

The prospect of a new silicon-anode battery being introduced – tipped to be close to 100kWh in capacity – means it could offer a range far exceeding that of conventionally powered rivals, although its upright stature means it is unlikely to approach the slippery EQXX concept’s 700-mile range.

A mild-hybrid combustion version could be offered but Mercedes may opt against this in some markets, as the new ‘G’ sub-brand is about providing an “unparalleled combination of luxury and off-road ability for electric vehicles”, according to the firm’s boss of off-road vehicles, Emmerich Schiller.


Baby 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Rugged new compact SUV

The baby G-Class would be crucial in making ‘G’ a sub-brand in the same vein as Maybach and AMG

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