For those who feel that the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a tad bit too big, don’t worry, as CEO Ola Källenius has revealed that the company is working on a Mini G-Class.
According to a recent report by Autocar, Mercedes-Benz is looking to make the G-Class into a brand of its own, with this Mini G-Class set to join its larger sibling.
It will get a bespoke mini ladder-frame chassis
Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, Markus Schäfer, stated that the Mini G-Class would receive a unique miniature ladder-frame chassis — though not to the same extent as the G-Class — but with similar qualities when it comes to the car’s suspension and wheel size.
“The G is a very special, authentic car, and the Mini G has to be authentic. So I cannot take just a platform, I cannot take an existing platform – I have to create my own. It’s a completely new development,” he told Autocar.
“You know, I can’t even take a door handle from [the current] portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles. So we spent a lot of time tuning this car, and over time we started to develop so many unique components to make sure it’s a very good-looking car and very capable.”
In terms of powertrains, the current G-Class is offered with both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an EV, while Autocar believes that the Mini G-Class would be an EV-only model. Schäfer only mentioned, “Stay tuned. I don’t want to go in to this detail.”
Mercedes-Benz Mini G-Class to get tweaked design of current G-Class
Chief Design Officer for Mercedes-Benz, Gordon Wagener, added that the styling of the Mini G-Class will be derived from a tweaked design of the current G-Class, making it even more modern than the current G580 EQ.
He said, “You cannot change the G much: it’s iconic. I like the new [current G-Class]: that’s a modern G. On the little one, we will give a slight tweak: a bit more sharpness, a bit younger [headlight] graphics but still circle. So really it’s detail.
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“But otherwise we stick to the G, and it’s a modern G – even a touch more modern than the big one.”
Additionally, Källenius added that test mules will be roaming the streets “very soon.”