Mercedes little G to offer both ICE and EV powertrains

In a change of strategy for upcoming Mercedes models, it has been learnt that the Junior G-Class will offer both electric and hybrid powertrains. While the SUV was initially thought to be electric-only, Autocar UK has now reported that it will also get the CLA’s petrol-hybrid engine available globally.

1. EV version likely to get up to 724km of claimed range
2. Little G-Class retains design cues of the larger G-Class SUV
3. Production model expected to arrive in 2027, first in EV guise

Dubbed by Mercedes as ‘Little G’, the model will sit below the larger G-Wagon SUV and serve as a new entry point to the G-Class range. It will rival the likes of the upcoming Land Rover Defender Sport and the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

Mercedes Little G expected powertrain details 

Both EV and ICE versions expected to feature four-wheel drive

It is understood that the Little G could be powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine that also does duty in the CLA, where it produces 190hp and 300Nm of torque. The unit can also operate on EV power alone via a gearbox-mounted electric motor. While the engine was designed and developed by Mercedes, it is manufactured by Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely and Renault in China.

Meanwhile, the all-electric version is expected to get an 85kWh battery pack using NMC chemistry and offering up to 724km of WLTP range. A dual-motor setup is likely, with the rear-mounted motor being the more powerful unit. To provide similar off-road capability as the current G-Class SUVs, the hybrid and EV versions could get advanced power management, with torque vectoring enabling each wheel to receive power individually.

Mercedes Little G platform and exterior details 

Likely to use a ladder-frame chassis and possess a rugged look

It was previously understood that the SUV would share the GLC EQ’s monocoque chassis. However, Mercedes-Benz’s former chief technical officer Markus Schafer told Autocar UK that the smaller G-Class will be built on a bespoke architecture to be “as authentic as possible”, suggesting that it will have a new ladder-frame chassis.

Pictures of the test mules spied abroad indicate that it will sport a similar boxy silhouette as the larger G-Wagon. Former design head Gorden Wagener stated that the Little G will carry over the larger G-Class SUVs’ design details, including the circular headlamps, hood-mounted indicators and tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The upcoming model is expected to be up to about 4.4 metres long and will be much shorter than the 1,969mm-tall G-Class.

The move to introduce an ICE powertrain for the Little G is aimed at balancing a multitude of global regulatory requirements and customer preferences. Moreover, the strategic change comes amid unsatisfactory sales of the Mercedes G-Class Electric. Rival brand Porsche also adopted a similar strategy recently, announcing an all-new ICE-powered successor to the Macan. Mercedes aims to sell ICE-powered models well into the 2030s, scrapping its previous targets of becoming an EV-only brand.

Production of the Little G is slated to begin in 2027, with the electric variant set to be launched first.