Mercedes’ New G-Wagen Plans Could Cap an Epic Decade for Boxy Off-Roaders

The 2020s will be remembered as a golden era for boxy off-roaders. Seemingly every iconic SUV has been reimagined in exciting ways over the lasts few years, including the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser (and its more luxurious cousin, the Lexus GX 550), Ford Bronco and most recently, the Toyota 4Runner.

That impressive field is also being supplemented by a slew of fresh (and all-electric faces) like Rivian’s R1S and the upcoming Scout Traveler.

Mercedes-Benz, maker of the Geländewagen – a.k.a the G-Wagen– and arguably the most iconic box on wheels —hasn’t been reading books on the sidelines either. The brand introduced an all-new electric version of the elite SUV, dubbed the G 580 with EQ Technology, that only recently started trickling out on the street.

And that appears to be just the start of the esteemed German automaker’s aspirations for the G-Class line this decade. Recently, the brand finally officially confirmed upcoming plans for the G-Wagen line that could spice up the scalding hot vehicle category further.

A ‘Little G’ Is Officially Coming

Mercedes-Benz

The thrust of Mercedes-Benz recent 2024 financial review was that the company was focused on unifying the aesthetics of its gas and electrified lines of vehicles.

But buried in the lengthy statement were a few key quotes that caught the attention of boxy SUV enthusiasts and industry analysts.

“Mercedes-Benz plans to expand and protect the share of Top-End Vehicles (TEV) and aims to leverage the potential of its luxury brands such as G-Class, as the undisputed icon of adventurous luxury” read one quote, which was quickly followed by a more explicit call out.

“The legendary G-Class family will be expanded with a new smaller version.”

Details Are Slim, but Hints Are Out There

Mercedes-Benz

The official statement confirms what has been teased publicly by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius for quite some time now.

Unfortunately, that brief teaser is all the statement formally says about a smaller, “baby” version of the G-Class, as some outlets have started calling it.

However, earlier comments made by Ola Källenius to Bloomberg TV and other outlets provide more information about what the market could expect.

“The G-Wagen is an icon, but it’s almost impossible to get one. Actually, it’s sold out. But, yes…we are announcing for all of the G fans…there will be a little G, so a son or daughter of the iconic big G. We have not announced timing yet. But if you wait for something good, it will be worth the wait,” Källenius shared with Bloomberg TV.

Mercedes-Benz

Motortrend also surfaced comments the CEO made embedded within a paid report in Handelsblatt. According to the report, Källenius was excited about creating a smaller version that would ride lower and feature a shorter wheelbase and AWD.

Supposedly the new vehicle would echo the G-Wagen’s iconic aesthetic instead of closely mirroring it.

The same report indicated that the new SUV would share the foundational platform of the CLA and most likely be an all-electric vehicle, a la the EQB.

Two Early Reasons Why It Might Not Be a Slam Dunk

Chelsea Truck Company

So much of the G-Wagen’s mystique is tied to its boxy physique devised initially for agricultural and military purposes, that’s hard to know whether a smaller, noticeably different looking vehicle would succeed based on its G-Class badging alone.

While we (and likely most G-Wagen fans) would love for Mercedes to take the same design tact Rivian took with shrinking the looks of the R1 to create its new smaller brother, the R2, or even revive the stumpier looks of the 2-door G-Class discontinued back in 2011, that vision seems unlikely based on the comments that have circulated to date.

The eventual price point of the ‘little G’ will also obviously be key, but not necessarily for reasons you might think.

Flicker: Steve Lyon

Given that the typical G-Wagen starts at roughly $140k these days and yet, somehow, has still amazingly experienced explosive sales growth in recent years, it’s logical to assume any version that’s less expensive would have a leg up in terms of popularity, granted it was properly executed from a design POV.

For years, the G-Wagen however has been one of a small subset of consumer vehicles that benefit in a fashion from an eye-watering price tag and curb weight, at least among one cadre of affluent, tax-savvy consumers.

That’s because since it weighs over 6,000 pounds, the G-Wagen qualifies for Section 179 of the U.S. Tax Code, which allows businesses to deduct a maximum of $31,300 in 2025 immediately off their income taxes. The remaining cost can then be depreciated over time.

Mercedes-Benz

It’s impossible to know exactly how much this unique tax factor has helped flamed G-Wagen sales, but it’s certainly an advantage the forthcoming little G definitively won’t have. That means the new little G will face more of an even competitive playing field in its comparable SUV segment compared to its bigger brother.

When you also consider that Mercedes claimed that 80 percent of all G-Wagens were still on the road in May of last year, we’re guessing the little G’s goal will, first and foremost be to bring new buyers into the G-Class owners club.

As such, Mercedes will have to bring its performance and pricing A-game if it hopes to sniff the original G-Wagen’s massive sales success.

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