- Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that a smaller, more affordable G-class SUV is on the way.
- The automaker also confirmed plans to overhaul its design language, bringing future EVs and combustion cars under a shared appearance.
- The announcements were made as part of a recent investor-relations presentation held by the automaker.
After years of speculation and rumors, Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed that a smaller version of the G-class (colloquially known as the G-wagen) will be built. The announcement came as part of an investor-relations presentation from Mercedes-Benz.
Any details beyond the new G-class’s existence remain a mystery, but just try to stop our imaginations from running wild. The latest rumors suggest that the baby G will be sold exclusively as an EV. Considering Merc is already selling an electric version of the G-class, we don’t see any reason to doubt that.
This isn’t the first time Mercedes has tried to embody the spirit of the G-wagen in a smaller frame. Remember the Concept GLB? We don’t think this new SUV will miss the G’s spirit in the same way the eventual GLB production car did, but we also don’t expect it to be as brawny as the original.
As part of the same announcement, Mercedes confirmed plans to drastically shift its design language. As things stand now, Merc’s entire fleet of EVs sets itself apart from the gas-burning side of the lineup with a design language that wouldn’t be out of place on your bathroom counter. That’s set to change.
In the future, Mercedes will take a similar approach to BMW with a single model that offers internal-combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrain options. The move is a 180-degree turn from Merc’s current strategy, which has separate combustion and EV models. The upcoming CLA-class will be the first model to make the change—the existing G-class and G-class EV notwithstanding.
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
