Is a Mercedes Mini G on the horizon for 2027?

Spotted Testing: What We Know So Far About the Baby G Class

Mercedes Benz appears to be edging ever closer to launching one of its most intriguing new models in years, as the much rumoured compact G Class, unofficially dubbed the Mini G or Baby G, has once again been spotted testing on public roads.
Wrapped head to toe in the brand’s familiar black and white camouflage, the prototype has been seen undergoing cold weather testing, suggesting development is well advanced. While Mercedes has yet to officially reveal the car, the steady stream of spy shots is beginning to paint a clearer picture of what could become a new cornerstone of the G Class family.
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A Smaller G, But Clearly a G
Despite the heavy disguise, there is no mistaking the vehicle’s lineage. The upright windscreen, slab sided bodywork and near vertical rear end immediately call to mind the iconic G Wagen silhouette, only scaled down.
The proportions suggest a noticeably shorter wheelbase and narrower track than the full size G Class, but crucially Mercedes designers appear to have resisted the temptation to soften the shape into a crossover. Instead, the Mini G looks boxy, purposeful and unapologetically utilitarian, even in prototype form.
Circular headlamp outlines can be made out beneath the camouflage, along with squared wheel arches and what appears to be a rear mounted spare wheel, all classic G Class design cues. In short, this does not look like a G Class in name only.
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Official Confirmation but Few Details
Mercedes Benz has already confirmed that a smaller G Class is coming. The company has referred to it internally as the Little G, positioning it as a more accessible entry point into the G Class range.
However, beyond confirming its existence, Mercedes has been deliberately tight lipped. No official images, specifications or powertrain details have been released, leaving the automotive world to rely on executive comments, spy photography and informed speculation.
What has been made clear is that this will not simply be a rebodied version of an existing compact SUV.
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A Bespoke Platform, Not a Parts Bin Special
According to senior Mercedes executives, the Mini G is a completely new development. Rather than borrowing the unibody architecture used by models such as the GLA or GLB, the compact G is believed to be built on a bespoke platform designed to preserve the rugged character that defines the full size G Class.
While it is unlikely to use a traditional ladder frame in the same way as the larger G Wagen, sources suggest the structure will be engineered with off road durability in mind, potentially incorporating reinforced subframes and serious four wheel drive hardware.
This approach is significant. It signals Mercedes’ intention to protect the G Class brand’s reputation, rather than diluting it with a soft, urban focused SUV.
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Electric Power Expected
One of the strongest rumours surrounding the Mini G concerns its powertrain. Industry insiders widely expect it to launch as a fully electric vehicle, aligning with Mercedes Benz’s broader electrification strategy and the recent introduction of the electric G Class.
An EV only approach would allow Mercedes to package motors at each axle for permanent four wheel drive, offering strong traction both on and off the road. A twin motor set up is considered likely, with torque vectoring used to replicate the off road ability of traditional locking differentials.
There has also been speculation about high performance variants, potentially wearing AMG badges, though these would almost certainly arrive later in the model’s life cycle.
At present, there is little evidence to suggest petrol or hybrid engines will be offered, although Mercedes has not ruled anything out publicly.
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Interior and Technology Expectations
No interior images have yet surfaced, but expectations are high. The Mini G is likely to feature a modern interpretation of the G Class cabin, blending rugged design elements with Mercedes’ latest digital interfaces.
A widescreen infotainment layout, premium materials and advanced driver assistance systems are all expected, even if the interior maintains a deliberately functional feel. Given its positioning, the Mini G is likely to prioritise durability and usability over outright luxury, though it will almost certainly still feel unmistakably premium.
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Positioning and Price
The compact G Class is widely seen as a gateway model, a way to attract buyers who admire the G Wagen’s image but find the full size version too large, too expensive or too impractical for daily use.
Pricing is expected to sit well below the flagship G Class, though it will remain firmly in premium territory. While exact figures remain speculative, it is likely to compete with high end compact off roaders and electric SUVs rather than mainstream family crossovers.
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When Will We See It
Based on the level of testing already under way, the Mini G is thought to be targeting a mid to late decade launch, with 2027 frequently mentioned as a likely debut year.
Until then, expect more spy shots, gradual teaser campaigns and carefully worded statements from Mercedes as anticipation continues to build.
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A New Chapter for an Icon
If Mercedes delivers on its promises, the Mini G could become one of the most important models in the brand’s modern history, extending the appeal of the G Class without sacrificing the qualities that made it legendary in the first place.
For now, it remains wrapped in camouflage. But one thing is already clear. This is not just a smaller SUV wearing a famous badge. It looks, quite genuinely, like a real G, just shrunk to fit modern times.

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