During the Munich Motor Show (IAA 2025), Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Ola Källenius unveiled a teaser for the Mini-G alongside the G-Class and the new open-top G-Class. The message was clear: the letter G is set to become more than a single model, evolving into a standalone brand with a growing family of vehicles.
Although it was already known that a Mini-G was on the way, speculation up to now suggested it would be based on the new CLA’s technical underpinnings to deliver the necessary economies of scale. That will not be the case.
Mercedes-Benz Mini-G engineering: a bespoke platform
Speaking to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer confirmed the Mini-G will be a distinct product, with only limited component sharing across the wider range. “The G is very special and authentic, and the Mini-G has to be too. That’s why I can’t just take any platform. We have to create a specific one. It’s a completely new development.”
In practice, this means the more compact Mercedes-Benz G-Class will sit on its own dedicated, all-new architecture. Schäfer describes it as a “miniature ladder-frame chassis”, while stressing it will differ from the G-Class in areas such as the suspension set-up and wheel size. Exactly how that will translate into the finished vehicle remains to be seen.
Unique Mini-G bodywork and exterior components
Beyond the platform itself, the body and a large share of the exterior parts will also be exclusive to the new model. Mercedes-Benz has been keen to underline that there will be no sharing of visible elements with the traditional Mercedes-Benz G-Class, reinforcing the aim of giving the Mini-G a clear identity of its own within the line-up.
“I can’t even take a door handle from the current portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles.”
Markus Schäfer, the brand’s Chief Technology Officer.
Powertrain: expected to be fully electric
While detailed technical specifications have not yet been released, Autocar reports that the Mini-G will be offered as a 100% electric model only. Even so, Schäfer did not entirely rule out other options, saying: “Wait. I don’t want to go into so much detail.”
A more accessible G, without losing its roots
Mercedes-Benz is expected to bring the new Mini-G to market between late 2026 and early 2027. Despite the “mini” label used so far, it is likely to be generously sized. It will probably line up as the closest rival to the smaller British Defender, which is already undergoing road testing.
The Mini-G itself is also nearing public-road development, as Källenius revealed during the Munich presentation: “The first test prototypes will appear on the roads soon,”
According to Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener, the Mini-G will retain the older G-Class’s boxy silhouette, round headlamps, and the unmistakable stance associated with the G-Class.
However, it will also feature sharper surfacing and updated lighting details, in an interpretation intended to be “younger and more modern than the current G”.
Mercedes-Benz treats the G-Class legacy with seriousness, while still responding to newer market demands-both environmental pressures and more urban use cases. Even so, the brand promises that, in terms of capability, the new model will live up to the G-Class heritage.
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