Mercedes-Benz Mini-G revealed as a bespoke electric G-Class

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Källenius unveiled the Mini-G teaser himself at the Munich Motor Show (IAA 2025), alongside the G-Class and the new G-Class Cabriolet. The letter G is set to become increasingly more than a single model: it will represent a brand with its own family of vehicles.

It was already known that a Mini-G was on the way, although speculation had suggested it would use the technical underpinnings of the new CLA to achieve the necessary economies of scale. That will not be the case after all.

Mini-G gets a bespoke Mercedes-Benz platform

Speaking to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz technical chief Markus Schäfer confirmed that the model will be something distinctive, with only limited component sharing with other cars from the manufacturer: “The G is very special and authentic, and the Mini-G has to be too. So I cannot just take any platform. We have to create a dedicated one. It is a completely new development.”

This means the more compact Mercedes-Benz G-Class will sit on its own, all-new platform. Schäfer describes it as a “miniature ladder-frame chassis”, while noting that “it will not be like that of the G-Class, but rather in terms of suspension and wheel size”. We will have to wait to see exactly how this will translate into the finished vehicle.

As well as its platform, the bodywork and much of this new model’s exterior hardware will be exclusive. Mercedes-Benz has been keen to stress that no visible elements will be shared with the traditional Mercedes-Benz G-Class, underlining the aim of giving the vehicle its own identity within the range.

“I cannot even take a door handle from the current portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles.”

Markus Schäfer, the brand’s technical chief.

Although more detailed technical specifications have yet to emerge, Autocar reports that the Mini-G will be exclusively fully electric. Markus Schäfer, however, did not rule out other possibilities: “Wait and see. I do not want to go into so much detail.”

A more accessible G that remains true to its roots

The new Mercedes-Benz Mini-G is expected to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027. Despite the use of the word “mini”, expect generously sized proportions. It will probably be the largest rival to the smaller British Defender, which is already undergoing road testing:

Mercedes-Benz Mini-G design and testing

As Ola Källenius announced during the Munich presentation, the Mini-G is also close to heading onto public roads: “The first test prototypes will appear on the roads soon.”

According to Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, the Mini-G will retain the boxy silhouette of its larger sibling, along with round headlamps and the unmistakable stance of the G-Class.

It will, however, feature sharper lines and updated lighting elements, in an interpretation intended to be “younger and more modern than the current G”.

Mercedes-Benz takes the G-Class legacy very seriously, while also acknowledging new market demands, both environmental and urban. The brand nevertheless promises that the new model’s capabilities will live up to the G-Class heritage.