Baby G: Mercedes-Benz to launch smaller G-Class

For the longest time since it first debuted in 1979, very little has changed in the exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (AKA G Wagen). Yes, it has better road manners today, more luxurious amenities across different variants, and sports car-like performance thanks to the twin-turbo V8 engine derived from AMG models. Style-wise, however, Mercedes-Benz kept the G Wagen's boxy design relatively the same through the decades.

After nearly 50 years since the G-Class first debuted, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a smaller version of its popular 4x4 SUV. The upcoming vehicle will be part of the brand's so-called “biggest ever product launch campaign” which will see the G-Class family expanding for the first time in the vehicle's history.

This was seen when Mercedes-Benz showed a new product lineup for the G-Class. At the top of the pyramid are one-off art pieces of the G-Class which will likely be limited edition models. Below are the special edition G Wagens and the standard G-Class models, including off-road, performance, and electric variants. At the very bottom is the smaller G-Class which will use a lowercase version of the letter that's stylized as “g”.

Its exact name has yet to be revealed although we won't be surprised if Mercedes-Benz could have fun with its nomenclature. After all, Japan-based DAMD made a dress-up kit for the Suzuki Jimny and called it the “Little G” (pictured as the main image). Specifications have also yet to be revealed although there's a possibility that there could be 3-door and 5-door variants of the smaller G-Class.

There's also a rumor going around that the smaller G-Class could share its underpinnings with passenger-based vehicles like the GLA. That means the baby G-Class could come with a FWD or AWD layout along with smaller turbocharged engines.

With Mercedes-Benz adamant about building a smaller version of the G-Class, we're curious as to how and when the automaker plans to have its big reveal. With the G Wagen having built a reputation through the years, we'll be keeping a close eye on possible leaks and new information regarding the new “g-Class”.