‘Smaller’ Mercedes-Benz G-Class Confirmed: 3-Door Model Or All-New SUV?

Mercedes-Benz at its annual results conference confirmed a host of new models set to arrive over the course of the next two years. These include the third-gen CLA, the S-class facelift and all-electric derivatives of the E-Class, GLC and C-class. However, one bit of news that also caught our attention was the confirmation of yet another derivative of the iconic Gelandewagen or G-Class.

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The latest G-class is sold solely in 5-door body style globally.

Neatly tucked away in the company’s press release is the sentence “The legendary G-Class family will be expanded with a new smaller version.” Mercedes had preciously alluded to a smaller ‘baby G class’ SUV though little else is known.

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While details of this new, smaller G-class are scant at this point, a logical answer could be the introduction of a short-wheelbase three-door iteration of the icon. Unlike some of its predecessors, the current generation G-class went on sale globally solely in 5-door body style, while its predecessors - including the SUV that started the lineage - was offered in a choice of wheelbases and with three- and five-door configurations.

The 3-Door body style was sold in some global market till the early 2010s

It remains to be seen if this is actually the case though a three-door derivative could make the SUV more appealing to use cases outside of an SUV for the wealthy. The smaller three-door SUV featuring the same diesel and petrol running gear as the standard G-class could be a more accomplished off-roader and could appeal to lifestyle buyers wanting something more compact than the bonkers, full-sized SUV and could provide direct competition to models such as the Land Rover Defender 90. While priced some ways apart in India, the Defender is viewed as a direct rival to the G-class in many markets across the globe.

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A short wheelbase 3-door wagon was one of the multiple body styles offered on the original G-class.

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The three-door G-Class could also see applications outside of just civilian use as well given the G-class’ already notable off-road capabilities.

The second alternative, and the one circulating in the media, is of an all-new, smaller and more affordable SUV inspired by the G-Class. Reports suggest that this all-new SUV could sit on a bespoke platform and be offered with internal combustion and all-electric powertrains though it might not be as capable as the G-Class off-road.

On the design front, the SUV could draw stylistic elements from the iconic G while blending in more modern design aesthetics as well. The new SUV could also pack in some of the G's off-road hardware and technology, though, given its lower expected price point, it may not be as capable off-road.