Mercedes-Benz developing smaller G-Class SUV for new segment
Mercedes-Benz is preparing a compact SUV inspired by the G-Class, expected to use the MFA platform and target a 2020 launch.
Mercedes-Benz is working on a smaller SUV styled after the G-Class, with the project internally referred to as the "mini-G" and a market launch targeted for 2020. The model is expected to carry the GLG name, according to reports from Car Magazine.
The company aims to expand its SUV line-up by entering a segment below the current G-Class. The GLG is expected to sit alongside the GLA, offering a more rugged alternative for buyers who want the G-Class look without its size or price. Mercedes-Benz is looking to attract new customers as the market shifts and economic pressures affect demand across premium brands.
Technical details and platform
While the original G-Class is based on a body-on-frame construction, the smaller GLG is set to use the MFA platform, which underpins the latest A-Class and other compact Mercedes-Benz models. This move should allow for more efficient production and the use of smaller, more economical engines. The range is likely to include four-cylinder petrol and diesel options, with a high-performance AMG variant reportedly targeting around 350hp.
Styling is expected to draw heavily from the G-Class, including its upright stance and boxy proportions, but on a smaller scale. The aim is to offer the visual appeal of the G-Class to buyers who do not need its off-road capabilities or size. Pricing and detailed specifications have not been confirmed at this stage.
Positioning and market impact
The GLG is intended to complement the GLA crossover, not replace it. By offering a more rugged and distinctive SUV in the compact segment, Mercedes-Benz hopes to reach buyers who might otherwise look to rivals or even to larger used SUVs. The move fits with a broader strategy to expand the brand’s SUV range and capture customers as tastes shift away from traditional saloons and estates.
If Mercedes-Benz delivers on the GLG’s promise of G-Class style in a more accessible package, the model could appeal to urban buyers and those seeking a distinctive image without the running costs or footprint of the full-size G-Class. The GLG is one of several new models planned by Mercedes-Benz for the coming years as it adapts its line-up to changing market demands.
- GLG to use MFA platform, unlike body-on-frame G-Class
- Expected to launch by 2020
- AMG version could reach 350hp
