Mercedes Prepares to Launch a Mini G

Mercedes-Benz have confirmed plans to shrink their legendary G-Wagon into a smaller, more “everyday” package. The idea is simple: take the iconic square-jawed, military-born off-roader and scale it down to rival cars like Land Rover’s new Defender Sport. On paper, it sounds like a licence to print money. After all, who wouldn’t want a baby G with the same rugged looks and badge appeal, without the mortgage-sized price tag?

But here’s the danger. When you shrink an icon, you run the risk of making it look less like a G-Class and more like something your neighbour bought second-hand off Facebook Marketplace. The Suzuki Jimny is the perfect example. It’s small, boxy, fun, and already has cult status. Put a “mini G-Wagon” next to it, and the comparisons will be brutal. If Mercedes get the proportions even slightly wrong, critics won’t call it the “Baby G” — they’ll call it the “Jimny’s weird cousin who turns up late to the barbecue.”

That’s not to say it can’t work. The G-Class styling cues are strong: flat roof, squared-off arches, round headlights, upright glasshouse. Even watered down, it still looks tougher than most SUVs. Add in a Mercedes interior (the one place the Jimny can’t compete at all), and suddenly you’ve got something with genuine appeal — urban chic with just enough off-road fantasy to keep people interested.

Still, the question remains: will this be a proper, rugged little off-roader, or just another lifestyle crossover wearing a G-Class Halloween costume? Mercedes have a habit of nailing the luxury side of things, but making a small 4x4 that feels authentic, rather than cynical, is a different game altogether.

If they pull it off, the Mini G could be one of the most desirable compact SUVs on sale, a proper rival to Land Rover’s new baby Defender and proof that downsizing doesn’t mean dumbing down. If they don’t, well… let’s just say the Jimny fan club will have the last laugh.

Either way, it’s going to be fun to watch.