After years of whispers, leaks, and half-confirmed reports, we finally have our first honest look at what Mercedes has been quietly working on: the long-awaited Baby G-Class. The prototype has surfaced in fresh spy shots, and it looks almost exactly like what many enthusiasts hoped for — a shrunken, almost playful reinterpretation of the legendary boxy G.
Just weeks ago, Mercedes hinted that a “small G” was right around the corner. And now here it is, caught on camera while being loaded onto a transporter in Germany. It’s our clearest glimpse yet at the actual proportions of this much-anticipated little SUV.
A First Look as the Countdown to Launch Truly Begins
Right away, the Baby G looks tiny — far smaller than what most people expected. From some angles, you could mistake it for an electric Kia Soul or even a Scion xB. Mercedes tried to shrink the classic G-Class formula almost literally, but not everything carried over. The traditional dual round headlights are gone, replaced by slim LED lines that double as daytime running lights and turn indicators. It’s a more modern touch for a younger audience.
Spy Shots Reveal Its Compact Footprint
Parked next to a Mercedes EQS SUV and a Metris van, the Baby G looks dramatically small. It even appears smaller than a compact tow vehicle in the background. These comparisons confirm that Mercedes is intentionally keeping this SUV on the petite side — likely to appeal to urban buyers and meet upcoming European regulations more easily.
A Youthful, Adventure-Ready Attitude
The prototype doesn’t hide who it’s targeting. Full-length roof bars and a mounted ladder — yes, a full ladder — give it a rugged, accessory-ready look right out of the box. This fits perfectly with comments from Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius, who said the car is aimed at younger drivers who want a fun, active-lifestyle SUV.
A smaller size combined with expected electric powertrains would make the Baby G easier to live with in dense European cities, where traditional fuel-powered SUVs face increasing fees and access restrictions.
Built on the CLA and GLA Platform?
Previous reports suggest the Baby G will be based on Mercedes’ MMA platform, the same foundation used for the newest CLA and GLA. That would explain the compact proportions and could mean shared interior tech too — including the impressive new Superscreen recently introduced in the updated GLB.
Lining Up Against Toyota’s Compact Land Cruiser FJ
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. Toyota has just revealed its small Land Cruiser FJ, and now Mercedes is stepping into the same adventurous, compact SUV market. That raises questions for Jeep, which chose a different path with the larger, electric Recon riding on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform.
Expected Reveal
If development continues at this pace, we expect Mercedes to officially unveil the Baby G-Class sometime next year — positioning it as one of the standout new models of 2027, God willing.
