It also sports roof bars, perhaps suggesting the entry-level G-Class will be positioned as more of a proper ‘lifestyle’ model – which, for example, can transport bikes on the roof – rather than a luxury (albeit capable) proposition like the current flagship car.
Mercedes-Benz ‘Little G’: what we know
Former tech boss Markus Schäfer told Autocar that the entry model will be based on a unique architecture in order to be “as authentic as possible”.
He said: “The G is a very special, authentic car, and the ‘Mini G’ has to be authentic. So I cannot take just a platform. I cannot take an existing platform; I have to create my own. It’s a completely new development.”
Schäfer called the platform a “miniature ladder-frame chassis”, which he described as being “not ladder frame [to the G-Class’s] extent”, but with similar qualities “when it comes to suspension and wheel size”.
Schäfer also revealed that the ‘Little G’ will use a significant number of unique components – “far more than I ever wish to tell you”. These include most of the bodywork.
He said: “Over time, just looking at the car’s capabilities and what’s needed, I came to the conclusion that everything has to be unique – the whole upper body and everything.
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