Failure of the Electric G-Class Could Spark Something Better
Mercedes Confirms 'Little G' Is Coming
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a smaller version of the G-Class go-anywhere SUV as confirmed earlier this year, following rumors that had circulated for years. According to the German marque, this move aligns with its plans to counter its recent sales dip – and we agree, because who doesn't want a small SUV that's easier to maneuver in both trails and urban settings?
Mercedes-Benz stopped short of divulging more details about the upcoming 'Little G,' though reports hinted at electrification – a full-electric baby G-Wagen following the footsteps of the G-Class with EQ Technology. However, recent developments, particularly the lackluster demand for the electric G-Class have affected its roadmap, spelling a win for lovers of ICE.
Electric G-Class Is A Flop, Admits Merc Execs
According to Mercedes-Benz executives who spoke to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, the battery-powered G-Class is a flop, with one unnamed executive saying that 'The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop.' Other people who wished to remain anonymous admitted that buyers want ICE-powered G-Class, either with a six-cylinder or the mighty V8.
Numbers back those declarations. The German publication released the sales numbers for Europe and found that only 1,450 units of the electric G-Class were sold by the end of April, paling in comparison to its diesel and gas-powered counterparts at 9,700 units sold so far.
There are many reasons for this sales flop. The G-Class with EQ Technology is significantly pricier than its combustion-powered counterparts, plus it has a disadvantage in practicality and functionality due to the use of an electric powertrain.
Mercedes Hints at Launch Timing for Compact G by 2030
The same publication has reported that the low sales volume of the G-Class BEV is making the automaker reconsider its plans for the smaller G-Wagen. Contrasting with previous reports, Mercedes-Benz is now considering putting combustion engines in the upcoming model.
However, given the stringent emission requirements in Europe, we expect the Baby G to have some form of electrification, akin to what the automaker employed in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. This will, of course, offset the penalty of having an engine by the end of the decade.
Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the smaller G-Class by the end of the decade, so we'll know more concrete information in the years to come.
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