Mercedes-Benz's 'Baby' G-Class Won't Be EV Only

A new report alleges the automaker will drop the CLA's hybrid four-cylinder into the off-road SUV.

Mercedes-Benz Baby G-Class Rendering By Motor1

Photo by: Motor1

Anthony Alaniz

By: Anthony Alaniz

Feb 23, at 2:00pm ET

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THE BREAKDOWN:

Mercedes-Benz will allegedly offer its new ‘Baby’ G-Class with a hybrid powertrain.
The compact off-road SUV will borrow the hybrid powertrain from the CLA.
The 1.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder makes up to 188 horsepower in the CLA.

Mercedes-Benz is changing course. The automaker will no longer offer its upcoming "Baby" G-Class exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle. The new model will also allegedly feature a hybrid powertrain option.

According to a new Autocar report, Mercedes will put the CLA’s hybrid powertrain into the new off-roader. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which Horse Powertrain produces, makes up to 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque and features the electric motor in the eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz 'Baby G' Teaser

Mercedes-Benz 'Baby G' Teaser

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

It’s unclear if Mercedes will increase the hybrid powertrain’s output for the smaller G-Class entry. The report alleges that Mercedes will offer the off-road SUV exclusively with four-wheel drive, riding on a bespoke platform.

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The automaker apparently still has plans to launch the Baby G-Class as a battery-electric vehicle first, with production scheduled to begin sometime in 2027. Despite the model's smaller size, Mercedes wants it to be just as capable and rugged as the original.

Motor1’s Take: Mercedes adding a hybrid powertrain to the new Baby G-Class makes sense as interest in pure battery-electric vehicles stagnates in key markets. Offering the off-road SUV with a hybrid powertrain should broaden its appeal, especially in the United States, where consumers love rugged SUVs.

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Source: Autocar

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