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

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

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.  

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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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