The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, more commonly known as G-Wagen, has mostly been in a frozen state since its debut in 2018. Upgrades like safety and tech have crept in, but its design remains the same. But early next year, it will bow out. A new G-Wagen is coming later in 2024 as a 2025 model and is getting its first facelift. Oh, and some other upgrades, too, like an all-electric version.

This electrified G-Wagen gets the moniker “EQG.” It will look almost identical to the current version. But Mercedes, eyeing the need for aerodynamics to improve mileage and range, is making lots of little tweaks to help it slice through the atmosphere. 

How significant are the 2025 Mercedes G-Wagen changes?

The front end will look similar, but the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen gets smoother surfaces for less wind disruption. However, the grille will maintain its upright vertical slats and round LED headlights, according to Autocar. 

“Most customers won’t see it, even if they stand in front of the car, but the change in some cases had a really dramatic improvement to the aerodynamics,” G-Class head Dr. Emerich Schiller said. “We really improved the aerodynamics without changing the shape, and what we’ve learned with the electric version, we will put to the combustion engine car. So when the facelift comes next year, the cars will have most of the aerodynamic improvements as well, with a tremendous reduction in fuel consumption.”

Is the 2025 Mercedes G-Wagen going electric?

Mercedes says that the electric G won’t be riding on its own electric chassis. Instead, the German automaker will rework the existing G-Class ladder frame. So, the rugged frame will support batteries rather than making them an integral part of the chassis. 

But while an electric version is coming, Mercedes hasn’t cut either gas- or diesel-power from the G-Wagen lineup. “It will be almost the same car. It comes with our philosophy: it’s not an electric car; it’s a G-Class, and you can have it with a petrol engine, a Diesel engine, or with electric power.”

Will Mercedes be expanding the G-Class lineup?

Expanding on the G-Wagen’s popularity, Mercedes is also coming out with a “little G.” This was confirmed by the CEO Ola Källenius last month, telling AutoCar it will be “a son or daughter of the iconic big G. It will be worth the wait.” With Mercedes wanting to give the EQG some bandwidth, the baby G won’t be making an appearance until 2026. 

Its target segment includes the Jeep Avenger, which is not available in the U.S., Mini Aceman, and Ford Explorer. Overall, it appears that Mercedes is looking to expand many of its brands, as it is revealing with the G-Class. We’ve seen Mercedes do this in the past with mixed results. 

So, we see it expanding on the more iconic vehicles like the S-Class, SL, AMG, and Maybach. “We see great potential here to expand our top-end portfolio with even more fascinating products,” says Källenius.