You’ve seen the photos. Maybe it was a grainy reel on Instagram or a "leak" on a car forum that looked just a little too perfect. A boxy, rugged, miniature version of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, complete with the spare tire on the back and those unmistakable round headlights, but sized like something you could park in a hallway. It’s the G600 mini G Wagon. Or, as the internet likes to call it, the "Baby G."
But here is the thing. If you go to a Mercedes dealership tomorrow and ask for a G600 mini, the salesperson is going to look at you like you’ve got two heads. Honestly, the story of this car is a weird mix of aftermarket genius, Japanese engineering, and a massive amount of "what if" speculation from enthusiasts who are tired of every SUV looking like a melted jellybean.
Most people get this wrong. They think Mercedes finally shrunk the G-Wagon to compete with crossovers. They haven't. At least, not in the way the viral G600 photos suggest.
The Identity Crisis: What Is a G600 Mini G Wagon?
Technically, the "G600" moniker usually refers to a body kit. Specifically, it’s often tied to the Suzuki Jimny, a tiny 4x4 that isn't even sold in the United States. In Japan and Europe, the Jimny is a cult hero. It’s light. It’s cheap. It has a ladder frame and a low-range transfer case, making it a legitimate off-roader.
Because the Jimny is already boxy, tuning shops like Liberty Walk and DAMD realized they could make a killing by selling body kits that mimic the G-Class. They swap the grille, the bumpers, the hood, and the lights. Suddenly, your $20,000 Suzuki looks like a $200,000 Mercedes from fifty feet away. That is where the G600 "Mini G" hype mostly lives—in the world of high-end replicas and body swaps.
However, Mercedes-Benz is actually working on a smaller G-Class. At the 2023 Munich Auto Show, CEO Ola Källenius confirmed a "Little G" is in development. This is a massive shift for the brand. For decades, the G-Wagon was the untouchable peak of the luxury mountain. Shinking it is risky. If it feels like a cheap toy, they ruin the brand. If they get it right, they own the luxury compact market.
The Real Deal vs. The Body Kits
Let’s talk about the aftermarket G600 first. Companies like Brabus have been mimicked by these kits to create "Mini G" looks. You can buy a "Little G" kit for a Jimny that includes the side-exit exhausts and the flared wheel arches. It’s a riot to drive because it weighs nothing compared to the 5,500-pound behemoth that is a real G63.
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The actual upcoming Mercedes mini G-Wagon—often speculated to be called the g-Class (with a lowercase 'g')—will likely be built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This means it won't just be a gas-guzzler. We are looking at a likely electric-first platform, though some internal combustion versions might survive depending on the market.
It’s gonna be weird. People want the ruggedness of the G-Wagon but the price point of a C-Class. That's a hard needle to thread.
Why the G600 Label Sticks
The "600" number is a bit of a legacy thing in the Mercedes world. It implies power. It implies a V12 or at least a massive V8. Putting "G600" on a mini version is almost tongue-in-cheek. It’s ironic.
Most of the "G600" content you see online is actually modified vehicles from China or Japan. In China, there are brands like BAIC that have made vehicles remarkably similar to the G-Class for years. Some owners take these and slap Mercedes badges on them. It’s a whole subculture of "fake it 'til you make it" that has confused the hell out of the average car buyer browsing Pinterest.
Does the Performance Match the Look?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: It depends on what you want. A Suzuki Jimny with a G-Wagon kit is a beast off-road because it’s small. It can go places a full-sized G-Wagon would get stuck just because of its width. But on the highway? It’s loud. It’s slow. It has the aerodynamics of a brick. A real G-Wagon has enough horsepower to ignore the wind. A 1.5-liter Jimny engine... not so much.
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If we talk about the official upcoming Mercedes mini G, the expectations are much higher. We are talking about 800V charging architecture and a range that hopefully tops 300 miles. It won't be a toy. It’ll be a tool.
The Problem With Owning One in the US
If you live in America and you want a G600 mini G Wagon right now, you’re basically out of luck. The Suzuki Jimny doesn't meet US safety or emissions standards. You can’t legally import a new one. You have to wait until they are 25 years old.
This creates a weird "forbidden fruit" effect. People see these cool, tiny G-Wagons online and realize they can't have them. That’s why the search volume for this keyword is so high. It’s pure envy.
You can find some imported, older Samurais (the Jimny’s ancestor), but they don't have the "mini G" look without some serious custom fabrication.
Pricing Reality Check
How much does a "G600 mini" actually cost?
- The Base Car: A new Jimny (overseas) is roughly $25,000.
- The Kit: A high-quality Liberty Walk "G mini" kit can run you $5,000 to $10,000.
- Wheels/Tires: Another $3,000.
- Labor: If you aren't doing it yourself, add $5,000.
You end up with a $45,000 mini SUV that looks like a supercar's bodyguard. Is it worth it? For the clout, maybe. For daily driving from LA to Vegas? Probably not.
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The official Mercedes mini G is rumored to start somewhere in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. That’s a lot for a "small" car, but it’s a bargain compared to the $150k+ you’ll drop on a full-sized G63.
What to Look Out For
If you are browsing marketplaces like Alibaba or specialized import sites for a G600 mini, be careful. There are dozens of "mini electric G-Wagons" being sold for like $5,000. These are basically glorified golf carts. They are made of thin plastic. They have lead-acid batteries. They are not street-legal.
They are essentially lawn ornaments that look like cars. Don't get scammed thinking you've found a loophole to get a cheap Mercedes.
The Future of the "Little G"
Mercedes knows they have a goldmine. The G-Class is its own sub-brand now, much like Maybach or AMG. By the time 2026 rolls around, we expect to see the production version of the smaller G-Class hitting the streets.
It won't be called the G600. It'll likely follow the new naming convention. But it will retain the box. The box is sacred. If they make it curvy, the fans will revolt.
Actionable Steps for Enthusiasts
If you are obsessed with the G600 mini G Wagon look and want to make it a reality, here is your roadmap:
- Check the 25-Year Rule: If you are in the US, look for 1990s-era Suzuki Jimnys (JA11 or JA12 models) that are already legally imported. These can be modified with retro-fit kits to resemble the older G-Wagons.
- Wait for the Official Launch: If you want modern safety, Apple CarPlay, and a warranty, wait for the 2026/2027 Mercedes "Little G." It is coming.
- Budget for Customization: If you’re buying a body kit, don't cheap out. The $1,000 kits have terrible fitment. You'll spend more fixing the gaps than you saved on the purchase.
- Join the Community: Groups like the "Jimny Style" forums or G-Wagon owner clubs often have sections for replicas and conversions. They can point you toward reputable kit manufacturers like DAMD or WALD.
The G600 mini G Wagon is a dream for many. It’s the ultimate city car—tough enough for the curb, small enough for the tightest parking garage. Just make sure you know exactly what you're buying before you wire money to an overseas exporter. Honestly, the wait for the official Mercedes version might be your best bet if you want the prestige without the headache of a custom build.