Mercedes-Benz Preparing To Give The G-Class Multiple Big Brothers

Trademark filings indicate a bevy of new Mercedes-Benz G-Class models is under consideration.
At least four new G-Class model names have been trademarked.
The new names potentially hint at more size and power.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the automaker’s most iconic and most recognizable models, and it appears that the German automaker wants to capitalize on the allure of the G-Wagen with yet more variants. According to European Intellectual Property Office trademark filings discovered by CarBuzz, Mercedes may be working on as many as four new variants, and all four are likely to be positioned higher than the current range. At present, Mercedes-Benz sells the G550 and the G580 with EQ Technology, but if these trademark filings are any indication, those names will soon be obsolete or outperformed, as the new names are G600, G700, G800, and G900.

New G-Wagens Could Offer More Power And Space

For the record, the G550 delivers 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, while the all-electric G580 with EQ Technology produces up to 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque. For the record, the AMG G63 makes 577 hp and 628 lb-ft from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Though these names do not directly correlate to power outputs, it seems sensible to assume that the new designations are meant to indicate “more,” be that in power, space, or luxury. Indeed, some of these names may even be reserved for future Maybach variants. Speaking of, Mercedes teased a new G-Class Cabriolet earlier this month, something that was last brought to life in the form of the ultra-rare 2018 Maybach G 650 Landaulet (of which only 99 units were produced at an estimated cost of around $550,000).

It’s not a stretch to imagine that the G600 nomenclature would replace the G550, but the other names may herald longer-wheelbase, cabriolet, and/or ultra-luxury models. Since these trademarks were only filed this month, it may take some time to see what Stuttgart’s product planners have in mind, but a stretched three-row G-Class seems like an almost guaranteed moneymaker.

V8 Power Looks Likely

Why would Mercedes expand the range now? Well, the aforementioned all-electric G580 with EQ Technology continues to receive a tepid reception from buyers, but interest in a baby G-Class with combustion power seems to be high, and the regular G-Class continues to attract buyers worldwide, indicating that the only qualm buyers have with the G580 EQ is its powertrain. Thus, it makes sense for Mercedes to double down on the sort of vehicles that its customers have asked for and do buy, and that means gas power. With Mercedes planning to launch a new V8 in 2027, it’s finally listening to its customers (and so is AMG), and a V8 seems like a shoo-in for higher-spec G-Wagens. Of course, all this is simply speculation at this point, and until an official announcement is made, it’s certainly possible that Mercedes has other plans for the names – or none at all, reserving them for “in case.”