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# Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen could face more competition
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-mercedes-g-wagen-competitor-report/
- Published: 2025-10-14T02:30:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-04T06:57:40.000Z
- Description: The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is arguably an entity unto itself, with next to no true rivals - though another German brand could change that.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, 4x4 & Adventure

First launched as a utilitarian and rugged off-roader, the G-Wagen (officially the G-Class) is now sold not only in its true-to-original 4×4 state but also as a performance V8 SUV, and even an electric vehicle.

Only Land Rover’s Defender and Discovery come close to offering the same breadth of experiences from off-road capability to luxury, though this relatively small segment means it is exposed to potential competition.

Speaking to UK publication [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-priming-rival-mercedes-g-class-and-land-rover-defender?ref=torquecafe.com), Audi CEO Gernot Döllner was asked whether a G-Wagen competitor - previously hinted at by the brand’s former head of design - was in the works, replying: “Stay tuned”.

When specifically asked whether Audi could have a direct rival to the likes of the Land Rover Defender - ironically a vehicle styled by now-Audi chief creative officer Massimo Frascella - Döllner simply replied: “Don’t give up on that dream”.

[![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/land-rover-defender-trophy-2.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/defender-special-edition-throws-back-to-legendary-off-road-competition/land-rover-defender-trophy-2/?ref=torquecafe.com)

Land Rover Defender

[![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mercedes-Benz_G450d-1.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/audi-news-mercedes-g-wagen-competitor-report/mercedes-benz%5Fg450d-1/?ref=torquecafe.com)

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

In 2023, now-former Audi design boss Marc Lichte said an off-road capable 4×4 was possible, saying: “There is potential because there are only two premium players (G-Wagen and Land Rover) and I think there is a space for a third one”.

While the segment is relatively limited at the moment, Audi might not be the only German brand looking to take a slice of the G-Wagen pie.

In August, [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/bmw/an-bmw-plans-rugged-g-wagen-fighter-0813/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported BMW will launch its own take on the G-Wagen formula in 2029, and do so with the familiar underpinnings of the popular X5 SUV.

![BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bmw-x5-silver-anniversary-edition-1.jpg)

BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition

Codenamed ‘G74’ and built in the US, the ‘Rugged’ - its name, according to [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/08/12/bmw-g74-rugged-suv-2029-launch-hybrid-ev/?ref=torquecafe.com) \- will reportedly be tougher than the X5 both in appearance and off-road capability, though like the Mercedes 4×4 it’s expected to retain some luxury trimmings.

Few details are known about the upcoming model, however with a new X5 set to launch in late 2026, it’s expected more potential powertrain details will come to light within the next 12 months.

If it is to go head-to-head with the G-Wagen, it’ll need to offer a variety of powertrains. While Australia only gets a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine in the G63, in other markets the G-Wagen is offered with inline six-cylinder engines, both in petrol and diesel guise.