It turns out not every icon translates easily to electric power, no matter how much fanfare is involved. Mercedes made a big song and dance about the iconic G-Class going electric, but would-be buyers don’t want to hear it. Sales are so bad the automaker is considering adapting its planned EV-only baby G-Class to work with combustion power to avert disaster, according to a new report out of Germany.

Related: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More, V8 And V12 Live On

The all-electric G580 with EQ Technology was introduced last April, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan. Handelsblatt reports that sales have been dismal in the year since its debut. “The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it’s a complete flop,” one Mercedes executive told the publication. Another internal source added, “It’s a niche model; production numbers are very low.”

The report claims that the terrifyingly pricey ($161,500 in the US) EV had found only 1,450 European buyers by the end of this April based on Dataforce and Marklines figures, 61 in South Korea and just 58 in electric-loving China. The report even suggests Mercedes had failed to sell a single example in the US, which sounds dubious and is something we’ve asked MB USA to check.

Gas G-Class Still Dominates

While the electric G stalls, its combustion counterpart is doing brisk business. The also expensive ICE SUV outsells its electric brother seven to one, Handlesblatt says. And unlike the EQS and EQE, the G EV’s poor showing can’t be blamed on boring design because it looks almost exactly the same as the in-demand combustion model. So what gives?

One possible criticism is that unlike traditional EVs, which have a long wheelbase, flat floor and tons of interior space as a result, the G-Class EQ mirrors the dimensions and roominess of the ICE model. And what it does have a lot more of – weight – means it’s far less useful as a tow vehicle than the petrol G-Class and has a pathetic 239 miles (385 km) of EPA range.

Luxury buyers also remain unconvinced about the merits of electric power, preferring the traditional luxury and status that comes with a big, powerful petrol engine – though the G550 downgraded from a V8 to an inline six for the latest generation.

Mercedes had already confirmed earlier this year in response to slow EV sales that it would invest more in ICE technology while still introducing new EVs. One of those EVs is the upcoming baby G-Class, but Handelsblatt’s sources at Mercedes now say the automaker is seriously considering adapting the SUV to take a combustion  – or more likely, hybrid – powertrain.

Also: This Not-So-Serious Fake G-Class Sold For Seriously Real Money

This switch is apparently still possible late in the game because the the mini G is built on the company’s MMA architecture found under the new CLA in both electric and combustion forms, the report says. This contradicts earlier rumors swirling around the web suggesting Mercedes would use a different platform.

Mercedes is working on a baby g-Class, aiming to bring the spirit of the original G-Wagen into the compact SUV market. But for those who can’t wait, an even smaller version of the iconic off-roader is already out there – well, sort of. This replica features a tiny electric motor and lacks any real off-road capabilities, but it still manages to carry the G-Class look.

Meet the Bodo G-Wagon. Technically, it’s a golf cart, so you can’t exactly take this one for a spin down the highway, but you can cruise around golf courses or gated communities, places where an actual G-Class would probably be overkill, both in size and fuel consumption.

More: Mansory’s Garia Supersport Golf Cart

Recently, a 2024 model of this golf cart variant went up for sale at Mecum’s Glendale auction and, surprisingly, it fetched a decent amount. It’s not hard to see why.

The exterior is a dead ringer for the popular off-roader, but the tiny wheels and cartoonish proportions quickly give it away. No matter how many Mercedes badges you slap on the grille, it’s clear this is no true G-Wagen. Still, the seller insisted that this is “infinitely more stylish” than your average golf cart, claiming it will help you stand out from the crowd. Well, sure, it definitely will.

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Inside, the Bodo G-Wagon tries to mimic luxury in its own way. The saddle-colored plastic on the seats looks vaguely like leather from a distance, but up close, it’s clear you’re sitting in something closer to a toy car than a luxury SUV. The listing claims it comes with “the amenities of a full-size car,” if you count things like a fully digital cockpit, rear screens for passengers, A/C, and a rear-view camera as top-tier features.

There’s also the usual golf cart fare, like power steering, turn signals, running lights, and power windows, things that might seem surprisingly high-tech for your average golf cart.

Zero-Emissions, Zero Thrills

Despite the AMG badges, the Bodo G-Wagon doesn’t hide a roaring V8 under the hood. In fact, it doesn’t even have a combustion engine, as this is a zero-emission vehicle. A single electric motor delivers a modest 20 horsepower (15 kW), pushing this mini G-Wagen to a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). No 0-60 times here, and don’t expect any high-speed thrills either.

It runs on a 10 kWh lithium battery, giving it a range of up to 80 miles (129 km) between charges. Considering the largest golf course in America is only 4.7 miles long, this EV has plenty of juice for its intended use.

A Pricey Toy

And that brings us to the price tag. The Bodo G-Wagon sold for $31,900 at the Glendale auction on March 21st, falling within the estimated range of $30,000 to $40,000.

For that kind of money, you could pick up a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class from the 2010s – like a real G-Class, not this golf cart impersonator. Or, if you’re after something more compact, a Suzuki Jimny with a G-Wagen body kit might scratch the itch, though good luck finding one in North America.

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