The Mercedes G-Code Concept Points Toward A Future Of Teeny Tiny Crossovers

Compact crossovers: as you’d probably gather from the name, they’re not all that big. However, such is the car buying public’s obsession with ‘soft roaders,’ that we’ll soon be seeing a new breed of crossovers that will make their ‘compact’ cousins look like utter fatties. Already confirmed is the Audi Q1, but it won’t be going it alone if this Mercedes ‘G-Code’ concept is anything to go by. If this were going into production (it isn’t), it’d slot underneath GLA in the Mercedes range, with its 4100mm length making it 317mm shorter than the A-Class-based crossover.

It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that Mercedes is a company that rather likes crossovers and SUVs. It already sells four different SUV/crossover models in the UK, rising to six when the new GLK and the GLE arrive on these shores, so we wouldn’t be at all surprised if this concept spawns a less radical production version.

Other than the usual mad concept car touches like stalk-mounted cameras in place of rear view mirrors, massive wheels (21 inches in diameter) and a yoke for a steering wheel, there are some novel little features here. These include an oxygen generation system which works through hydrogen synthesis, providing fresh air for occupants even in congested environments, plus a pair of electric scooters under the boot floor which recharge as the vehicle drives. Handy.

Exact details of the powertrain haven’t yet been revealed, but it’ll comprise of an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen powering the front wheels, with an electric motor running the rears to give four-wheel drive.

We’ll know more when the car makes its proper debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.