It seems that Mercedes is not happy with just four compact cars and is looking to expand into new segments. Today, the German automaker officially revealed a new concept car called the G-Code. Even though it looks like it's the size of a proper SUV, this ting is actually smaller than any other Merc sold at the moment, something we can't overlook.
The G-Cede Concept measures 4100mm long which makes it 317mm shorter than the GLA. It's also slightly taller and wider, resulting in a shape that has more than a passing resemblance to the Nissan Juke.
A quick check of the crossover market will reveal that even small cars like the Renault Captur are longer thin what Mercedes is showing. Despite this, the G-Code is something we like. It's got coach doors at the back, a sexy coupe roofline and all the latest Mercedes design elements compacted into a small package.
It even does tricks, like the fact that it can charge its batteries using photovoltaic paint or the travel of the suspension. Mercedes calls this ""power-on-the-move suspension" and it's an idea that's been flying around the industry for quite a few years.
Chinese ideas
part of the reason why this concept is so over-the-top is that it's built as a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz's design studios in Germany and China. It's also scheduled to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month and there are no plans for production yet.
The powertrain isn't all that normal either, more paranormal than anything else. The G-Class Concept features a "state-of-the-art turbocharged combustion engine that runs on hydrogen" at the front, connected to a dual-clutch transmission, and an electric motor that drives the rear axle.
How did they ever squeeze that much tech into a concept the size of the Juke?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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