In case you've missed out on the news, American appetites for EVs are at an all-time low, down from their already low point compared to the demand for electric vehicles in nearly every other comparable market. It is based on this logic that American Mercedes-Benz dealers were able to talk Mercedes into selling the upcoming "baby" G-Wagen with gas powertrains. Previously, the brand's new entry-level G-Class would've sold exclusively as an EV.The G-Class will also get a new convertible version before the upcoming smaller modelMercedes-BenzIn the three years since the smaller G's announcement, the brand has reconsidered what the small SUV will offer. The automaker planned to initially sell the car exclusively as an EV, something that it doesn't even do for the full-size G. Speaking to Automotive News, Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said dealers told the company they needed gas-powered versions for North America: "The clear feedback from our U.S. dealers, which we from time to time also asked, was we need an ICE version. We said ‘Yes, Ok. Let’s put an ICE version in there.’ It needs to have enough power, and it will definitely happen."Other constraints pushed gas powertrains into the smaller G-Class as well. Among them was the need for gas powertrains in markets where infrastructure can't accommodate full-electric models, like the US. Buyers in these markets are worried, rightly, about the grid's ability to provide them with charging options, and gas powertrains became a necessary stopgap for these markets. Scheibe said that while all-electric models like the new Mercedes-Benz CLA have demonstrated “the everyday usability of electric cars,” a balanced approach can “cater to all the demands out there.” It's not clear when the new model will debut, or even what it will be called. Previously, Mercedes has hinted at a play on the G-Class's current name, with Mercedes Group CEO Ola Kallenius joking, “It is ‘g’ written with not a capital letter, so lowercase.”This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.