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

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.

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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.

Mecum

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.

Mecum