This Joke Fake G-Class Was Sold for Real Big Money

Bodo G-Wagon is an electric golf cart inspired by the Mercedes off-roader.

One such 2024 example was recently sold at the Mecum auction in Glendale.

This zero-emission electric vehicle offers a range of up to 80 miles, making it perfect for golfing.

Although the original G-Wagen was conceived as a compact off-roader, for those who don’t want to wait, its miniature version already exists. Of course, it’s merely a styling exercise—a small electric motor and the lack of true off-road capabilities don’t stop it from emulating the G-Class design.

Before you is the Bodo G-Wagon. Essentially, it’s a golf cart, so you won’t be taking it on the track, but it’s perfect for navigating golf courses or closed territories where a real G-Wagen would be too large and expensive.

A 2024 model was recently sold at the Mecum auction in Glendale for a modest yet quite substantial amount. The reason for its popularity is obvious.

Externally, it strongly resembles the famous off-roader, but the tiny wheels and disproportionate body give away its true nature. Even the Mercedes emblems on the grille don’t make it a real G-Wagen. However, the seller claimed this variant is “much more stylish” than regular golf carts and will help you stand out from the crowd. Well, it’s hard to disagree with that.

Mecum

The interior of the Bodo G-Wagon tries to imitate luxury with available means. The plastic seats with faux leather look decent from a distance, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it’s more of a toy than a premium off-roader. The manufacturer advertises “full-size car attributes,” such as a digital instrument cluster, passenger screens, air conditioning, and a rearview camera.

It also has standard golf cart features: electronic power steering, turn signals, headlights, and electric window lifts—quite unusual for such a vehicle.

Zero Emissions, But Also Zero Adrenaline

Despite the AMG badges, there is no roaring V8 under the hood of the Bodo G-Wagon. In fact, there’s no internal combustion engine at all—only a 20 hp (15 kW) electric motor that propels this mini-G-Wagen to 35 mph (56 km/h). There’s no talk of accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h), nor any racing sensations.

A 10-kWh lithium battery provides up to 80 miles (129 km) of range on a single charge. Given that the largest golf course in the US is only 4.7 miles (7.5 km) long, this range is more than sufficient.

An Expensive Toy

As for the price, at the Glendale auction on March 21st, the Bodo G-Wagon was sold for $31,900, which fell within the expected range of $30,000–$40,000.

For that kind of money, you could buy a real Mercedes-Benz G-Class from the 2010s—not a golf cart, but the original. Or, if you want something more compact, you could consider other options, although finding them in North America would be difficult.

Mecum

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