The G-Wagen is going green. Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an electric concept version of the iconic G-Wagen at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich, a design that promises to take to the SUV into the future. While you could argue the Mercedes-Benz electrification plan has been on the cards for some time, the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG actually comes courtesy of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Back in 2018, The Terminator got then Chairman of Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche to commit to delivering an electric G-Class line. Just three years later, we’ve got the first glimpse.
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Image: Mercedes-Benz
On the outside, the new Mercedes-Benz EQG carries all the aesthetic trademarks we’ve come to expect from the G-Wagen, along with a few extras. Big, boxy and uncompromisingly military-esque, the new prototype also cops some futuristic glowing accents and 22-inch polished aluminium rims. Moving toward the front, the classic Black Panel Grille is illuminated by rounded LED blocks giving it an almost 3D effect, while white illuminated bands wrap around the exterior mirror housing and sides.
From top-down, Mercedes-Benz has also upped the stakes. The all-electric EQG features a gloss black roof cover with the iconic “G” detailing, as well as an LED strip searchlight at the front of the roof and a red light strip on the rear of the roof rack. Better still, the Tesla-battery looking box on the back is actually an illuminated lockable box for storing charging cables and other accessories.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
“We’re travelling into the future with the new EQG! This car epitomises the fusion of state-of-the-art off-road capabilities with the dawn of electric mobility that we all need to strive for,” Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group said. “It stands for our relentless pursuit of the utmost desire and luxury. For us, the most important thing was to keep the full G-Class DNA but beam it into the EQ age: Like the G-Class but different. Modern accents like the white LED technology and a wallbox on the rear of the vehicle illustrate the difference.”
Futuristic design language aside, the new Mercedes-Benz EQG does its best work in silence, thanks to the new all-electric technology. The new prototype is powered by four electric motors that are close to the wheels and individually controllable. As a result, Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle will offer unique driving characteristics both on- and off-road. “As with any real 4×4, the Concept EQG’s off-road reduction can be activated via a shiftable 2-speed gearbox in order to meet the high “G”-specific off-road requirements with confidence,” the brand said.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
The off-road plug might seem like wishful thinking, especially consider the G-Wagen has become a decidedly urban driver in recent years, but Merceds-Benz is really touted the EQG’s tact, and rightfully so. The prototype’s batteries are integrated into the ladder frame to ensure a low centre of gravity, aiding in stability for 4×4 driving. Additionally, the electric motors provide their maximum torque with the first revolution, so the concept of an all-electric off-road vehicle does make sense, at least in theory.
“We are proud of the more than 400,000 ‘G’s we have produced to date,” Dr Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of the Off-Road Vehicle Product Division at Mercedes-Benz AG said. “In its more than 40-year model history, the G-Class has always used the most modern and suitable drive technology at the time – from the pre-chamber naturally aspirated diesel of the early days to the AMG 4.0-litre V8 in the current top model, the G 63. Against the background of our ‘Electric only’ strategy, the electrification of this off-road legend is simply the logical next step – and an absolutely fascinating project. Our icon is and remains ‘stronger than time’ in every respect.”
While the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG all-electric G-Wagen has been unveiled in part, it might be a little while before you see this one hit the road. Reports are suggesting the electric SUV will be coming in 2025.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
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