Mercedes G-Class Electric: A New Chapter in Off-Roading
Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to make a significant shift in the iconic G-Class lineup by introducing an all-electric version. Set to debut in the first part of 2024, this electric G-Class is already creating quite a buzz among off-road enthusiasts and electric vehicle aficionados alike.
The history of the G-Class is rich and storied, with V12 and V8-powered variants leaving their marks over the years. In October 2017, Mercedes bid farewell to the V12-powered G-Class with the G65 Final Edition, and in June 2023, the G500 V8 Final Edition marked the end of the non-AMG eight-cylinder model. While the G63 AMG is still in production, even this legendary off-roader is not immune to the industry’s shift towards electric mobility.
In 2024, Mercedes plans to introduce a G-Class variant that bids adieu to combustion engines entirely. Recently, a near-production prototype of this electric G-Class was showcased at IAA Munich, generating excitement and anticipation. According to Mercedes, attendees at the event had the opportunity to get a close look at the electric G “months before its world premiere next year.”
While specific technical details have been kept under wraps, it is expected that the electric G-Class, known as the EQG, will feature a quad-motor setup and offer an optional high-density battery pack with silicon anode chemistry. This advanced battery technology is projected to boost energy density significantly, potentially providing a “significant amount” of extra range. However, the longer-range EQG variant is not expected until 2025, approximately a year after the standard electric version’s release.
Despite its electric powertrain, the EQG will stay true to the G-Class’s off-roading heritage. It is estimated to weigh around 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms) or even more, partly due to its robust construction and boxy design. To ensure off-road capability and durability, the EQG will feature a modified version of the steel ladder-frame chassis that underpins its gasoline and diesel-powered counterparts. This chassis will support a double-wishbone front and trailing arm rear suspension setup.
The EQG’s battery will be housed within a steel case and further protected by a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer compound, making it suitable for off-roading and water wading. In terms of driving modes, it will offer familiar options like Eco, Comfort, and Sport, along with specialized modes for various terrains such as Trail, Rock, and Sand. Additionally, it will include a creeper mode for controlled off-road driving at a predefined speed. A unique feature called the “G-Turn” will allow the EQG to perform a 360-degree tank turn, offering impressive maneuverability.
Production of the EQG will take place alongside its internal combustion engine counterpart at Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria. While there have been speculations that the EQG might drop the “EQ” branding, no official confirmation has been provided by Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes G-Class Electric represents a bold step toward the electrification of iconic off-road vehicles, combining the G-Class’s legendary capability with the benefits of electric mobility. As the world eagerly awaits its official debut in 2024, it is clear that the electric G-Class will carve out a distinctive place in the realm of electric SUVs.
