The Mercedes-Benz EQG – An Electric G-Wagon For the Future
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several years, you have undoubtedly noticed a concerted push from government agencies as well as automobile manufacturers toward electric vehicles (EVs). While less than one percent of all vehicles currently on the road are electric, they are gradually gaining market share as this technology is being pushed on consumers. Mercedes-Benz has already teased a few clean-slate EV designs, but those who keep up with Mercedes news know that the real crown jewel of their electric lineup will be a fully-electric G Wagon.
Some might say Mercedes is a bit late in bringing an EV like this to the market, with the development of this vehicle stretching on for several years at this point, but it seems more likely that they are going about this slowly, intentionally, and methodically in true German fashion. After all, they’ve already announced their intentions to electrify their entire lineup by 2030. What we know so far about the all-new electric G-series vehicles seems to confirm this – and it seems like these trucks will be worth the wait when they finally hit the market in 2024.
The Concept EQG
At the 2021 Munich Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first glimpse at the future of one of their most storied vehicles in the form of the Concept EQG, a name which will also be applied to the production version. This striking vehicle sports a two-tone black and aluminum paint job along with EV-inspired 22” wheels. Copious LEDs adorn the grille, roof, sides, and low-profile roof rack. The bodywork is more rounded than we’ve seen in the past (no doubt for aerodynamic considerations), but otherwise keeps most all of that traditional, iconic look.
The interior of the EQG is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, and is of the incredibly high caliber one would expect from Mercedes. The concept featured a brilliant white interior with brushed aluminum trim pieces. Everything is incredibly modern, and the updated digital gauge cluster for electric models is a constant reminder that you’re looking at the newest, bleeding-edge G Class. It’s likely the production EQG will look virtually identical to the Concept, which is a good thing. On the inside and out, the EQG appears to make no concessions while making the jump to EV status.
Batteries and Range
With the announcement of any new EV, the number one question for prospective buyers is likely always going to be that of range. This could be the explanation for why this has taken so long to come together; with the current model weighing in at 5,554 pounds, the G Class is a heavy, solid vehicle, and all of the batteries required will only add to that weight. It’s likely that we’ll see some new battery technologies incorporated into the production version in order to ensure that the EQG has a usable range for more than just city driving. There’s conjecture that the maximum range could be around 260 miles, but if that’s the case, look for Mercedes to be working to increase that as rapidly as they can. We’re also likely to get a plug-in hybrid version while the EQG remains in development, which could be appealing for those in more remote areas seeking a greater range than the strictly electric vehicles can offer.
The Future of the G Class
While we don’t yet have a ton of concrete information from Mercedes-Benz about what their electric G-series vehicles will look like when they hit the market, the Concept EQG does provide a good look at the direction Mercedes is likely to take. On the outside, it still keeps that classic, square G wagon silhouette, but touches like ample use of LEDs and futuristic hubcaps help to bring this ride into the 21st century. There will be some changes made from the concept car to the street-legal version, as always, but it shouldn’t deviate too much from the Concept EQG. Look for things like bumpers to be tweaked, and signaling lights to be added to make it legal for US import.
What else could the future bring for the G Class? It also wouldn’t be surprising to see one of these receive the luxury and performance treatment – perhaps in the 4×4 Squared series which Mercedes likes to use as their technological showcase. This could be the perfect opportunity for Mercedes to cement its place as the maker of the best all-terrain EVs in the market, a title that most would agree remains up for grabs. We’ll likely see some sort of factory-sponsored off-roading endeavor when these hit the market, in the same vein as the G 650 Landaulet.
Pricing information also hasn’t been officially released as of press time, but a sticker price of over $100,000 is to be expected, while a final price closer to $200,000 wouldn’t be surprising at all. Despite its delayed development, the EQG is expected to be a hot seller for Mercedes, and quite a way to ring in the model’s 50th anniversary. With the all-electric EQG officially hitting the streets in 2024, an electric G class, done well, is something that enthusiasts and regular commuters alike can get excited about.
