What We Know About the All-Electric Mercedes-Benz G Class
It’s been no secret at all that a fully-electric version of the stalwart Mercedes G Class has been in the works for years, at this point. Mercedes has teased G Class enthusiasts with concept art, renderings, and the occasional press release, but few concrete details have emerged. That is, until Mercedes recently dropped their latest bombshell: the long-awaited electric G Wagon will finally hit the markets by the end of 2024.
The EQG, as the electric variant is currently (and unofficially) known, is poised to be a critical element of Mercedes’ proposed transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030. Whether Mercedes will be able to pull this off remains to be seen, but it’s clear they have allocated significant resources to the development of the electric G Class and are intent on seeing this through. It’s also clear from the prolonged gestation period that Mercedes is intent on making this vehicle the best they can – it’ll be a true G Wagon when it finally hits the streets.
What’s the Holdup?
The reason for the EQG’s lengthy development period appears to be related to the limitations of current battery technology, and the need for Mercedes to design a new battery pack to fit inside a standard-issue G Class wheelbase. This is especially compounded by the Mercedes’ mandate that the electric G Wagons remain capable off-roaders, with suitable range and pulling power. In May of 2022, Sila Nanotechnologies entered into a partnership with Mercedes-Benz; Sila’s battery technologies increase the amount of energy able to be stored in the same space as other EV batteries. This could translate to smaller batteries with less of a weight penalty than before, enabling longer ranges and lower vehicle weights.
Mercedes has thrown ample resources at the development of the battery system for the electric G Class, and it’s an investment that looks like it will pay off for them, and consumers, when production of the EQG starts in late 2024. The consensus is to expect a range of at least 260 miles, which will be more than enough for most folks who are interested in this EV.
The G Turn
The production EQG is almost certain to feature four independent motors at each wheel, which can operate independently of each other. These are mounted at each wheel to all-new front and rear suspension elements, and enable the EQG to perform something many people would know as a “tank turn,” but Mercedes calls a “G Turn.” By rotating the wheels on the left and right of the vehicle opposite of each other, the EQG is able to perform a zero-radius turn, just like the lawnmower down at the golf course. This is a very cool feature that is currently exclusive to the EQG, and it’s also very likely this will make it into the production version to compete with similar features from competing EVs (like the “crab walk” that the new Hummer is capable of).
The Long Wait
For those who have been waiting with bated breath for an all-electric G Class, it is great to hear an actual planned release date for the EQG (even if we still have a few years to go), along with some new features that will accompany it. Again, the silver lining of this long wait is the promise that the electric G Wagons will meet and exceed the lofty expectations of waiting buyers. The EQG won’t be another rinky-dink, low-effort EV conversion – it will be a fully-fledged, luxurious G Wagon worthy of the storied Mercedes badge.
