The new Mercedes G Class will be electric? Mercedes-Benz unveils the concept EQG, a near-production study of an all-electric version of its utilitarian off-road classic. The concept car’s design blends the G-undeniably Class’s stunning appearance with chosen design features characteristic of Mercedes‘ all-electric vehicles as contrasting highlights.

The “G’s” 4×4 characteristics, which have traditionally set the bar high, will not only make their way into the era of electric mobility but will be enhanced in certain respects. As a result, the Concept EQG provides a promising glimpse of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery-electric propulsion might do.

A Mercedes G Class promise

At the premiere of the new generation G-Class in Detroit, back in 2018, Mercedes promised to include the all-terrain champion in its future electrified line of models. Mercedes-Benz is delivering on this promise just under three and a half years later, with the Concept EQG, a near-production study of an all-electric G-Class.

Mercedes G Class EQG

“Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go fully electric by the end of the decade. With this strategic step from ‘Electric first’ to ‘Electric only’, including sustainable production and the CO2-neutral life cycle of our batteries, we are accelerating the transformation to a zero-emission and software-driven future. We want to inspire our customers to switch to electric mobility with convincing products. An icon like the G-Class fulfills this task perfectly.”, said Markus Schäfer,  COO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The popular G-Class vehicle was first introduced in 1979. The “G” has therefore symbolized Mercedes Benz’s premium off-road vehicle for more than four decades. The Mercedes-Benz off-road legend’s external look has altered relatively little throughout the years.

Mercedes-Benz only carefully developed the undeniably stunning appearance further as part of the comprehensive makeover in 2018, which brought with it the model’s greatest technical leap in its history. Because its once-purely utilitarian components have long ago become iconic stylistic features, there’s a solid explanation for that.

The unique door handle and distinctive closing sound, the strong external protection strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door, and the eye-catching front turn indicators are just a few examples.

Mercedes G Class classic design with a shot of future

The Concept EQG follows in the design heritage of the model series and may be mistaken for a G-Class at first sight. The G-Class’ angular form, as well as its distinctive features, are included in the near-production study. The strong exterior protection strips stand out visually thanks to illuminated stripes. The appealing two-tone paint treatment – gloss black on top, gloss aluminum beam on the bottom – has a dividing line that runs immediately under the covering bonnet, emphasizing this design element even more clearly.

Mercedes G Class EQG

The front appearance of the Concept EQG is unmistakably recognizable, thanks to the circular headlights. This all-electric variation has a continuous deep black radiator grille instead of a radiator grille like the conventionally powered model variants. The lighted star with 3D appearance adds a stunning touch to this Black Panel Grille.

A visual connection is created around it by an animated pattern of “round squares” (squircle pattern) in the characteristic blue of Mercedes-EQ vehicles. The Black Panel is encircled by an illuminated band that, together with the white-lit circles in the outside mirror housings, compliments the headlights’ daytime running light design.

The Concept EQG is fitted with unique 22-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. Instead of the standard spare wheel cover, there’s a lockable box on the back door with white lit accents that looks like a wall box. This may be used to keep the charging cord easily accessible, for instance.

The flat roof rack in high-gloss black is another feature of the external appearance. The centrally formed “G,” which is recognizable in the top view, is the primary feature of its simple design. The white LED strip incorporated into the front edge of the roof rack is a contemporary version of the searchlight required for challenging off-road excursions – and therefore emphasizes the Concept EQG’s seriousness in this area: not despite, but because of its all-electric powertrain.

The roof rack’s back end is finished with a red LED strip.

The electric drive improves the off-road capabilities of the EV “G”

The Concept EQG is unmistakably a Mercedes G Class not just in terms of appearance, but also in terms of internal values, making it a tough off-roader. Its body is likewise built on a sturdy ladder structure. The chassis design, which is characteristic of the G-Class, is highly off-road competent, with independent suspension on the front axle and a stiff axle at the back, which was designed specifically for the integration of the electric motor.

The vehicle will have unique on- and off-road driving qualities thanks to four electric motors that are near to the wheels and independently controlled. The Concept EQG’s off-road reduction, like any genuine 4×4, is triggered through a shiftable 2-speed gearbox, allowing it to confidently handle the high Mercedes G Class-specific off-road requirements.

Mercedes G Class EQG

At the conclusion of its development into a series model, the completely electric version of the Mercedes G Class will go to the famous test track on the 1445-meter high Schöckl mountain near Graz. The 5.6-kilometer track, which is peppered with 60-degree slopes, has long been considered as one of the world’s biggest challenges for man and technology in the worldwide off-road scene.

After successfully overcoming it, the electric “G” will be allowed to wear the “Schöckl proven” quality certificate, which is required for the 463 series. It will also shine with a climbing capability of up to 100% on appropriate terrain, much like its conventionally driven siblings.

The electric drive’s design benefits also work in its favor, making it suitable for off-road vehicles and ambitious off-road activities. A low center of gravity is ensured by the batteries incorporated into the ladder frame.

An all-electric off-road vehicle like the Concept EQG and the subsequent production model claim tremendous pulling power and controllability – which also proves to be a benefit on steep slopes and deep terrain – since electric motors deliver their full torque virtually from the first rotation.

“We’re traveling into the future with the new EQG! This car epitomizes the fusion of state-of-the-art off-road capabilities with the dawn of electric mobility that we all need to strive for. 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 wall box on the rear of the vehicle illustrate the difference.” pointed out Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.

 




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