Similar off-road chops but with zero emissions
The Mercedes G-Class has seen them all, from four- to twelve-cylinder engines. A certain version of the legendary Gelandewagen won’t have a gasoline or diesel engine under the hood. An electric model has been confirmed for 2024. The concept might be shown at IAA Munich in September. In the meantime, a report by Autocar will shed light on the G’s embrace of the electric age.
Magna Steyr’s luxury SUV is said to be keeping its ladder-frame chassis. This should result in serious off-road skills comparable to the ICE-powered G-Class. According to British magazine, engineers will keep the body-on frame platform and adapt it for electric propulsion. They will remove the oily bits and replace them with an electric motor and a battery pack.
Instead of adopting the EVA platform for bespoke electric models like the EQS or the upcoming EQE, the new EQG will electrify existing G-Class and reportedly inherit the battery from the company’s flagship EV. The G-Class’s generous wheelbase of 2890 mm (113.8 in) should be able to accommodate the 107.8-kWh battery. However, this remains to be confirmed as the sedan is 3210 mm (126.4 inches) between the axles.
Mercedes may find a way of cramming in a larger battery pack but the EQG will not be as efficient as the . It won’t be an electric vehicle, and its brick-like design doesn’t make it efficient.
The styling will remain the same as before, with a closed-off grille that is in line with other “EQ”, models. It will be distinguished from the gasoline- or diesel-fueled G Class by slightly different bumpers and new alloy wheel designs. This is similar to the EQA and EQB, which visually separate the GLA from the GLB.
Autocar claims Mercedes is selling the EQG only with all-wheel drive. This could mean that the zero-emissions SUV will have a dual motor setup as standard. The vehicle’s off-road credentials should be preserved by the vehicle’s electric motors when it debuts just in time to celebrate its 45 th anniversary.
Mercedes will introduce two more electric SUVs before the EQG arrives in 2024. Both the EQS sedans and EQE sedans will get high-riding counterparts next year. The new GLC will be unveiled in 2022, making it only a matter time before the EQC moves to the second generation.