The G-Class electric will be equipped with four motors as well as an independent front suspension.
Mercedes held a conference last Wednesday where it discussed plans to expand into luxury territory, focusing on profit margins and less volume. More than 75% of investment will be made in models of the C-Class class above, while only four compact cars will be produced. The company’s five pillars will be the traditional Benz models, G Class, EQ and Maybach as well as AMG.
The entry-level, electric compact car and Maybach SL have been discussed. But what about the G Class? The “Economics of Desire” presentation featured a clip of the EQG performing a “G” turn. Mercedes speaks for a tank turn, which is a 360-degree turn of the vehicle’s own axis. The prototype of the electric offroader was shown briefly spinning by turning the wheels in the opposite direction.
By fitting four electric motors to the EQG, one for each wheel, you can achieve the so-called “G” turning. Mercedes confirmed that the G-Class will be available without a combustion engine and will have an independent front suspension as well as a rigid rear axle designed specifically for electric vehicles.
Rivian demonstrated tank turning functionality back in 2019 and it isn’t a new feature in the automotive industry. It’s not yet on the R1T, as implementing it into a production truck is more challenging than initially thought. Although it is not clear when the electric pickup will receive the technology, it appears that Mercedes has cracked this code. The EQG will be available for purchase in 2024.
The G-Class electric will also get an optional lithium-ion pack with silicon chemistry for greater range and higher-density cells. Mercedes has recently stated that Sila’s technology will be available in the middle of next decade. Engineers are aiming for a 20-40% increase in energy density at cell level to exceed 800 Wh/l and increase the range “by an important amount.”
Mercedes presented the Concept at the IAA Munich Show in September 2021. It also spoke about a shiftable 2-speed gearbox with a crawler gear. It can only be interpreted as a zero-emissions G, which is consistent with the tank turn.