Mercedes-Benz is set to make some drastic changes to its long-running tough off-roader, but some of its most precious features will remain.
Mercedes-Benz’s hard-edged four-wheel drive is getting a modern makeover.
The German brand revealed an electric G-Wagen concept at the 2021 Munich motor show.
Mercedes’ all-electric G-Wagen maintains its tough-guy looks and blends it with touches and styling cues from the brand’s new range of electric vehicles.
It maintains the tall and boxy silhouette and round headlights from the current petrol versions but the company has ditched the front grille for a solid insert, while an illuminated band wraps the entire vehicle. Bold 22-inch alloy wheels complete the futuristic look.
A lot of the design tweaks will help the vehicle’s aerodynamics and increase driving range. T
Gordon Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz, said the most important thing was to keep the G-Wagen DNA, but make it more modern.
“We’re travelling into the future with the new EQG! This car epitomises the fusion of state-of-the-art off-road capabilities with the dawn of electric mobility that we all need to strive for,” said Mr Wagener.
The German maker promises the EQG will be able to back up its looks with proper off-road ability.
It’s built on a ladder frame, which is used in many 4WDs such as the Toyota LandCruiser, and has independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle.
There are four electric motors – one located near each wheel – that are independently controlled to provide grip and traction.
The inside gets some serious wow factor with plush materials used throughout, lots of luxury features and plenty of digital screens.
The EQG will form part of the company’s drive to become fully electric in some markets by the end of the decade.
Mercedes-Benz board member, Markus Schafer said: “Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go fully electric by the end of the decade.
“We want to inspire our customers to switch to electric mobility with convincing products. An icon like the G-Class fulfils this task perfectly.”
The move to electrify the G-Wagen is one of the more drastic moves by Mercedes-Benz in its drive to lower emissions.
The current G-Wagen is one of the most over-the-top machines on the market.
Range-topping AMG G63 models weigh about 2500kg, use V8 power and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. All of which add up to a claimed fuel use of more than 13L/100km, but we averaged 18L/100km when tested.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t given any indication as to when the EQG would enter production, but if it follows the usual timeline from concept to reality it isn’t likely to be seen on the road until 2023 at the earliest.
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