Mercedes-Benz EQG not locked in for Australia

The next-generation 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG is drawing closer to launch overseas, but the German manufacturer’s local division is saying only that the full-electric G-Glass is an attractive concept and that customers will play a role in determining whether it’s offered here.

The EQG will be a completely different kettle of fish to the current G-Wagen, ditching its lusty six- and eight-cylinder force-fed combustion engines for potent next-gen electric motors – four axial flux e-motors, in fact, which look set to make it the most capable G-Class yet, both off-road and on-road.

Expected to be launched in Europe in 2024 ahead of a potential Aussie debut the following year, two electric 4x4 models are already approaching the starting blocks – the Mercedes-Benz EQG 560 and EQG 580 – following trademark applications filed with IP Australia in 2021.

Asked about the EQG launching Down Under, Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson Jerry Stamoulis told carsales: “Any additional [G-Class] variants that might become available would be interesting to us but there’s nothing we can announce at this stage.”

But when pressed on the near-production Concept EQG shown last year, he added: “It’s a very attractive concept.

“At this stage the portfolio is in a strong position. Ultimately there’s a broader picture and that’s decided by the customer and our future strategy.”

Customer orders for the G-Class are going through the roof at present, as demand for the capable off-roader sits at historical highs – greater than at any time in the vehicle’s 43-year history.

“The G-Class brand is very strong in Australia and at this stage demand is outstripping supply,” stated Stamoulis, with year-long waits on some model grades.

The high-tech EQG range will be powered by a quartet of advanced axial flux motors developed by UK-based tech outfit YASA.

These motors are smaller, lighter and more efficient than conventional radial electric motors used by most EVs today, and according to YASA are “now in mass production by Mercedes-Benz”.

The four motors are located near each wheel to deliver next-level torque vectoring and a special G-turn pivot-on-the-spot function.

Despite all the tech and a new (EVA) platform architecture, the big and blocky bruiser will retain the G-Class’ rugged ladder-frame chassis.

The most expensive G-Class in Australia at present is the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG G 63, pegged at an eye-watering $314,897 plus on-road costs.

It’s unclear what Mercedes will charge for the EQG 560 and 580 models, but given the high levels of technology you can expect to see increases over the current combustion-engined range.

Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer Markus Schäfer has also confirmed more versions of the EQG will be unearthed in due course.

“Further models will follow, and you can look forward to even more cutting-edge technology in the electric G-Class,” he said.

That’s code for a tub-thumping flagship model, likely starting with a Mercedes-AMG EQG 53 that could be offered with the brand’s novel silicon anode high-density battery pack.

Mercedes-Benz has made no secret of its plan to transition to an EV brand by decade’s end, and the G-Wagen will figure heavily as a showcase for the brand’s emerging technologies.

“Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go fully electric by the end of the decade,” said Schäfer.

“We want to inspire our customers to switch to electric mobility with convincing products. An icon like the G-Class fulfills this task perfectly.”

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