Mercedes-Benz G-Class goes electric

The first pure-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class has taken a step closer to production, with a near-final concept uncovered today at the Munich motor show.

Lining up at the show alongside a bevy of new EVs from the German car-maker – including the EQE, EQS 53 AMG and Mercedes-Maybach EQS – the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG takes the iconic go-anywhere off-roader into unchartered territory with a powerful (but largely still-secret) quad-motor powertrain.

There’s no performance data available yet either, although Mercedes says each of the four electric motors (mounted close to each wheel) will be individually controllable.

A “shiftable” two-speed gearbox will facilitate hard-core off-roading, while a ladder-frame chassis ensures the zero-emissions 4x4 can, according to Benz, meet the “high ‘G’-specific off-road requirements with confidence”.

The car-maker also says the battery pack is integrated into the purpose-built EVA platform to ensure a low centre of gravity, with the electric motors tipped to “provide their maximum torque practically with the first revolution”.

Importantly, this concept is no mere flight of fantasy. Mercedes makes it clear that the EQG is “an exciting preview of the all-electric version of the legendary all-terrain model series” and describes it as “the near-production study of an all-electric model variant of its utilitarian off-road icon”.

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

“With this strategic step from ‘Electric first’ to ‘Electric only’, including sustainable production and the CO2-neutral lifecycle 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.”

The electric G-Wagen on show in Munich features a two-tone exterior paint scheme – gloss black up top and a gloss silver around the base – which is halved by illuminated protective strips that run horizontally around the vehicle.

At the front-end, designers have added more lighting with a ‘Black Panel Grille’ that’s set off by 3D-effect stars. The grille itself is outlined by another band of lighting, while the black mirror caps are each finished with an LED circle that complement the LED daytime running lights.

As you’d expect, Mercedes-Benz has retained several design features synonymous with the iconic G-Wagen, including round headlights, distinctive door handles and what at first glance looks like a modern take on the tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

On the latter, however, it’s not a spare wheel at all but a “round square” lockable (and, yes, illuminated) storage box that’s “reminiscent of a wallbox [home charger]” and holds the charging cable and other sundry items.

Elsewhere, huge aerodynamic 22-inch polished alloy wheels are all fitted, while a gloss black roof rack sits atop the electric G-Class and incorporates LED strips in the front and rear edge (white/red respectively).

As we’ve reported, Mercedes-Benz patented the EQG nameplate as far back as 2016, while earlier this year it also registered the names ‘EQG 580’ and ‘EQG 560’ with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).