Mercedes-Benz plotting electric G-Wagen to rival Hummer
German car-maker caught trademarking EQG as it readies a rugged zero-emissions off-roader with go-anywhere abilityMercedes-Benz is apparently developing what could become the world's most capable pure-electric 4x4 off-roader.
The German car-maker has reportedly patented the EQG nameplate, registering the names 'EQG 580' and 'EQG 560' with the European Union intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on April 1, 2021.
According to motor1.com, Mercedes-Benz has been plotting a battery-powered G-Wagen as far back as 2016, when the similar 'EQC' designation was trademarked.
Benz has yet to officially confirm an electric G-Wagen is on the way, but current Daimler CEO, Ola Källenius, has admitted a zero-emissions G-Class would one day be part of the car-maker's line-up without giving any timescale for its arrival.
Sadly, no details of the battery-powered alternative to the GMC Hummer have been unearthed, but the evidence of the '560' and '580' numerals suggest it could share powertrains with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS limousine.
Mercedes-Benz engineers will be faced with two options when developing a battery-powered off-roader worthy of the G-Wagen name: either build it on a heavily adapted version of the current 4x4's ladder-frame chassis or base it on its purpose-built EVA architecture.
The latter would ensure the EQG will be a better, more refined road car with a decent range but would no doubt severely compromise its off-road prowess. If Benz goes for a modified version of the existing G-Wagen, it could mirror the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept's approach.
That would see the battery-powered Mercedes SUV keep its three-locking differentials and mechanical all-wheel drive for maximum control and capability off-road, but such a move would reduce the range between recharges and hinder on-road driving refinement.
It's thought that, if approved for production, the pure-electric Mercedes G-Class could arrive as soon as 2024.
Before then, Benz will roll out its jacked-up Mercedes-AMG G-Class 4X4² that has already been spotted testing.
Instead of battery power, the toughest G-Wagen ever is almost certain to come with the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 as the Mercedes-AMG G 63, which pumps out 460kW and 850Nm via a nine-speed automatic transmission
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