The Mercedes G-Class is being revolutionized! After the off-road icon was extensively revised in 2018, the biggest change since its market launch in 1979 is now imminent - because the G-Class is becoming an electric car.
The traditionalists may cry out, but: This is the best thing that can happen to the G. Because the burner versions remain in the program. This Means G 400, G 500, and G 63 are offered in parallel. At least for now. With the Concept EQG, Mercedes is giving a concrete preview of the series’ electric version planned for 2024
What defines the G-Class will also migrate to the electric version and will even be expanded further. It's about the off-road qualities, which will by no means suffer under an electric drive. The near-series EQG concept gives a preview of what the electric G-Class will be able to do.
An electric version of the iconic SUV was actually announced back in 2018, and Mercedes has reportedly trademarked the EQG name even earlier. The EQG models will join a range of upcoming large truck and SUV models that will serve as alternatives to the Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Canoo pickup truck.
Exterior
The Mercedes EQG will combine the unmistakable, striking look of the G-Class with selected details of the EQ models. So you will immediately recognize the EQG as a representative of the G-Class.
Luminous strips will emphasize the robust outer protective strips and the two-tone paintwork - black on top and aluminum beam on the bottom - runs under the bonnet and emphasizes the design even more.
If you look at the front, you can also see the typical round headlights. Of course, there is no radiator grille due to the electric drive, but a continuous black radiator cover is attached. The Black Panel Grill is decorated with an illuminated star with a 3D effect.
An animated pattern can be seen around the front grille, which consists of "round squares" and is already known from the other EQ models - this creates a connection between the Mercedes electric models. A strip of light runs around the vehicle and envelops the black panel, so to speak.
The specially developed, voluminous 21-inch rims are visually reminiscent of the AMG monoblock rims. Speaking of rims. Anyone who misses the spare wheel prominently placed on the tailgate when looking at the rear: the spare wheel cover on the EQG is replaced by a lockable box, in which, for example, the charging cable can be accommodated.
Another highlight is the flat roof rack, which is finished in high-gloss black. Overall the design is very minimalistic, the central element being the centrally shaped “G” which can be seen when looking down on the EQG from above. An LED strip integrated into the front edge of the roof rack is the modern counterpart to the searchlight - indispensable for an off-road adventure.
The body is also built on a robust ladder frame, which is already known from the classic model. The chassis of the electric model is also designed for extreme off-road mobility. Independent wheel suspensions on the front axle and a newly developed rigid axle at the rear show this.
The four electric motors that are close to the wheel and can be controlled individually offer unique driving characteristics. Combined with a switchable gearbox, the EQG also has the ability to meet performance requirements off-road.
Interior
The interior of the EQG is said to inherit many of the ultra-luxury design cues of the EQS. The dual-screen infotainment system is likely to be similar to that found in the S-Class, but there's certainly also the option to purchase a giant 'hyper screen' infotainment system like the one in the EQS at extra cost.
The new layout consists of a giant piece of glass housing three built-in touchscreens, 12-inch units on either side, and an 18-inch display in the middle. Face recognition, "Hey Mercedes" voice control and all current smartphone and navigation functions will be on board.
Infotainment aside, the G-Class's minimalist approach will continue throughout the interior, with configurable LED lighting, slimline air vents, and rich interior materials.
Battery, Range, and Performance
The EQG models will likely get their electric powertrains from the EQS sedan, meaning the EQG 580 is said to get two electric motors with up to 523 hp along with a 108 kWh battery pack.
In the lighter and lower EQS 580, this results in a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a range of up to 480 miles. Expect these numbers to drop due to the EQG's larger dimensions and heavier weight. A smaller 90 kWh battery may also be offered, which could be installed in the EQG 560.
However, there will probably not be rear-wheel drive and a single motor as in the EQS for the all-terrain EQG. Much more likely is the 761 hp AMG Performance variant, which will first be seen in the EQS models.
All versions of the new electric SUV are expected to be equipped with a 200 kW fast charging function.
Resources
- https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/passenger-cars/g-class/concept-eqg/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/eqg
- https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-mercedes-benz-eqg-g-class-ev/
- https://topelectricsuv.com/news/mercedes-benz/mercedes-g-class-electric-details/
- https://www.carwow.co.uk/mercedes/news/5577/new-mercedes-eqg-electric-g-class-ev-revealed-price-specs-release-date#gref
- https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/everything-we-know-mercedes-eqg-electric-g-wagon.html
- https://www.jardinemotors.co.uk/mercedes-benz/new-eqg/eqg/
- https://www.motor1.com/news/530887/mercedes-benz-concept-eqg-debut/
- https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-benz-eqg-concept-become-electric-g-class-2025
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_EQG
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/want-electric-g-wagen-mercedes-benz-eqg-ev-luxury-suv-way/
- https://carbuzz.com/cars/mercedes-benz/eqg
- https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2022-mercedes-eqg-concept-ar192788.html
- https://www.drivingelectric.com/mercedes-benz/40815/new-mercedes-eqg-electric-g-class-set-to-arrive-in-2024
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end