Mercedes-Benz is transforming its luxurious vehicle lineup into electric vehicles (EVs). This transition means that no vehicle in its stable will be left behind with an internal combustion engine (ICE). So how do you create a vehicle whose capabilities are built around an ICE that is still appealing in the EV age?
This involves adding powerful electric motors and large, energy-dense batteries to retain the same abilities offered by an ICE-powered vehicle. Mercedes-Benz seems to be taking its time to transform the iconic G-Class into a capable and rugged electric off-roader. As it nears production, here are some confirmed details about the electric G-Class, known as the EQG.
To provide up-to-date and accurate information, the data used for this article was sourced from Mercedes-Benz, as well as other reliable sources such as Business Insider and Autocar.
The EQG Unsurprisingly Looks Familiar
The first important detail is its exterior. The first-ever Mercedes-Benz EQG combines modern and sleek looks with the boxy silhouette of the classic G-Class. Whether this comes as a surprise or not, what matters is that based on recently released photos, some of the EQG’s design details will also be adopted by the standard G-Class after its upcoming facelift.
Blends Familiarity With Modernity
So, how do you make an iconic vehicle fit into the EV age? Just remove the front grille and turn it into a front end that mirrors the standard G-Class, but add a few futuristic touches to give it a modern yet familiar look. Although the production EQG shown by Mercedes-Benz is still camouflaged, we can see the more modern treatment of the vehicle’s design.
This includes a front grille with smaller openings than before and the squared-off rear spare tire housing seen in the Concept EQG. It remains uncertain if the two-tone paint of the Concept EQG will also be featured in the production model, but it is hoped that it will.
A Peek At The G-Class’s Future
These designs also provide hints of what the standard ICE-powered G-Class is expected to adopt eventually. According to a report from Business Insider, the current G-Class will cease production in Q1 2024 to make way for the upcoming facelifted model.
Nevertheless, the facelift or the EQG are not expected to radically transform the G-Class. Dr. Emerich Schiller, head of the G-Class business unit, stated to Autocar that while there will be aesthetic and aerodynamic changes, it might be challenging for people to distinguish the facelift from the outgoing model.
“When you really go into the details of the car, we have changed things. Most customers won’t see it, even if they stand in front of the car, but the change in some cases had a really dramatic improvement to the aerodynamics.”
Big Quad-Motor Energy
The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG will require large batteries to match the range of the standard ICE-powered G-Class while retaining the boxy design. This will result in increased weight, necessitating careful integration of the batteries to avoid diminishing returns.
Bigger And More Energy-Dense Batteries
The EQG will be equipped with larger batteries and will be the first model in the brand’s lineup to feature a silicon anode battery chemistry. This chemistry enables an increase in energy density by approximately 20-40% compared to the commonly used graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Due to the focus on larger batteries, the EQG is not expected to be highly efficient. It may have improved aerodynamics compared to the pre-facelift G-Class, as the facelifted G-Class is anticipated to incorporate lessons from EQG development, but its boxy shape may not provide aerodynamic advantages.
Tank Turns In A Dime
The EQG’s four electric motors (one on each wheel) offer another advantage. In addition to providing significant power, the EQG can perform tank turns, allowing it to rotate rather than simply make a U-turn. The quad-motor setup, confirmed by Mercedes-Benz, allows the EQG to simulate having three lockable differentials, enhancing its capabilities as seen in the G-Class.
It’s Coming Out Very Soon
The EQG is set to be released sometime in 2024 as its development progresses. Prospective buyers won’t have to wait long for its availability in the market. Here are some of the aspects the EQG seems to have addressed and needs to focus on to attract loyal G-Class buyers.
It Could Be The Hummer EV SUV’s German Competitor
If the EQG’s features seem familiar, it might be seen as a competitor to the Hummer EV SUV. Both vehicles share similar characteristics and intend to be off-road luxury EVs with a boxy aerodynamic design. These are some confirmed facts about the EQG:
- A quad-motor setup that provides tank-turning capabilities and simulates three locking differentials.
- A new battery chemistry featuring a silicon anode, offering higher energy density.
- Styling that previews the appearance of the upcoming facelifted G-Class with traditional fuel engines.
It Needs To Be An Electric SUV With Endurance
For G-Class loyalists, the EQG must be highly durable and suitable for challenging terrains. Although the new battery chemistry with a silicon anode promises improved range, its real-world performance across various terrains remains to be seen.
