SPEED + BEYOND

MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS CHANGES TO ELECTRIC AT CONCEPT EQG

Inspiring their customers to shift to electric mobility with a compelling product.

07.09.2021
BY A. NUGROHO
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Mercedes-Benz has finally shown the electric car concept of the legendary G Class model. The idea, named Concept EQG, shows the shape of the iconic G Class SUV into a future model that does not lose its ability to move on all terrains.

The presence of the Concept EQG answers the doubts of Mercedes-Benz fans who doubt the iconic G series will get an electric motor-driven version. The shape of this concept fortunately still implies the quality of the 4x4 drive that characterizes the SUV.

This is also an answer to the words of the Chairman Board of Management of Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche. He spoke to G Class fan Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2018 that all Mercedes product lines will get electrification, including the G-Class. This means that in less than three years, Mercedes-Benz has kept its promise.

"Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be fully electric ready by the end of the decade," said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and COO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"With our strategic move from 'Electric first' to 'Electric only', including sustainable production and our CO2-neutral battery lifecycle, we are accelerating the transformation to a zero-emissions and software-based future. We want to inspire our customers to shift to electric mobility with a compelling product. Icons like the G-Class do this perfectly."

 

Photo courtesy : Daimler Press Image
Caption

 

The G Class model itself arrived in 1979. Four decades later, the G has become the benchmark for luxury off-road vehicles from Mercedes-Benz with many fans. In planning the Concept EQG, the designers were careful in developing the design. This is because components that used to have pure functionality have now turned into iconic style elements.

From its shape, the EQG Concept still adopts the shape of the G-Class. Still, it incorporates modern design elements typical of the Mercedes-Benz EQ. The bright stripes make for a visually standout exterior protective strip.

The headlights are round, typical of the G-Class. The front, which usually has a grille with air grilles, is now jet black, and there is only the Mercedes-Benz star logo with a striking 3D design.

The Concept EQG uses 22-inch polished aluminium alloy wheels in an exclusive design. Instead of the standard spare wheel covers, there's a lockable box with white illuminated accents on the back door, the creation of which is reminiscent of a wall box. It can be used, for example, to keep the charging cable within easy reach.

Another highlight of the exterior design is the flat roof rack in a glossy black finish. The main element of the minimalist design is the centred "G", which is clearly visible in the top view.

The white LED strip integrated into the front edge of the roof rack is a modern interpretation of an indispensable spotlight for off-road adventures. Another LED strip in red forms the back end of the roof rack.

 

Photo courtesy of Daimler Press Image
Caption

 

The EQG concept is definitely a "G" not only in terms of design but also for its inner values, making it an uncompromising off-roader. The body is also based on a sturdy ladder frame. The chassis design remains highly capable off-road, as is typical of the G-Class: with independent suspension at the front axle and rigid axle at the rear, newly developed for electric drive integration.

The concept featuring four electric motors close to the wheels and individually controllable will offer unique driving characteristics both on and off the road. As with the 4x4, the Concept EQG's off-road reducer can be activated via a 2-speed shiftable gearbox to meet the high "G" special off-road requirements.

The EQG concept will also be tested against the legendary test track on the 1,445-meter-high Schöckl mountain in Graz at the end of its development into a series model. The test included slopes of up to 60 degrees; the 5.6-kilometer route has always been regarded on the international off-road scene as one of the world's most significant challenges to humans and technology.

Unfortunately, there are no specifications regarding the battery capacity and the power generated. Mercedes-Benz is still reluctant to provide this information to the public. However, look at the characteristics of electric vehicles. This electric SUV concept will provide maximum torque in the first round. This will undoubtedly be a characteristic that offroad fans can enjoy wherever they are.

 

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