Behold! Mercedes Concept EQG is an electric G-Class

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Concept EQG, a near-production prototype of an all-electric version of its off-road icon, the Geländewagen, or G-Class. The electric G-Class preview is part of the brand’s aggressive electrification drive across its vehicle range and will serve as an integral factor in its efforts to inspire customers to switch to electric mobility.

The overall design of the EQG is unmistakably inspired by the G-Class, and Mercedes-Benz promises that the 4x4 qualities of the “G” will not only find their way into the age of electric mobility, but will be developed even further in some areas.

Supporting the promise that this will be “an uncompromising off-roader” is the fact that its body is based on a robust ladder frame. The chassis design remains off-road capable, with independent suspension on the front axle and a rigid axle at the rear, newly developed for the integration of the electric drive. The batteries integrated into the ladder frame will ensure a low centre of gravity. With four electric motors close to the wheels and individually controllable, the vehicle promises to offer unique driving characteristics both on- and off-road.

Mercedes says the fully electrically powered version of the G-Class will undergo grueling tests at the legendary test track on the 1,445-metre high Schöckl mountain in Graz at the end of its development into a series model. Featuring gradients of up to 60 degrees, the 5.6-kilometre route is regarded as one of the world's most challenging off-road testing tracks. The brand is confident that once tested, the electric "G" will also be able to qualify for the "Schöckl proved" quality certificate that is obligatory for the 463 series.

“We're travelling into the future with the new EQG! This car epitomises the fusion of state-of-the-art off-road capabilities with the dawn of electric mobility that we all need to strive for. It stands for our relentless pursuit of the utmost desire and luxury. For us, the most important thing was to keep the full G-Class DNA but beam it into the EQ age: Like the G-Class but different. Modern accents like the white LED technology and a wallbox on the rear of the vehicle illustrate the difference,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.