Mercedes is launching a variety of new products at the IAA 2021 in Munich this week and we weren’t quite expecting the EQG concept that would put Mercedes on the path to electrifying its G-Series off-road lineup.
If you’re looking for details, Mercedes is unfortunately low-key on the AWD EQG datasheet. You can probably expect a battery similar in size to the EQS range to over 100 kWh with a much shorter range of 200-300 miles due to the increased drag of the off-roader. Today’s unveiling is primarily for the viewing pleasure and imagination of an off-road Mercedes with all the benefits of electrification.
With the Concept EQG, Mercedes-Benz presents the near-production study of an all-electric model variant of its off-road utility icon. Visually, the concept car combines the unmistakably striking look of the G-Class with selected design cues typical of all-electric models from Mercedes as contrasting highlights. The 4×4 qualities of the “G”, which have always set the highest standards, will not only find their place in the era of electric mobility, but will be further developed in certain areas. The Concept EQG thus offers a promising glimpse of what will be capable of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery electric drive.
In the gallery below you’ll notice a closed grille similar to the EQS, 22-inch polished aluminum alloy rims, a roof-mounted light bar reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck, and a distinctive look that pays homage to the G-Class range but really goes in a futuristic version of itself.
Classic G-Class design language with Mercedes-EQ design quotes
The Concept EQG also follows the design tradition of the model series and can be recognized at first glance as a G-Class. The close-to-production study adopts the angular silhouette of the G-Class, including its iconic elements. . The light strips visually highlight the sturdy exterior protective strips. The dividing edge of the attractive two-tone paint finish – gloss black on top, gloss aluminum beam on the bottom – passes into the front area directly under the top cover, further emphasizing this design feature.
The front view of the Concept EQG looks familiar, not least because of the typical round headlights. Instead of a grille, as on the versions of the conventionally powered model, this all-electric variant has a continuous grille in deep black. In this black panel grille, the illuminated star with 3D effect sets a striking accent. Around, the animated pattern of “round squares” (squircle pattern) in the familiar blue of Mercedes-EQ models creates a visual link. An all-round light strip wraps around the Black Panel, which, alongside the white light circles in the exterior mirror housings, completes the daytime running light graphics of the headlights.
Mercedes had fun with the announcement of a “Lost in Space meets Star Trek” promotion.
What is the next step for the EQG?
Thus equipped, the fully electric version of the G-Class will of course face the legendary test track on the 1,445-meter-high Schöckl mountain in Graz at the end of its development as a production model. Dotted with slopes of up to 60 degrees, the 5.6 kilometer course has always been regarded on the international off-road scene as one of the world’s greatest challenges for man and technology. After having successfully conquered it, the electric “G” will also be able to adorn itself with the obligatory “Schöckl proven” quality certificate for the 463 series. And like its conventionally trained brethren, it will also shine with a climbing ability of up to ‘100% on suitable terrain.
Electek’s point of view
NGL I didn’t see it coming. We expected the AMG and Maybach versions of the EQS and Mercedes to be delivered there, but we figured the G-series would be the last to be electrified by Mercedes.
It’s still early days and the G-Series is far from a high-volume product, but it’s the kind of vehicle worthy of the lust that will be halo products on the electrification road. Of course, these will be swallowed up by extremely wealthy soccer moms and
Anyone want to guess a price? Head over to the comments below to let us know what you think.
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