Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the near-production study of an exciting, all-electric model variant of its favourable off-road G-Class icon. Visually, the concept car combines the significant and striking look of the G-Class, with selected design elements typical of other all-electric models from Mercedes, to add contrasting highlights. The Concept ‘EQG’ model offers a promising preview of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with a battery powered electric drive will look like and be capable of.
The origins of the successful G-Class model date back to 1979. For more than four decades, the G-Class model has embodied a true luxury, all terrain vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, and the exterior appearance of the Mercedes-Benz off-road legend has only changed very slightly over the decades. Even as part of the models extensive redesign in 2018, Mercedes-Benz cautiously developed the unmistakably striking design further. This is for good reason, because it’s functional components have long since become a part of the models iconic style elements. Just some of the style elements include, the distinctive door handle and closing sound, the exterior protection strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the front turn indicators.
“Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go fully electric by the end of the decade.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management and COO of Mercedes-Benz
Design Features Of The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Model:
The near-production study of the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG adopts the angular silhouette and iconic elements of the G-Class. Illuminated stripes make the models robust exterior protective strips are eye catching and stand out visually. The attractive two-tone paint finish, with gloss black on top and a gloss aluminium beam on the bottom, is found at the front end directly under the overlying bonnet, to add further emphasis to the design feature.
The front view of the Concept EQG looks familiar, with the model’s ever classic round headlights, but instead of the infamous radiator grille, this all-electric variant features a continuous deep black radiator grille. In the Black Panel Grille, the illuminated star with 3D effect sets a sophisticated and striking accent. An illuminated band wraps the Black Panel, to compliment the daytime running light graphic of the round headlights.
The Concept EQG rides on 22-inch polished aluminium alloy wheels in an exclusive contemporary design. Instead of the usual spare wheel cover, there is a lockable box with illuminated accents on the rear door, this could be used to store the model’s charging cable, so it’s always within reach. More exterior design highlights are the flat roof rack in a high-gloss black shade and the minimalistic design for the centrally shaped “G”. The white LED strip, integrated into the front edge of the roof rack, is a modern interpretation of the searchlight indispensable for demanding off-road adventures.
“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.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.
All-Terrain, All-Electric Features:
The Concept EQG is clearly a ‘G-Class model’, not only in terms of design, but also because of its inner values, making it an uncompromising off-road, all-terrain vehicle. The EQG body is based on the robust ladder frame and the chassis design remains extremely off-road capable. Independent suspension on both the, front and rigid axles, has been newly developed for the integration of the electric drive. With four electric motors close to the wheels, all featuring individual control systems, the vehicle will offer unique driving characteristics both on and off road.
The entirely electric version of the G-Class, will of course face the legendary test track on the 1445-metre high Schöckl mountain in Graz, Austria, at the end of its development into a series model. With gradients of up to 60 degrees, the 5.6-kilometre route has always been regarded in the international off-road scene as one of the world’s greatest challenges for man and technology. The design advantages of the electric drive also play into its favour, making it ideally suited for off-road vehicles and ambitious off-road operations. The batteries integrated into the ladder frame ensure a low centre of gravity and provide their maximum torque.
“We are proud of the more than 400,000 ‘G’s we have produced to date… The electrification of this off-road legend is simply the logical next step – and an absolutely fascinating project. Our icon is and remains ‘stronger than time’ in every respect.”
Dr Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG model is such an exciting step forward in the future of automotive vehicle development. The promising preview of the new model is set to entice, with all new visual design features and uncompromising off-road electric capabilities. Stay tuned to see what the future holds for this all new, all electric vehicle. For more visit: https://www.mercedes-benz.com
