We’ve already seen a concept of what an electric G-Wagen would look like, and it seemed nearly production-ready. If you need more proof that the idea is real for the skeptics, Mercedes has finally confirmed the new, all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQG is slated for sale in 2024. The confirmation comes from the very top: Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius.
All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQG In 2024
MotorTrend talked to the Management Board chief this week in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Mercedes officially opened a battery plant to supply the 2023 EQS three-row electric SUV and the smaller Mercedes-Benz EQE two-row SUV, which will be built at the neighboring vehicle assembly plant. The EQS SUV begins production “soon;” the EQE SUV will be added to the line late this year, and eventually the EQG will follow in 2024.
From The Munich EQG Concept
Mercedes showed a concept of an electric G-Class last September at the Munich Auto Show. While just a concept, it was described as a “near-production study” of what an electric G-Wagen could be. It used the gas-powered Gelandewagen’s bodywork, and Chairman Kallenius confirms the final production model rides on a modified version of the current G-Class platform.
That means it does not share the current EVA2 architecture used for the EQS and EQE SUV families. Nor does the EQG wait for the automaker’s new dedicated EV architectures that are still in development.
Future midsize and larger electric vehicles will use the MB.EA platform. Performance EVs will use AMG.EA, which Kallenius says is coming in the latter half of 2025. Commercial vans will sit atop VAN.EA. A fourth core platform for smaller vehicles, MMA, is still to come, likely mid-decade. But the G-Class EV will still do its own thing.
Possible G-Class EV Details
While the EQG will be instantly recognizable with its boxy G-Class shape, the electric concept replaces a traditional grille with a black panel illuminated with three-pointed stars. It is part of a the “EQ mask” that will be a signature of the EQ lineup, despite not sharing much in common under the skin. The new face debuted on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan, the first vehicle from the new electric vehicle brand.
The EQG in its concept form has four electric motors, one for each wheel, and a two-speed gearbox. If it follows the lead of the EQS family, it will use the current Mercedes 107.8 kWh battery pack. And while engineers will do their best to improve its aerodynamics, the shape and weight will make achieving a decent range figure on the new G a big challenge—though like the big new EV Hummers, we don’t think efficiency is the primary goal.
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