Mercedes-Benz Concept Eqg: the electric G-Class at the Munich Motor Show

The Eqg concept offers a preview of the all-electric version of the legendary Stuttgart off-roader. Sophisticated technical solutions such as the four individually controllable electric motors are paired with typically off-road technology, such as the frame with side members. We will preview it at the Iaa in Munich, the final version is expected in 2024

If for the car sector the electric path is traced, for the specific one of off-road vehicles the zero-emission traction represents the support to continue to exist in the context of increasingly stringent anti-pollution regulations, which for complex, heavy vehicles and fuel consumption high fuel (and therefore emission levels) would mean leaving the scene. A perspective that models that have become icons do not deserve, so we move on to electric. Like Gazzetta Motori had anticipated in early August, Mercedes-Benz will launch the electric version of the Geländewagen. We have a first glimpse of what it will be like at the Iaa in Munich, where the Concept Eqg will be present, while the final version will probably take a couple of years to arrive in the showrooms. The latter will be baptized Eqg, in line with what has been done with the new family of electrified cars branded Eq. With the Concept Eqg, the Stuttgart house presents a prototype very close to what will be the production model, which could be preceded by a plug-in hybrid variant, probably in the Amg version. Visually, the concept car combines the unmistakable look of the G-Class with design elements typical of Mercedes full electric models to contrast. From Stuttgart they point out that the off-road qualities of the G, among the highest on the market, will not only still be present in the era of electric mobility, but will be further developed in specific areas. The Concept Eqg thus offers a preview of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery electric drive will be capable of.

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SAME SILHOUETTE AS G BUT EXCLUSIVE DETAILS

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Talking about an electric G-Class began as early as 2018, when Arnold Schwarzenegger, a big fan of the G-Class, snatched a promise from the then president of Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche: the electrification of all models of the Star, including the Geländewagen. In 2019 Ola Kaellenius, the new CEO of the Daimler Group, mentioned for the first time the plans for electrification of the off-road vehicle with the star. A little less than three and a half years later, Mercedes-Benz lives up to its commitment and presents the Concept Eqg, which adopts the silhouette of the G-Class, including its most characteristic features. Frontally, it presents a closed radiator grille, as is the practice on electric cars. The 3D effect illuminated star it creates has an ideal visual connection with the blue animated motif, a characteristic feature of the Mercedes-EQ models, which wraps around the grille. The Eqg concept mounts 22-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. On the tailgate, instead of the spare wheel, there is a lockable compartment that recalls the shape of the wallbox, in which, for example, the charging cable can be stowed. One way to keep the profile of the G-Class unchanged while marking a difference between the thermal and electric versions. On the roof, the flat roof rack in glossy black stands out with the white LED strip integrated into the front edge, a modern interpretation of the essential spotlights in the most demanding off-road. Another LED strip with a red finish marks the rear end of the luggage rack.

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LONG SIDE FRAME AND FOUR ELECTRIC MOTORS

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To replace a G-Class it is not enough to copy its shapes, it is necessary to possess technical characteristics such as to be able to be an off-road vehicle without compromise. The Eqg concept rests on a sturdy frame with side members and cross members designed for off-roading: independent suspension on the front axle and a rigid axle on the rear, newly developed for the integration of electric drive. With four electric motors close to the wheels and individually controllable, the vehicle will offer unique driving characteristics, on and off-road. As with any 4×4, the reduced range of the Eqg concept can be activated via a 2-speed selector to confidently meet the highest off-road requirements. The transition from thermal to electric traction offers advantages, which in Stuttgart they exploited to improve, if possible, what is already an off-road icon in itself. The batteries, integrated into the stair frame, ensure a low center of gravity. Because the electric motors provide maximum torque practically on the first ride, a fully electric off-roader like the Concept Eqg and the later production model boast enormous pulling power and controllability, which proves to be an advantage even on steep slopes and deep terrain. .

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WILL BE “SCHOCKL PROVED”

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Like all models in the G range, the future version will also have to compete with the legendary and fearsome test track on the Schöckl mountain in Graz, 1,445 meters high, before going into series production. With gradients of up to 60 degrees, the 5.6 kilometer route has always been regarded in the international offroad scene as one of the greatest challenges for man and machine. Only having successfully conquered it, the electric G will also be able to boast the “Schöckl proved” quality certificate, mandatory for the 463 series. “We are proud of the over 400,000 Gs we have produced to date”, underlines Dr. Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of the Off-Road Products Division of Mercedes-Benz AG. “In its more than 40-year history, the G-Class has consistently used the most modern and age-appropriate driving technology: from the naturally aspirated diesel with prechamber of its debut to the 4.0-liter V8 Amg in the current flagship model, the G 63. Against the backdrop of our ‘Electric only’ strategy, electrification of this off-road legend is simply the next logical step – and an absolutely fascinating project. Our icon is and remains stronger than time. from every point of view “.

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