At the world premiere of the current model generation of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Detroit in January 2018, the then Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche promised electrification of all model series, including the G-Class. Just under three and a half years later, Mercedes-Benz is making good on this promise and presenting the Concept EQG, a near-production study of an all-electric G-Class. On the advent of the 2021 International Motor Show in Germany, Mercedes-Benz gave a glimpse of future products to join its EQ range, starting with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz EQG concept, which in its production form will be the electric derivative of the G-Wagon SUV. The Concept EQG offers a promising preview of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery-electric drive will be capable of.
The concept EQG is very much in the design tradition of the model series and can is easily recognizable as a G-Class. The near-production concept adopts the G-Class’ angular silhouette, including some of its iconic elements such as illuminated stripes, a two-tone painted finish with gloss black on top, and a gloss aluminium beam on the bottom that runs in the area of the front end directly under the overlying bonnet. The front view is familiar, not least because of the typical round headlights. Instead of a radiator grille, as on the conventionally powered model versions, this all-electric variant features a continuous deep black radiator grille. In this black panel grille, the illuminated star with 3D effect sets a striking accent.
Around it, the animated pattern of “round squares” in the familiar blue of the Mercedes-EQ models creates a visual link. An all-round illuminated band wraps the black panel, which, alongside the white illuminated circles in the exterior mirror housings, complements the daytime running light graphic of the headlights. The Concept EQG rides on 22-inch polished aluminium alloy wheels in an exclusive design. Another highlight is the flat roof rack in high-gloss black. The central element of its minimalist design is the centrally shaped “G”. A white LED strip integrated into the front edge of the roof rack is for off-road adventures. Another LED strip in red finish forms the rear end of the roof rack.
The Concept EQG is an uncompromising off-roader thanks to the ladder frame it is built on. The chassis design remains extremely off-road capable, as is typical of the G-Class, with independent suspension on the front axle and a rigid axle at 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 both on- and off-road drivability. As with any 4×4, the Concept EQG’s off-road reduction can be activated via a shiftable 2-speed gearbox in order to meet the “G”-specific off-road requirements.
The fully electrically powered version of the G-Class will be tested at the legendary test track on the 1445-metre high Schöckl mountain in Graz at the end of its development. Peppered with gradients of up to 60 degrees, the 5.6km route is regarded as one of the world’s greatest challenges for man and technology. After successfully conquering it, the electric “G” will also be able to adorn itself with the “Schöckl proved” quality certificate that is obligatory for the 463 series. The design advantages of the electric drive also play into its favor, making it ideally suited for off-road operations. The batteries integrated into the ladder frame ensure a low centre of gravity. The all-electric Concept EQG in its production model will boast of enormous pulling power and controllability, which also proves to be an advantage on steep slopes and deep terrain.
News Credit: India Today
