With the Concept EQG, Mercedes-Benz is presenting an all-electric version of the off-road icon close to mass production. The concept vehicle creates a contrasting composition by combining the visually impressive appearance of the G-Class with the design details typical of Mercedes-Benz's all-electric models. Always setting the highest standard, the off-road capabilities of the G Series not only usher in the era of electric mobility, in some areas it goes even further. The Concept EQG showcases what a battery-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class can do.
At the world premiere of the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Detroit in January 2018, Hollywood actor and passionate “G-Class” fan Arnold Schwarzenegger asked for a word from Dieter Zetsche, then Chairman of Daimler AG. . This was an unexpected request for many at the time. The electrification process for all upcoming model series would also include the G-Class. Less than 3,5 years later, Mercedes-Benz is delivering on this promise and presenting the Concept EQG as a near-series production version of an all-electric G-Class.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Directors of Daimler AG and COO of the Mercedes-Benz Automobile Group; “Mercedes-Benz will be ready for all-electric by the end of 10 years, where market conditions allow. With this strategic step from 'Electricity First' to 'Electricity Only', including sustainable production and the CO2-neutral life cycle of our batteries, we are accelerating the transformation to a zero-emissions and software-driven future. We want to inspire our customers to switch to electric transportation with very special products. An icon like the G-Class does this task brilliantly.” said.
G-Class as an icon
The origins of the G-Class date back to 1979. For over 40 years, the “G” has stood for Mercedes-Benz's luxury all-terrain vehicle. The exterior of Mercedes-Benz's off-road legend has been updated all this time with only minor changes. Even with the most extensive technological development in the model history in 2018, Mercedes-Benz painstakingly changed the design of the model only to modernize it. There is a good reason for this. Because components that were once fully functional have become iconic design elements during this time. For example, the distinctive door handle and characteristic door closing sound, the robust exterior protection strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the eye-catching front turn signal lights are some of them.
Classic G-Class design language with Mercedes-EQ design quotes
The Concept EQG is faithful to the model's design tradition and is perceived at first glance as a G-Class. The concept, close to mass production, showcases the silhouette of the G-Class, including iconic elements. Illuminated strips make the sturdy outer protective strips stand out visually. The borderline of the dual body colours, gloss black above and gloss aluminum below, overlaps directly on the hood and extends to the front end, further emphasizing the design feature.
The front view of the Concept EQG is familiar thanks to the typical round headlights used. As with the conventional electric versions, this all-electric model has a dark black radiator grille instead of a continuous radiator grille. The “Star”, which is given a 3-Dimensional effect with the illumination on the “Black Panel Grid”, stands out. The "Rounded Squares" create a visual connection with its surrounding blue, typical of Mercedes-EQ models. The strip that illuminates the periphery of the "Black Panel" completes the white illuminated circle on the side mirror caps and the light graphic of the daytime running lights.
Concept EQG is equipped with specially designed 22-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. Instead of the classic spare wheel cover, the tailgate features a lockable box with white lights, whose design resembles a WallBox. This box offers, for example, the possibility to store the charging cable in an easily accessible place.
Gorden Wagener, Daimler Group Chief Design Officer; “We are traveling into the future with the new EQG. This car epitomizes the combination of high-tech off-road capabilities with electric transportation. This car demonstrates our effort to meet high expectations and luxury. The most important thing for us was to fully preserve the DNA of the G-Class but also beam it into the EQ era. It's like the G-Class but different. The white LED technology and modern accents like the WallBox at the rear of the vehicle make it stand out.” said.
Another highlight of the exterior design is the glossy black roof rack. The key element of its minimalist design is the "G" shape that becomes evident when viewed from above. The integrated white LED strip at the front of the roof rack is a modern interpretation of the projector, which is indispensable for challenging off-road adventures and reveals the seriousness of the Concept EQG in this field. Another red LED strip adorns the rear of the roof rack.
“We are proud of the over 400.000 'G's we have produced to date.” starting with the words Dr Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of Off-road Product Division at Mercedes-Benz AG “Through its long history of more than 40 years, the G-Class has always used the most modern powertrain technology of the era, from the original naturally aspirated diesel to the AMG 63-liter V4.0 in the current top engine option, the G 8. As part of our 'electric only' strategy, this off-road legend's transition to electric is just the logical next step and is an absolutely fascinating project. Our symbol is and will remain 'Stronger than Time' in every way.”
A thoroughbred all-terrain vehicle with an all-electric powertrain
The Concept EQG is a “G” and a thoroughbred all-terrain vehicle, not only in terms of design, but also thanks to its intrinsic values. The body rests on a solid ladder-type chassis. The chassis design with its rigid axle developed for the independent suspension on the front axle and the electric power-train at the rear provides advanced off-road capabilities suitable for the G-Class. With its four independently controllable electric motors close to the wheels, the vehicle offers superior driving characteristics both on and off-road. As with a real off-road vehicle, the Concept EQG's off-road transmission has 2 ratios to confidently perform its superior “G” off-road capabilities.
With all these qualities, the all-electric version of the G-Class will prove itself at the end of the development process, ahead of series production on the legendary test track on Schöckl Mountain at an altitude of 1445 meters in Graz. The 60-kilometer track, with slopes of up to 5,6 degrees, has always been considered one of the world's most important challenges for humans and technology in the world of off-road vehicles. The electric 463 Series “G” will be able to hit the road with the “Schöckl Approved” quality certificate. Just like its traditional powertrain brethren, it will shine with up to 100 percent climbing capacity on suitable ground.
The design advantages of the electric powertrain also make it ideal for demanding off-road driving. The batteries integrated into the ladder-type chassis lower the center of gravity. Off-road vehicles such as the Concept EQG and future off-road vehicles will offer superior traction and controlled driving, as the electric motors make the maximum torque available from the moment of departure. This provides a significant advantage on steep slopes and difficult terrain conditions.
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