Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will launch a battery-electric version of the iconic G-Class in 2024. The new electric off-roader, named the EQG, will be using tech borrowed from the new EQS and should be set to boost Mercedes’ plans to transition to a full-electric brand by 2030.
The luxury vehicle company made an announcement in July of this year that they are making plans to go all-electric for vehicles by 2030. As part of the commitment, Mercedes-Benz will offer electric vehicles across all segments from next year and from 2025, it will only launch EVs.
The company will base its EV offers on three “architectures”. They will be as follows:
– One to cover medium to large size passenger cars
– One for electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles
– A dedicated EV performance and technology platform
In 2020, Mercedes-Benz joined Amazon’s Climate Pledge. This pledge is aiming to become a zero-carbon business by 2040, as well as agreeing to provide more than 1,800 EVs to the e-commerce giant’s Delivery Service Partners. Benz has announced that they are committed to making all cars across the brand’s portfolio carbon-neutral within the next two decades. Not only does this commitment cover the manufacture, but also the use and end-of-life stage for all branded cars.
“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade” – Mercedes-Benz AG’s chief executive Ola Källenius
With the new Mercedes G-Class being launched, we can get ready to say goodbye to internal combustion engines at Mercedes-Benz. An electric version of the iconic off-roader was announced in 2018, and the EQG models will join a range of upcoming large truck and SUV-style models. All of these new models will be launched as alternatives to cars such as the Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning and the Canoo Pickup Truck.
With all of these big changes coming to the luxury car manufacturer, the electric car industry is about to soar. Let’s take a look at the EQC in more detail.
Design and Drive
The tech underneath the body is the 21st century, but the Mercedes EQG is unlikely to drift from the classical form of SUV’s old-school and rugged off-roader features. This old-school design is a proven people pleaser. Looking back to the Ener-G Force concept presented in 2012, the Gorden Wagener-led design team at Mercedes-Benz could create a stunning off-road SUV that equally pleases the urban crowd and the Gen Z as well.
Previous designs have indicated that buyers prefer progressive changes that build on the original characteristics and aren’t looking for a sporty, aerodynamic car. Benz has decided to upgrade the signature squared-off lines and chunky bodywork to a futuristic-looking LED head and tail lights. The EQG will also feature the classic Benz grille, similar to the EQS saloon. You can also be guaranteed a two-tone paint finish will be offered as well, as with the EQS. The designs have also shown that the EQG will feature a concave surface in a two-tone finish with the headlamps set flush within.
Benz has announced that a hybrid version of the luxury SUV will arrive first in 2022, followed by fully electric models in 2024 under the Mercedes-EQ brand. Much like the EQS, we expect the EQG to feature the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There has been no word on whether the EQG will ride on the G-Wagen’s existing architecture or if Mercedes will opt to build it on a modified version of its EVA2 platform. We are expecting the Mercedes EQG to have the same T-square looks of gas- and diesel-propelled Gs. It could use a more powerful plug-in hybrid system than what’s currently available elsewhere in the lineup in order to keep the G-Wagen’s place toward the top of the brand’s product portfolio.