Mercedes all-set to unveil all-electric G-Class later this month
Mercedes-Benz AG, a luxury and commercial vehicle brand headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is all set to unveil its highly anticipated all-electric G-Class Wagon at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show on April 24, 2024. The iconic G-Wagon, a symbol of rugged luxury since its inception in the year of 1979, is undergoing a revolutionary transformation into an electric powerhouse, marking a momentous milestone for Mercedes-Benz and the electric vehicle (EV) industry as a whole.
The journey towards electrifying the G-Class started with the debut of the G-Class EQG concept at the Munich Motor Show in September 2021. Since then, the luxury car brand has been tantalizing enthusiasts with previews and teasers, culminating in a recent appearance at CES 2024.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius even subjected the electric G-Class to extreme weather testing near the Arctic Circle, underscoring the brand’s commitment to maintaining the EV’s legendary off-road capabilities.
Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes G, emphasized the brand’s steadfast dedication to preserving the G-Class's well-known performance both on and off the road. Equipped with a quad-motor powertrain, evocative of Rivian's technology, the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class promises matchless off-road prowess while delivering the luxury and fine-tuning expected by G-Class enthusiasts.
While precise details are yet to be revealed, Mercedes-Benz has hinted at imposing efficiency ratings, with energy consumption estimates ranging between 28.7 and 30.3 kWh per 62 miles. Coupled with a generous battery capacity of almost 100 kWh, the electric G-Class Wagon is expected to offer a range of nearly 200 to 220 miles.
The electric G-Class, which will reportedly bear the designation G580 with EQ Technology, is expected to set new standards in the landscape of EVs. Schiller teased the possibility of different electric models, including a flagship AMG variant, catering to an assorted range of preferences.
With a focus on durability and performance, the electric G-Class boasts a sealed battery for water wading capabilities and a steel-clad casing for enhanced protection. Moreover, stringent testing procedures, including 300 runs up and down the iconic Schoeckl trail, make sure that the electric G-Class is ready to tackle any terrain.
In addition to the full-size electric G-Class, the German luxury vehicle brand is also eyeing the development of a smaller electric G-Wagon, possibly offering a more accessible entry point to the electrified lineup, ushering in a new era of electric mobility and redefining the boundaries of luxury and performance in the EV landscape.