Mercedes-Benz has shown us what the future of the G-Wagen may look like, with the preview of its near-production all-electric SUV – the Concept EQG. With Mercedes announcing that it would be going fully electric earlier this year, it was only natural that the G would be part of these plans sooner rather than later. But has this bonafide off-roader now gone all soft to become kinder to the environment?
To start off with there’s the Concept EQG’s design. While the petrol-powered G-Wagen commands incredible road presence, few might criticise it for looking too familiar. The EQG on the other hand looks straight out of the future. Purists will be delighted to know that the squared-off silhouette of the G has been retained but with a future-proofed twist. Viewed head-on, the classic round headlamps are still present on the Concept EQG. The grille of the EQG is not a conventional one however, with the electric SUV getting a black panel that features an illuminated three-pointed star log. The overall design maintains its ties to the design language of Mercedes’ EQ model lineup.
As you move towards the side, the Concept EQG’s profile is identical to that of the G-Wagen. Closer inspection will reveal the roof rack finished in gloss black and the 22-inch polished aluminium alloy wheels, which sport a different design exclusive to the EQG. The electric G also gets plenty of cool lighting elements. The body-strips on the side of the EQG are illuminated, with a circular LED element being present on the mirrors as well. Even the roof rack on the EQG gets an LED light bar, lending it the appearance of a searchlight on the 4x4 SUVs used for adventure expeditions. Mercedes has also neatly integrated a storage space on the tailgate, where the spare wheel would normally be present. This squared-off storage space is actually a lockbox and can be used to easily store the EQG’s charging cable.
While Mercedes has not revealed the interiors of the Concept EQG, it is likely that the design of the EQG’s cabin will be similar to that of the EQ models already on sale, with plenty of futuristic touches to amp up the sense of occasion. A massive slab of digital real estate powered by the MBUX Hyperscreen is likely to make an appearance in the Concept EQG as well.
The Concept EQG is powered by four electric motors. The individual motors in essence offer the EQG four-wheel drive and impressive capability while off-roading, thanks to the instantaneous torque you get with electric power. The EQG also gets a low-ratio gearbox, adding on the G’s trail-tackling prowess. The ladder frame chassis of the EQG has also been adapted for an electric powertrain, with independent suspension on the front axle and a rigid axle at the rear. And when you’re driving on tarmac, the Concept EQG is likely to better the acceleration of its petrol-powered cousin, the manic G 63 AMG – once again, due to the slug of torque that EVs offers, which simply cannot be matched by even a four-litre V8 in the G 63.
Normally, we would be bummed out about the fact that such an iconic SUV has gone the electric route, keeping in with these trying times. But the Concept EQG promises to give the already badass G-Wagen a shot in the arm – making it look cooler, go faster and without those massive fuel bills! And most importantly, the legacy of the G has lived on for more than 40 years since its inception, and will continue to do so with the EQG. There’s no better reason to celebrate than that.