Mercedes-Benz EQG : Electric Off-Road Icon

“We’re travelling into the future with the new Mercedes-Benz EQG! This car epitomizes the fusion of state-of-the-art off-road capabilities with the dawn of electric mobility that we all need to strive for. It stands for our relentless pursuit of the utmost desire and luxury. For us, the most important thing was to keep the full G-Class DNA but beam it into the EQ age: Like the G-Class but different. Modern accents like the white LED technology and a wallbox on the rear of the vehicle illustrate the difference.”

Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler Group

Mercedes-Benz introduces the Concept EQG, a near-production study of an all-electric variation of its utilitarian off-road icon. The concept car’s design mixes the G-obviously Class’s distinctive look with selected design elements typical of Mercedes’ all-electric cars as contrasting highlights. The “G’s” 4×4 attributes, which have traditionally set the bar high, will not only make their way into the age of electric mobility, but will be enhanced in some respects. There is no doubt that an electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is on the way. 

The popular G-Class vehicle was first introduced in 1979. The “G” has so symbolized Mercedes-luxury Benz’s off-road vehicle for more than four decades. The Mercedes-Benz off-road legend’s exterior appearance has changed just slightly throughout the years. Mercedes-Benz only cautiously developed the obviously outstanding design further as part of the major redesign in 2018, which brought with it the model’s biggest technical leap in its history. Because its once-purely practical components have long since become iconic stylistic aspects, there’s a valid explanation for that. The distinctive door handle and distinctive closing sound, the sturdy external protection strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door, and the eye-catching front turn indicators are just a few examples. 

Design 

The Mercedes-Benz EQG follows the design tradition of the model series and can be mistaken for a G-Class at first glance. The G-Class’ angular shape, as well as its recognizable characteristics, are incorporated into the near-production study. The sturdy exterior protection strips stand out visually thanks to illuminated stripes. The beautiful two-tone paint treatment – gloss black on top, gloss aluminum beam on the bottom – has a separating border that runs right beneath the overlaying bonnet, emphasizing this design aspect even more clearly. 

The front aspect of the Mercedes-Benz EQG is unmistakably familiar, thanks to the circular headlights. This all-electric edition has a continuous deep black radiator grille instead of a radiator grille like the conventionally powered model versions. The lit star with 3D effect adds a distinctive touch to this Black Panel Grille. A visual link is created around it by an animated pattern of “round squares” (squircle pattern) in the typical blue of Mercedes-EQ vehicles. The Black Panel is encircled by an illuminated band that, along with the white lighted circles in the external mirror housings, matches the headlights’ daytime running light graphic. The Concept EQG is fitted with special 22-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. Instead of the standard spare wheel cover, there’s a lockable box on the back door with white lighted accents that looks like a wallbox. 

The flat roof rack in high-gloss black is another highlight of the exterior appearance. The centrally formed “G,” which is evident in the top view, is the fundamental aspect of its basic design. The white LED strip built into the front edge of the roof rack is a modern rendition of the searchlight required for difficult off-road adventures – and so emphasizes the Concept EQG’s seriousness in this area: not despite, but because of its all-electric propulsion. The roof rack’s back end is finished with a red LED strip. 

The Concept EQG is unmistakably a “G” not just in terms of design, but also in terms of internal values, making it a tough off-roader. Its body is also built on a sturdy ladder structure. The chassis design, which is typical of the G-Class, is exceptionally off-road competent, with independent suspension on the front axle and a stiff axle at the rear, which was built specifically for the integration of the electric powertrain. The vehicle will have unique on- and off-road driving qualities thanks to four electric motors that are close to the wheels and independently adjustable. The Concept EQG’s off-road reduction, like any actual 4×4, is operated via a shiftable 2-speed gearbox, allowing it to confidently fulfil the high “G”-specific off-road requirements. 

At the end of its development into a serial model, the completely electric version of the G-Class will, of course, face the famed test track on the 1445-meter high Schöckl mountain in Graz. The 5.6-kilometer circuit, which is peppered with 60-degree grades, has long been recognized as one of the world’s biggest challenges for man and technology in the worldwide off-road scene. After successfully conquering it, the electric “G” will be allowed to wear the “Schöckl proven” quality certificate, which is required for the 463 series. It will also shine with a climbing capability of up to 100% on favorable ground, much like its conventionally-driven brothers. 

The electric drive’s design advantages also work in its favor, making it perfect for off-road vehicles and ambitious off-road activities. A low center of gravity is ensured by the batteries built into the ladder frame. An all-electric off-road vehicle like the Concept EQG and the eventual production model claim immense pulling power and controllability – which also proves to be a benefit on steep slopes and deep terrain – because electric motors offer their maximum torque practically from the first revolution. 

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