From four- to twelve-cylinder engines, the Mercedes G-Class has had them all. There will come a time when a certain variant of the legendary Geländewagen won't feature a gasoline or diesel powertrain under the hood as an electric model has been confirmed for 2024. It might be previewed by a concept as early as September at IAA Munich, and in the meantime, a report from Autocar aims to shed light on how the G is embracing the electric era.
Thankfully, the luxury SUV built by Magna Steyr is allegedly keeping its ladder-frame chassis. That should translate into serious off-road chops on a par with the ICE-powered G-Class. The British magazine claims the engineers will retain the body-on-frame platform and adapt it for electric propulsion by yanking out the oily bits to replace them with electric motors and a battery pack.
Rather than adopting the EVA platform used for bespoke electric models such as the EQS and the upcoming EQE, the new EQG will electrify the existing G-Class while reportedly inheriting the battery from the company's flagship EV. It is believed the G-Class' generous wheelbase of 2890 millimeters (113.8 inches) can accommodate the 107.8-kWh battery of the EQS, although that remains to be seen since the stately sedan measures 3210 mm (126.4 in) between the axles.
Even if Mercedes will somehow find a way to cram in that larger battery pack, it goes without saying the EQG won't be nearly as efficient as the EQS. The fact it won’t be a purpose-built electric vehicle will hinder efficiency, not to mention its brick-like shape is far from being aerodynamic and consequently doesn't bode well for efficiency.
Styling is expected to remain as boxy as ever, but with a closed-off grille in line with other "EQ" models. Slightly different bumpers, new alloy wheel designs, and other minor tweaks will differentiate it from the gasoline- and diesel-fueled G-Class, much like the EQA and EQB are visually separated from the GLA and GLB, respectively.
Autocar claims Mercedes will sell the EQG exclusively with all-wheel drive, which can only mean the zero-emissions SUV is going to have a dual-motor setup as standard. The instant torque delivered by the electric motors should help the vehicle retain its off-road pedigree when the production vehicle will debut just in time for its 45th anniversary.
The Silent G Is Coming:
Before the EQG arrives in 2024, Mercedes will launch two additional electric SUVs next year as both the EQS and EQE sedans are going to receive high-riding equivalents next year. A new GLC should be revealed in 2022 as well, so it's only a matter of time before the EQC will transition to the second generation.