Mercedes-Benz all set to electrify the G-Wagen for 2022
Aug 09, 2021
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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an epitome of German supremacy, capturing the imaginations of countless car enthusiasts worldwide and dominating the front pages of every automobile magazine. Almost no one can deny that the iconic G-Wagen has been an unbeatable monster when it comes to all-round performance. The G-Wagen offers everything you would expect from a dream car- lavish luxury, godly status, and exceptional on-road and off-road performance all in a single package.Unfortunately, every legendary vehicle has had its share of shortcomings and the Gelandewagen is no exception to this rule. The sheer power offered by its engine takes a heavy toll on the G-Wagen’s fuel economy. To compound its weaknesses, the G-Wagen is one of the worst polluting passenger vehicles in North America, as evident by its subpar combined MPG of 14.
Now, if rumours are to be believed, Merc is working on an electric G-Wagen! With the arrival of the electric G-Class, customers can head over to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer or car-selling portal right away to get their hands on a factory-built G-Class EV, instead of shelling out a 7-figure price tag for a custom-built EV like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
At Mercedes, the iconic tristar logo has been the symbol of the German automaker’s pride and emphasis on perfection. To counter all the criticism against the legendary G-Wagen, Mercedes is set to announce an all-new electric variant of it in 2022. Dubbed the EQG, the electric G-Wagen will be another addition to the company’s ever-growing EV onslaught, alongside the upcoming EQS flagship sedan, EQE sedan, and EQS and EQE crossover SUVs.
When will the electric G-Class show up?
Mercedes has made its desire clear to electrify the majority of its lineup by the end of this decade. This onslaught of EVs should give the German automaker an upper hand in the growing EV segment ahead of other German rivals. As for when the G-Class will roll out into the market, a rumor from Germany suggested that Daimler will give us a first glimpse of the electric G-Wagen at the IAA Motor Show in Munich. This will be the first concept version of the boxy electric wagon. The first production model will be available by 2022 or 2023.
Before the electric G-Wagen makes its full induction into the EQ lineup, Mercedes might make up for some time by introducing a hybrid variant of the G-Class. This hybrid variant will probably be the first electrified version of the G-Class until the electric G-Class takes over the reins much later in 2022 or 2023. Daimler CEO Ola Källenius already expressed his desire for building an electric G-Class way back in 2019. The electric G-Wagen will eliminate all of its carbon emissions. The Daimler CEO also exclaimed that the G-Wagen will last longer than any other Merc model, and will be its last model ever built if the company ever goes into the doldrums.
What branding will the G-Class EV use?
Mercedes has designated a specific EQ prefix for all of its EVs. The automaker just launched the EQE and EQS sedans with the same nomenclature, in short for the electric E-class and S-class sedans. Equivalently, the electric G-Class should definitely be called the EQG. As a matter of evidence, Mercedes has already filed trademark applications in Europe in the name of the EQG 560 and the EQG 580.
What will be its platform and powertrain?
Mercedes has kept all the folks in the dark regarding news of the upcoming hybrid and electric G-Class. The hybrid variant could use a more powerful variant of the automaker’s plug-in hybrid system currently available. This will maintain its position as one of the flagship models in Daimler’s current portfolio of vehicles.
Regarding the electric G-Wagen, we have no clue which route Daimler will pursue when it comes to its platform. One option is Mercedes’ Electric Vehicle Architecture, which underpins the EQE and EQS models. Mercedes could use this capable platform to create a boxy electric G-Class. Another option available is routing the body-on-frame architecture of the G-Class to an electric powertrain.
As for the powertrain, we are expecting Mercedes to take notes from the same robust electric powertrain that is giving the high-flair EQS 580 sedan its dose of electrons. This combo of electric motors generates a sensational power output of 516 horses and 611 twisties, which is a perfect fit for the G-Class as well. The G-Class is also expected to include the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for that extra thrill while riding in the woods.
What will be the EQG’s pricing and its expected rivals?
Currently, the gasoline-powered G 550 starts at a sticker price of $132,800 while the more performance-oriented AMG G63 is available at $157,550. We expect the EQG 580 4Matic to be priced in between this price range. For the hybrid variant, we expect an asking price close to the current G 550.
The Mercedes-Benz EQG 580 4Matic has an interesting rival in the form of the GMC Hummer EV. With more compelling electric body-on-frame vehicles rolling out into the market, the competition will be very fierce in the upcoming years.
Is this the first-ever electric G-Wagon?
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first electric G-Wagen that will be introduced for the road. For all the Arnold Schwarzenneger fans out there, the legendary Mr.Olympia built an electric G-Wagen for himself, full Terminator-style. He paid a whopping $1 million to Austrian tuners Kreisel to get his hands on a custom-built G-Class converted to electric. Of course, not everyone has the kind of fortune possessed by the former California governor, so it will be best to wait out for an electric G-Wagen by Daimler themselves to keep the price tag at a respectable 6-figures.
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