Mercedes-Benz is placing the electrical G-Class by way of silent paces within the Arctic forward of the off-roader’s debut within the U.S. subsequent 12 months.
The brand new mannequin, previewed because the Idea EQG in 2021, is predicted to ship 430 kW of mixed energy from 4 motors. The low RPM torque in motors makes battery electrical automobiles particularly succesful off-road.
Mercedes stated the electrical G-Class will carry a brand new battery that’s 20 to 40 % extra vitality dense, serving to cut back car weight or prolong driving vary.
“Delivering such a excessive vitality density is a real game-changer and permits us to suppose in fully new instructions when growing future electrical vehicles,” Mercedes Chief Expertise Officer Markus Schaefer stated final 12 months.
Initially constructed for navy and safari purposes, the G-Class has captured the Instagram accounts of rap and actuality TV stars. Gross sales within the U.S. — the G-Class’ largest market — peaked in 2021 at 8,523 automobiles.
The electrical G-Class ticks a number of packing containers for Mercedes-Benz.
The zero-emission powertrain permits G-wagen prospects to hunt journey whereas leaving a lightweight environmental footprint. In probably the most potent AMG model, the combustion engine G class has CO2 emissions as excessive as 304 grams per kilometer.
“Excessive-end electrical vans characterize the conspicuous consumption rich consumers crave with out the luggage of a carbon-spewing giant engine underneath the hood,” stated Sam Fiorani, vp at AutoForecast Options.
The six-figure electrical G-Class additionally dovetails with Mercedes’ strategic pivot towards the top-end of the posh market to maximise revenue margins. The automaker has reoriented its focus towards the high-performance AMG, uber-luxury Maybach manufacturers and the EQ electrical lineup.
“With Tesla decreasing costs to enchantment to a wider market, Mercedes-Benz sees a gap on the high finish of the marketplace for an electrical flagship priced above $200,000,” Fiorani stated.
The battery-powered G-Class retains its fossil-fuel-powered cousin’s ladder-frame chassis and chunky look, however the partially closed-off grille hints on the powertrain.
Spy pictures of the prototype in a wrap representing Austria’s Schöckl mountain’s topography reveal a brand new entrance bumper and fender flares.
The rear bumper incorporates a revised central space that homes the license plate holder. Aero wheels assist reduce drag and prolong driving vary.
Manufacturing begins in early 2024 in Graz, Austria, with U.S. deliveries beginning that summer season, Fiorani stated.