Mercedes has been developing an EV based on its iconic G-Wagon which is currently called the G-Class. This EV will likely be called the EQG considering the branding the German marquee has kept for the EQC and EQS. But the big challenge for an off-roading EV SUV is the shift from 12-cylinder engine to an electric powertrain. At IAA Munich Mercedes is slated to showcase this car which could finally launch a consumer product in 2024. Now Autocar claims that the vehicle could be manufactured by the Magna Steyr and will keep its fabled ladder-frame chassis which could give it some serious off roading capability. The body-on-frame platform will be adapted for the electric powertrain and battery pack.
The EQS is the flagship Mercedes EV which has launched in the US
Mercedes has deployed a custom EV platform on vehicles like the EQS which could also be seen on the EQE, however, the G-Class EV may not get this platform. That said, it will also reportedly use the same battery pack as the EQS which is their flagship EV in the German giant's portfolio.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Mercedes EQS
The G-Class has a massive wheelbase of 2891mm which should be enough to accommodate the 107.8-kWh battery that has been seen on the EQS. Though the EQS has a longer wheelbase of 3200mm between the axles. Likely, the EQG will not be as efficient as the EQS which offers the highest range on a Mercedes EV. This is because the wheelbase of the G-Class is shorter than the EQS and because the G-Class EV is not built on a bespoke EV first platform.
The G-Class is one of the most iconic SUVs on the planet and has been in production for over 40 years
Mercedes is expected to keep the same old boxy design which is synonymous with the G-Wagon and has plans on selling an all-wheel-drive only model. There will likely be cosmetic changes like different bumpers, new allow wheels and other minor tweaks which will help differentiate it from the internal combustion engine based variant of the car.
