Mercedes teases electric G-Class

[kobayashiGT]

Source: https://www.arenaev.com/mercedes_teases_electric_gclass-news-2786.php

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to revolutionize the iconic G-Class with an all-electric variant, and CEO Ola Kaellenius claims it could outshine its traditional counterpart in off-road prowess. In an outdoor video featuring the electric G-Class, Kaellenius, along with chief engineer Fabian Schossau, shed light on the vehicle's development and unique features. Four years have passed since Mercedes-Benz's initial announcement of an electric G-Class, and much remained shrouded in mystery - until today. Today we got a closer look at the electric G and its off-road capabilities - cue the video:

 

One glance at the electric G-Wagon, and you'd be hard-pressed to miss its signature boxy silhouette. Kaellenius proudly states that this electric incarnation retains the unmistakable appearance of a true G-Class. While the video's prototype was camouflaged, Mercedes-Benz had previously unveiled the Concept EQG in 2021, offering a glimpse of the essential design elements.

For rigorous testing, the development team headed to the Schoeckl mountain in Graz, Austria - the very place where the G-Class was born. The electric off-roader underwent a grueling regimen, ascending and descending the mountain 336 times. It showcased its off-road prowess thanks to a novel drivetrain concept featuring four electric motors, one at each wheel. Smart software managed torque distribution, enabling remarkable off-road capabilities, including a G-turn.

Mercedes is not just focusing on off-road capabilities; it's also pushing the envelope in battery technology. The electric G-Class will employ a cutting-edge silicon anode battery, expected to boost energy density by 20 to 40% compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This advancement could substantially extend the vehicle's range, a crucial factor for electric off-roaders.

The G-Class is known for its ruggedness and has a cult following. The electric variant's potential to match or even surpass the traditional model in off-road capabilities is a significant point of interest. It marks a notable shift in the automotive landscape towards electrification without compromising on performance.

While purists may raise their eyebrows at the notion of an electric G-Class, Kaellenius assures them that the traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) version will continue alongside the electric variant. This dual approach ensures that fans of the iconic off-roader can still experience the roaring power of a gasoline engine.

One detail that remains elusive is the exact release date for the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. However, industry watchers speculate that it could hit the market in 2024, likely as a 2025 model-year offering.

 

[Watwheels]

G-turn siah. It's electric blah blah blah, hardcore offroad with full on vibration. So is it going to hit the G....uhmm....spot?

[Carbon82]

The new G580 with EQ technology (new Mercedes will drop the EQ moniker from 2024) weigh >3 tons!! I wounder if HDB and older MSCP will still strictly enforce the weight limit of 2 - 2.5 ton when the car landed here. 

The Electric G-Class Has Four Motors and an Insane Amount of Torque

The iconic Geländewagen goes electric, packing a massive 116-kWh battery that delivers 579 hp and 1,165 Nm of torque.

After four, five, six, eight, and twelve cylinders, there's finally a G-Class with no cylinders at all. In place of a combustion engine, the purely electric Geländewagen packs four motors—one for each wheel. It's still an off-roader through and through, and in some cases, it's even more capable off the beaten path than the gas model.

Although the design has been largely carried over, the G580 with EQ Technology hides major changes underneath its oh-so-familiar skin. Those four motors are good for a combined 579 horsepower and a massive 1,165 Nm of torque. That makes it the new king of the hill, packing an extra 2 hp and 315 Nm over the AMG G63. And because this is an EV, that torque kicks in instantly.

The quad-motor setup enables a 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.6 seconds, or four-tenths of a second slower than the gas-powered AMG version. Flat out, the electric G is electronically capped at just 180 Km/h. But you're not buying a G-Class for its straight-line acceleration or its top speed. The off-road chops remain its main asset. Mercedes claims a maximum fording depth of 851 mm. That's 150 mm more than the G550 and G63.

The electric G can climb lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees and offers 349 mm of ground clearance between the axles. It’ll easily tackle rough terrain with its 32.0-degree approach angle, 30.7-degree departure angle, and 20.3-degree breakover angle. Much like the normal G-Class, it can climb up to a 100 percent grade. No, that doesn't mean it can climb vertically. That equates to a 45-degree angle, as grade is a function of rise over run.

The off-road goodies vary from a low-range mode courtesy of a shiftable two-speed transmission to a crawl function. A feature called the "G-Turn" is marketing jargon for a tank turn, which refers to the vehicle's ability to rotate on the spot. Virtual differential locks made possible via torque vectoring are included, as are adaptive adjustable dampers. There's also a G-Steering function to significantly reduce the turning circle and get yourself out of a sticky situation.

The G580 with EQ Technology gets a front independent suspension and a solid rear axle along with underbody protection that makes use of carbon and other sturdy materials to protect the massive 116.0-kilowatt-hour battery packed into the ladder frame. Range remains a mystery, but we do know the battery can be charged at up to 200 kilowatts. With a DC connection, it'll take around 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent.

Looking instantly familiar, the go-anywhere EV retains the boxy shape and rugged styling of the gas model but gains a closed-off grille with an illuminated contour. It takes after the 2021 EQG concept, and you can have it without the rear-mounted spare tire. Instead, Mercedes fits a box that can store the charging cable, snow chains, and tools, provided the items don't exceed 10 Kg. 

Although it still looks pretty much like a brick on wheels, there have been some subtle aero tweaks to boost efficiency. The hood has been raised a bit and there are now air curtains for the flared rear wheel arches. Moreover, there's different cladding on the A-pillars and a roof spoiler lip. You can also pay extra and opt for a black panel for the grille.

When Mercedes said the G-Class was "stronger than time," it wasn't kidding. We all expected the electric version to be the heaviest of the Geländewagen flavors. We just didn't know by how much. While the curb weight for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology isn't listed for the American model, its Euro cousin tips the scales at 3,088 Kg (what a huat huat figure). For better reference, it is 600 Kg heavier than the base G500, or 445 Kg more than the AMG G63!

Another important number missing from the US-spec version we discovered in the Euro release is range. That massive battery pack with a usable capacity of 116.0 kilowatt-hours provides the electric G-Class with a maximum range of 473 Km. However, that number is based on the WLTP cycle. We can safely assume the EPA rating will be lower. We don't know by how much, but we'd reckon by at least 10 percent.

[inlinesix]

 

[Kxbc]

hearsay when low on charge, just stick the power cable into the forest soil can fast charge to 100% within 2 hours.