Mercedes-Benz has been spotted testing prototypes for the EQG, an electric version of the G-Class that will be launched late this year or early next.
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius first mentioned plans for an electric G-Class as early as 2019. At the time, he said Mercedes had looked at discontinuing the G-Class rather than transforming it for the electric era, but felt that the last Mercedes to be built should be the iconic off-roader. A concept version thought to be close in specification to the production model was then rolled out in 2021. The concept,, featured a body-on-frame design like the regular G-Class, and housed the batteries in the frame.
It also featured an electric motor independently powering each of the wheels, as well as a shiftable 2-speed transmission for off-road drive reduction. Mercedes has said the EQG will match the off-road capability of the regular G-Class, including the ability to tackle 100% grades in suitable terrain.There will be new capabilities, though. The independent control of the four motors means the EQG will be able to turn on the spot, a maneuver known as a tank turn.
. Kreisel's setup features an 80-kwh battery and an electric motor at each axle for a combined 482 hp. One of the first people to take up Kreisel's G-Class electric conversion was Arnold Schwarzenegger.