Mercedes pulled the plug on the electric G-Class at the Beijing motor show: However, there were no visual surprises at the premiere of the battery-powered off-road vehicle. This is also supported by the model name, which is not, as initially expected, based on the model of the other Mercedes Stromer EQG, but rather classically based on the terminology usual for the combustion engine, G 580 EQ.
On the other hand: Based on the study that Mercedes has shown so far as the EQG, one could have expected a somewhat more futuristic look – in fact, you have to look for the differences between the electric and the combustion G-Class with a magnifying glass. The robust technology is also shared EQ with the conventional G-Class. That means: ladder frame, rigid axle at the rear and switchable off-road reduction. What is new, however, is the battery, which is integrated into the ladder frame and is protected from damage by a special underbody protection with carbon content. It offers a capacity of 116 kWh and is intended to enable ranges of up to 473 kilometers. Four electric motors are responsible for the all-wheel drive, which together produce 432 kW/587 hp and provide a torque of 1164 Nm. Because each member of the quartet can be controlled individually, mechanical differential locks are unnecessary, and important off-road functions such as electric crawling are also possible. The flexibility goes so far that the G-Class can turn on the spot thanks to the coordinated interaction of the engines. Powerful consumption On firm surfaces, the electric model offers acceleration that is otherwise familiar from sports cars. 100 km/h is reached after 4.7 seconds, and the Mercedes electronics allow a maximum speed of 180 km/h. Decent for an electric car. The manufacturer states the power consumption at around 30 kWh per 100 kilometers, which is an unusually high mark. In terms of aerodynamics, a lot has changed compared to the G-Class presented in 2018 through modifications to the A-pillars and further fine-tuning – including this combustion engine models that have just been revised will benefit. What remains, however, is the angular shape with a large frontal area, which is likely to quickly reduce the electric range in motorway traffic. The manufacturer has not yet announced prices, but they should start at more than 200,000 euros.
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