Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class to be revealed on 24 April

Mercedes will reveal the long-awaited electric G-Class at the Beijing motor show later this month.

Previously known as the EQG, the electric 4x4 will be sold as the G580 with EQ Technology later this year, following its reveal on 24 April at Auto China.

The G580 will headline a flurry of Mercedes reveals and debuts at the China show, with the new plug-in hybrid version of the AMG GT coupé and heavily updated EQS saloon also due to make their public debuts.

Mercedes will show the radical Concept CLA Class in China for the first time at the show too, ahead of the production version's global debut later this year.

The G580 was revealed in concept form at the Munich motor show in 2021, with a radical quad-motor powertrain that allows for unstoppable go-anywhere abilities – in keeping with the reputation of the G-Class – and means the EV can turn on the spot like BYD's similarly conceived Yangwang U8 4x4.

Preliminary technical specifications were revealed at a prototype launch in 2022 (see below), but the firm has yet to confirm its new EV's headline performance specifications.

It has revealed that the new electric G-Class will consume between 27.7-30.3kWh of energy per 62 miles travelled, reflecting an official efficiency figure of 2-2.2kWh. Based on a previously disclosed battery capacity of roughly 100kWh, that means the electric G-Class will have a range of around 200-220 miles.

It will be Mercedes-Benz’s ninth dedicated electric model, kicking off a whole new chapter of electrification for the traditional hardcore off-roader, a mainstay of the German car maker’s line-up since 1979.

The electric G-Glass is also earmarked to act as a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz’s newly created G (for Geländewagen) sub-brand, promising what G brand boss Emmerich Schiller describes as an “unparalleled combination of luxury and off-road ability for electric vehicles”.

He said: “From the start, it was decided the electric G-Class should be at least as good as the internal-combustion-engine model both on road and off road. We didn’t want to compromise on capabilities.”

Based on the latest iteration of the G-Class – codenamed and known within Mercedes-Benz engineering circles as W463 – it builds off a modified version of the steel ladder-frame chassis used by internal-combustion-engine (ICE) models, alongside which it will be produced at long-time partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

Early road-going prototypes confirm it will retain the same characteristic square-rigged exterior styling as other existing G-Class models. Although disguised, they feature standard body panels together with a number of small but unique details, as hinted at on the earlier concept, including a new-look front bumper and a blanked-off grille.

“We have two skateboards with the same hat on top,” said Schiller, in reference to the ladder-frame chassis and familiar G-Class styling. “As with the internal-combustion-engine models, the body is connected to the ladder frame at eight points.”

Like Mercedes-Benz’s other EQ models, there is no front luggage compartment or 'frunk'. The charging cable will be able to be stowed in a lockable box similar to that previewed by the concept, mounted in the place traditionally taken by the spare tyre on the sideways-opening tailgate.

At the centre of the EQG’s technical development is a new electric drivetrain consisting of four electric motors – one powering each individual wheel. Unique among Mercedes-Benz’s current line-up of EQ models, it mirrors that of the SLS E-Cell produced by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance car division in limited volumes in 2013.

The four-motor layout, also used by US electric vehicle start-up Rivian for its R1 SUV and pick-up, is aimed at providing the EQG with what Schiller describes as an unrivalled combination of off-road performance and refined on-road qualities.

“There were intensive discussions surrounding the four-motor layout. It is incredibly complex. It is also very expensive. But with two electric motors you have differential locks, which means a combination of electronic and mechanical systems. With three motors – one up front and two on the rear axle, you don’t get the full performance in off-road conditions,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz is holding back on disclosing power and torque figures for its latest electric model. However, Schiller hints there will be varying models with differing outputs, including an AMG flagship claimed to provide a level of on-road performance, including straight-line acceleration, to match the existing 577bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol-powered Mercedes-AMG G63 4Matic.

The front electric motors are mounted low at each side within the axle. The rear electric motors are integrated more inboard within a newly developed de Dion-style rear axle conceived specifically for the electric G-Class and chosen to provide “good traction and flexibility of the suspension”.

Each electric motor is able to provide individual drive to each wheel through a mechanical two-speed gearbox, offering both high and low-range gearing.

Together with traditional on-road driving modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport), the new G-Class will offer three off-road modes – Trail, Rock and Sand. An additional creeper mode allows the driver to set a pre-determined speed in off-road driving.

To facilitate off-road performance, the four electric motors are also able to simulate the three locking differentials (one in each axle, and one in the transfer case) of ICE G-Class models. In extreme conditions, the collective drive can be channelled to a single wheel to retain traction and ensure progress.

Schiller cites throttle dosing among the primary advantages of the four-motor layout. “It is incredibly precise. The individual control of drive to each wheel provides a whole new level of ability. We have even more possibilities off road. It is really fun every four weeks to drive the latest prototypes. I think we have the best electric off-roader,” he said.

Additionally, a so-called G-Turn function, activated by a dashboard-mounted button, makes the electric motors on one side turn the wheels forward and those on the opposite side turn the wheels in reverse, allowing the EQG to perform spectacular, on-the-spot 360deg tank turns. The driver can select whether to turn left or right via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Compact packaging of the front electric motors within the front axle permits a greater turning angle for the front wheels, leading to a turning circle that is described as being “considerably better” than that of other ICE G-Class models.

The new driveline is allied to a battery mounted within the floor and beneath the rear seat. The lithium ion unit, with a usable energy capacity that Mercedes-Benz puts at "around 100kWh", shares its cell technology with that previewed by the EQXX concept. A new silicon anode is claimed to boost energy density and efficiency beyond that of the battery used by the newly unveiled EQE and EQS SUVs, while also providing a reduction in weight and overall size.