Mercedes-Benz Launches Off-Roader Electric Car, G-Wagen

Mercedes-Benz makes an electric version of the G-Wagen. (photo; mercedes-benz)

JAKARTA - Mercedes-Benz has revealed an electric car concept version of the boxy luxury off-roader, the G-Wagen. This vehicle, adorned with luminous accents and sporting several moon rover-style wheels.

Officially known as the Concept EQG, Mercedes-Benz really went light on the details about the electric SUV when showing it off at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich. It doesn't mention an estimate for the range or mention the size of the battery, or the power output of the electric motor. This car will have an all-wheel drive (4WD), and it will also have low and high gears. For the size of the wheels are made with a size of 22 inches, which is quite high and wide.

Instead, the Concept EQG is now closer to a design exercise, the first attempt at how Mercedes-Benz could modify the new generation G-Class that was first unveiled at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. This car is something to be admired for future production versions.

This is a striking first attempt by the EQG to be covered in the same two-tone paint that Mercedes-Benz used on the first edition of its electric EQS sedan. The illuminated grille that the manufacturer has toyed with on several other concept cars and production vehicles finally looks to fit perfectly into place.

Whenever a production EQG arrives, it will join the ever-crowded field of electric vehicles that can handle rough terrain.

Meanwhile, General Motors revived the Hummer brand and made two electric versions: an SUV and a pickup truck. EV startup Rivian will also launch its first pickup truck, with an SUV coming later this year. Ford even teased that an all-electric version of the recently revived Bronco SUV would eventually launch.

The G-Wagen has always been a status symbol as much as cruising off-road, so the EQG's production expectations are loaded with all the same kinds of features that Mercedes-Benz has launched in its newest and most expensive vehicles, such as the EQS sedan.

If Mercedes-Benz can provide the EQG with the same kind of range and performance as the EQS and EQE sedans on the company's new electric vehicle platform, then the electric G-Wagen could be something to look at.