Electric Mercedes G-Class Reveal Timeline Confirmed

Ahead of its IAA Mobility festivities, Mercedes-Benz put out a press release on what to expect, and while it confirmed the Concept CLA Class, AMG GT Concept E Performance, and more, it also mentioned that the camouflaged prototypes of the electric G-Class would be present. What many didn't notice was the reveal timeline being confirmed, with the automaker confirming that showgoers would be able to "get up close to the vehicle months before its world premiere next year."

It's been four years since the 2019 announcement that the G-Class would be electrified and two years since we were first introduced to the Concept EQG, but this is the first time we've had confirmation of when the new model, likely to be called the Mercedes EQG, would premiere.

As for what we can expect, Mercedes has been great at keeping the details a secret, but through the grapevine, we've learned a fair amount. The EQG will utilize an adapted version of the existing G-Class' ladder frame chassis to house the electric running gear it requires. It will use a quad-motor powertrain (one at each wheel), enabling it to copy the Rivian Tank Turn and spin on the spot in what Mercedes calls the G-Turn.

The biggest news, however, is that the EQG will inherit an all-new battery chemistry: silicon anode. It's believed this new technology, developed in partnership with Sila, will increase energy density between 20-40% compared to current lithium-ion technology, which can either be used to increase range or decrease weight (it's expected to weigh around 6,600 lbs)

Despite this, the EQG won't be a range king.

The good news for G fans is that the arrival of the electric model doesn't mean the demise of the ICE one, and it's believed the two will live alongside each other for many years to come (the G-Class doesn't adhere to traditional product life cycles).

The EQG will be produced alongside the normal model by Magna Steyr at its facility in Graz, Austria.

To cope with the rigors of off-roading, the battery will be housed in a steel case surrounded by a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer shell.

While we expect it to be called the EQG, Mercedes has told us before that it will drop the EQ nomenclature eventually, and it's rumored that the EQG may be one of the first Mercedes EVs to do so. If that is the case, then the G-Class could follow BMW's example of selling one model with multiple forms of propulsion to choose from, akin to choosing between gasoline, diesel, and hybrid.

We expect more information in the coming months.