2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG Spy Shots and Video

Mercedes-Benz was spotted testing a prototype of the EQG, an electric version of the G-Class that will be launched late this year or early next year.

Mercedes CEO Ola Kellenius first mentioned plans for an electric G-Class as early as 2019. At the time he said that Mercedes had considered discontinuing the G-Class rather than transforming it for the electric era, but felt that the last Mercedes to be built should be an iconic off-roader.

A concept version that appeared to be a close specification to the production model was then rolled out in 2021, also using the EQG name, which featured a body-on-frame design like the regular G-Class, with the battery housed in the frame.

It also had an electric motor that provided independent power to each wheel and a shiftable two-speed transmission for reduced off-road driving effort. Mercedes stated that the EQG could match the off-road performance of the regular G-Class and could tackle a 100% grade in the right terrain.

But the EQG has a new capability: by controlling four motors independently, the EQG can turn on the fly, called a tank turn. Mercedes calls this the G-turn and states that this feature will be included in the EQG.

On the outside, the concept features an illuminated panel instead of a grille, a design that may go into production as engineers have gone to great lengths to hide the grille on prototypes spotted during testing.

The rear storage box seen on the prototype is one element of the concept that seems destined for production. Sitting in the traditional place for a spare wheel, the storage box would likely hold charging equipment.

Mercedes has not revealed how much range it expects, but the battery will use a high silicon anode material that will help increase energy density.

Currently, for those who want an electric G-Class, Austrian company Kreisel offers an electric conversion. Kreisel's setup includes an 80 kwh battery and electric motors on each axle, for a total of 482 hp. One of the first customers of Kreisel's G-Class electric conversion was Arnold Schwarzenegger.