Autoblog reports that Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius said at a roundtable meeting with journalists this week that its G-Wagen electric model will be available in mid-2024. In the meantime, the company is testing a prototype version of the electric SUV at its test facility in Graz, Austria, and is convinced that the future of off-road adventure is to embrace electrification.
When Mercedes first presented a concept version of its electric SUV in September 2021, the company had not yet confirmed any production plans.
In fact, Ola Källenius himself said in 2019 that he wasn’t too sure about the future of the G-Wagen. But now, the square-edged electric SUV appears to be on the horizon.
Even so, the model is still in the relatively early stages, and Mercedes has yet to disclose details of range, battery capacity, or power output. But given that the concept version is available with an all-wheel drive, it’s expected that the production version will hopefully be available as well.
As with most concepts, the electric G-Wagen we’ll see in 2021 is more of a test run than a simple showcase of the next-generation G-Class sedan like the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
The EQG concept features the same two-tone paint job and illuminated grille as Mercedes-Benz’s initial electric EQS sedan, and the company has been experimenting with other concepts and production models in the meantime.
When the EQG goes into production in mid-2024, it will also be in the realm of electric vehicles that can handle rough terrain and compete for lightning fast with the likes of the GMC Hummer EV truck/SUV, Rivian R1T and R1S, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lighting.
But in terms of brand recognition and luxury, the G-Wagen speaks more to its owner — with adventure off-road always in its blood — and we’re looking forward to the production EQG being given EQS-like features.
If the company is determined to give the EQG the range and performance of the EQS / EQE on the new EV platform, the electric version of the G-Wagen will be even more compelling.
Finally, Mercedes-Benz says it plans to make a full transition to electrification by 2030 and is committed to investing 40 billion euros ($47 billion) to do so.
