The all-new Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class made its global debut on the eve of the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. It is the world’s first luxury all-electric hardcore off-road vehicle, filling a gap in the luxury all-electric off-road segment.
Since its birth in 1979, the G-Class off-road vehicle has become a symbol of off-road enthusiasts with its angular and unstoppable hardcore performance. The newly launched all-electric model still retains its iconic boxy design, classic round headlights, trapezoidal turn signals on the hood, and unique door handles, preserving the original flavor. Additionally, the new car also retains the unique closing sound of the G-Class off-road vehicle.
In the front, the all-new pure electric G-Class features a black panel radiator grille surrounded by glowing LED light strips, creating a dynamic effect when unlocking and locking the vehicle. The slightly raised hood, A-pillar, and roof spoiler have been aerodynamically optimized to further enhance the off-road vehicle’s travel efficiency. At the rear, an innovative tool storage box is integrated, combining classic spare tire cover design with increased practicality. It is worth mentioning that, despite entering the electric era, the pure electric G-Class still retains the famous off-road trio: electric virtual differential lock, non-load-bearing body, and electric low-speed off-road gear. The new vehicle continues the G-Class’s 100% climbing ability when fully loaded. The all-new pure electric G-Class has a minimum ground clearance of up to 250 millimeters, still achieving 100% climbing ability and maintaining stability at 35 degrees of tilt. The 850mm wading depth is increased by 150mm compared to the fuel models, further improving water fording capability.
In terms of chassis, the family-style non-load-bearing body front axle uses double wishbone independent suspension, and the rear axle uses a rigid axle developed specifically for the electric drive system. After a comprehensive upgrade of the chassis, the double-layer layout battery pack is optimized and embedded in the trapezoidal frame to achieve a low center of gravity layout for the vehicle. In terms of power, the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle is equipped with four independently controlled wheel-side motors paired with an electric two-speed gearbox, allowing the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle to reach a peak power of 432 kilowatts and a peak torque of 1164Nm, with acceleration of just 4.7 seconds per hundred kilometers.
And the four independent wheel-side motors can work with intelligent torque vectoring function to achieve “electric virtual differential lock”, ensuring millisecond response of each wheel. The smart control system with automatic locking still provides full steering capability in off-road mode. Even when only one wheel has traction, the vehicle continues to provide escape capabilities. Equipped with an electric two-speed gearbox, the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle can achieve electric low-speed off-road mode, increasing driving torque through a 2:1 gear ratio to maintain power output in the low-speed high-torque operating range. Thanks to the powerful power system, the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle has achieved many new functions. The “off-road crawl” intelligent off-road crawling mode can intelligently control the vehicle in 3 preset cruising speeds to choose forward or reverse during uphill or downhill processes, allowing the driver to focus on the driving route. Speed can be set to 2 or 8 kilometers per hour, with the option to accelerate or brake at any time; shifting speed can be increased to a maximum of 14 kilometers per hour with acceleration, and braking to exit, making it easier for beginners to control and allowing experienced drivers to enjoy off-roading.
The “G-STEERING” function locks the inner rear wheel with the wheel-side motor, significantly reducing the turning radius of the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle, helping the vehicle to pass through extreme hairpin turns more smoothly. The “G-TURN” turning function controls the two side wheels to rotate in the opposite direction using four motors, easily completing high-speed on-the-spot turning on flat ground, assisting the driver in returning easily on extreme dead-end roads. In terms of interior, the new car has little change compared to the current fuel version. The vehicle comes standard with the second generation MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system, as well as a 12.3-inch high-definition instrument screen and a 12.3-inch central touch screen. Drivers can activate the “digital off-road cockpit” interface to access professional real-time data including level, compass, altitude, front and rear wheel steering angle, torque, power, tire pressure, etc. through the digital instrument screen and central screen, allowing for precise control. The “real-time off-road surface image” function, combined with a 360-degree camera, can display the road view under the front hood on the central screen, helping drivers to accurately assess road conditions and make the best route choices in a timely manner.
In addition, the all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle offers the exclusive sound of the electric era, releasing off-road passion with unique sound and providing two exclusive special effects sounds, “aura” and “event,” to interact with the driver at the beginning and end of the journey. To truly judge whether an electric vehicle can go off-road, not only must we consider the range and charging capabilities, but also battery safety and rigorous testing are essential. The all-new pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle is equipped with a battery pack with 12 modules and a usable capacity of 116 kWh, providing a range of approximately 570 kilometers under CLTC conditions. At the same time, the vehicle supports a maximum power of 200 kW for DC fast charging, taking only 32 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. The external protective layer of the battery can prevent water, dust, and stone splashing. The underbody protection plate supported by a patented lightweight composite material has high corrosion resistance, weighing only 57.6 kg, one-third of the weight of the same shaped steel and aluminum materials, yet with superior rigidity. In addition, the high-efficiency battery management system composed of a three-layer active cooling system can keep the vehicle at the optimal operating temperature under all conditions.
Of course, friends who like the gasoline version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class don’t need to worry too much. As the G-Class off-road vehicle celebrates its 45th anniversary, the gasoline version G-Class family welcomes the new Mercedes-Benz G 500 and Mercedes-AMG G 63 models. The two new cars have been upgraded in interior, exterior, and power, introducing a new ISG intelligent electric motor system for better acceleration performance and fuel economy improvement.