The concept model of the Mercedes-Benz EQG appeared last fall, and now the production date is set for this new electric luxury SUV.
The new EQG is the electrified replacement for the venerable G-Wagen. Since 1979, the boxy shape of the G-Wagen has been part of our driving world. The military shape of this SUV, coupled with the luxury features from Mercedes-Benz, makes this vehicle an intriguing model for anyone willing to spend the money. When you want serious luxury off-roading, and you want an electric vehicle, you’ll want to wait to see what the EQG brings to the market.
When Will the new EQG Arrive?
This new electric Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV arrives for the 2024 model year. This news came amid skepticism that the brand would build such a vehicle. When the concept model appeared at the Munich Auto Show in September, authorities from the brand offices stated that it is a “near-production study” of the vehicle and could easily be ready for production within a short time. We might expect to see it in a few years after the models sharing a platform showed up, but the brand is ready to electrify the G-Wagen, and 2024 is the date.
A New Production Line in Tuscaloosa
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama Mercedes-Benz plant will make room for the new EQG after two other models make it to the market. The first of these two is the new EQS SUV which is the SUV version of the current EQS sedan we have now. This model is followed by the EQE SUV, and then we’ll see the EQG. This order of business makes sense, the EQE and EQS SUV share a platform with the current EQS sedan, but the EQG will ride on its own platform.
The Battery Facility is Nearby
Recently, a new battery facility opened in Bibb County, Alabama, to supply the electrified Mercedes-Benz lineup with the necessary batteries. This facility increased the number of jobs in the area by 600 and gave this brand a unique location in this state. Instead of sourcing batteries from overseas or several states away, the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles have batteries made locally. This new facility, coupled with the assembly plant, allows this brand to build and sell vehicles locally. If you thought the Mercedes-Benz vehicles were strictly made in Germany, think again. Most of these models are built in the market in which they are sold.
Why can’t the EQG Use the Same Platform as the Other Electric Models?
To retain the build, style, and bodywork we’ve come to know as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, a separate platform must be used to give this vehicle what we want. The other models use the current EVA2 architecture, and we know of the new dedicated EV platforms coming for this brand, but those are still in development. Instead of using one of these other platforms, the EQG has a dedicated build that gives it the qualities we desire in a large and boxy SUV.
Various Platforms Arriving for this Brand
Mercedes-Benz plans to be an entirely electric brand by 2030. Midsize and larger electric vehicle models arriving later will use the MB.EA platform, which is different from the current EVA2 used for the EQS, EQS SUV, and EQE. After that, a performance platform is planned, which is called AMG.EA. This performance platform should arrive by the second half of 2025. There’s also going to be a platform specifically for commercial vans called the VAN.EA platform. We don’t stop there; eventually, the smaller models will use a platform called MMA, which should arrive by the middle of the decade.
Even with all of these platforms, the G-Class EV will venture on its own. The new EQG uses a dedicated platform made for this large and impressive SUV.
What Might Arrive from the Concept Model?
The Mercedes-Benz EQG electric luxury SUV came to the Munich Show in a recognizable form. This boxy and upright SUV is easy to understand with its electric powertrain. The front of the vehicle replaces the traditional grille with a panel illuminated with three-pointed stars and an electric design. Other than this new build, we see a vehicle that closely resembles the G-Wagen. This would be true even if you pull one from 1979 to set it next to the EQG.
There Should be Lots of Power
The new concept model of this SUV has an electric motor at each of the four wheels and a two-speed gearbox. It’s possible this electric SUV will use the same battery pack as the current EQS. This item is a 107.8 kWh battery pack. We might see a need for more aerodynamics to ensure we can have the most driving distance from the batteries and driving system. If this electric version of the G-Wagen follows the normal path, it will have lots of power going to all four wheels.
Rugged on the Outside, Luxury on the Inside
The concept model of the Mercedes-Benz EQG gave us the build we know. The cabin of this concept provided a cabin with a contrasting black and white luxury-laden cabin. Every surface has smooth and impressive white leather to give you a clean and upscale appearance. The large boxy shale means you’ll have a comfortable place to enjoy the drive when this SUV arrives. We certainly hope the production model of this SUV will resemble the concept version that arrived in Munich last September.
The New G-Wagen Could be the Cornerstone of the Brand
Although the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is a vehicle sold in small numbers, it’s always been at the top of the lineup. This SUV offers a boxy shape and upright stance we admire. This big and bold SUV is the biggest and most expensive luxury SUV in the lineup. Now that Mercedes-Benz is going electric, it only makes sense that we have an electrified version of the G-Wagen. This new model is called the EQG, which should offer tons of power, performance, advanced electronics, and futuristic technology. It will maintain the same large and boxy shape we have admired from the G-Wagen since it first appeared.
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