Mercedes-Benz seems to be developing an all-electric version of the ever-popular G-Class, as evidenced by patent applications recently made with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on April 1, 2021. The German car brand filed to patent the names ‘EQG 580’ and ‘EQG 560’ and while no official details about these models have been confirmed, their names suggest that they could have the same powertrain configurations as the forthcoming EQS.
As such, the EQG 580 will likely feature
electric motors both front and rear that provide four-wheel drive and include a
torque shift function that continuously distributes power between the front and
rear axles. The ‘580’ powertrain of the EQS will deliver 516 hp and 611 lb-ft (828
Nm) and the same figures can be expected for the EQG 580.
Car Sales notes that Mercedes-Benz will
ensure that just like the ICE-powered G-Class, the all-electric variant will
include three-locking differentials. It remains to be seen if the electric G-Class
will have a modified version of the ladder-frame chassis used by the current
G-Class or if it will shift to the company’s new EVA architecture.
Whatever the case may be, the vehicle has
the potential to be a legitimate rival to flagship variants of the GMC Hummer
EV SUV and might even be more capable than the current ICE-powered G-Class.
While Daimler chief executive Ola Kallenius has previously admitted that an
electric G-Class was inevitable, he has not specified just when it will be
launched.
