Mercedes-Benz introduced a slew of stuff at CES, from a brand new AI digital assistant to musical EV sounds developed with Will.I.Am that change as you drive. CES was additionally host to the North American debuts of the Concept CLA and the brand new E-Class, however the one factor that I actually care about is the camouflaged prototype of the upcoming electrical G-Class. First previewed by the EQG idea in 2021, the G-Class EV will go on sale later this 12 months, and Mercedes says will probably be the perfect G-wagen ever made each on-road and off.
To actually exhibit what the electrical G is able to, Mercedes took 4 prototypes out to a closed-off part of the Las Vegas strip in the course of the evening so it may show the “G-Turn” operate, which makes use of the SUV’s 4 electrical motors to do a tank flip, spinning the G-Class round in place. Mercedes says that “G-Turn must not be used on public roads” and that it was developed particularly for off-roading, however my want to do that in the course of Beverly Hills or in line on the drive-thru is simply far too robust. What are you gonna do, arrest me?
Seeing only one G-Class spinning round could be fairly humorous, however to see 4 do it in unison is hilarious. Mercedes says the G-Turn spins the G-Class round 720 levels, however drivers can even be capable of use it to show at 90 levels particularly to extra simply navigate difficult terrain. The G-Turn is activated by urgent a button on the dashboard, like those for the diff lockers, after which holding one of many steering wheel’s paddle shifters. Rivian initially stated its R1T would be capable of do a tank flip, but it surely was scrapped after the corporate decided it may trigger an excessive amount of injury to trails.
Sadly, Mercedes nonetheless hasn’t launched any extra official information on the electrical G, however the prototype on show at CES has a whole lot of particulars to pour over. There are a lot of aerodynamic enhancements to assist eke as a lot vary as potential out of the silicon-anode batteries, like smoother A-pillars and new inlets within the rear fenders, and these mods will make their approach to the gas-powered G-wagens as effectively. The G-Class EV can even have a largely blocked-off grille with an illuminated encompass, new bumper designs and an elective sq. “spare tire carrier” that really is a cargo field for the charging cable. (One of the Gs within the video has a conventional spherical tire provider, so it appears both can be an choice.)
The facelifted G-Class lineup ought to debut within the subsequent few months, with the EV both getting revealed alongside the gas-powered Gs or coming a bit later. The G550 will swap out its V8 engine for Mercedes’ inline-6, whereas the AMG G63 will hold utilizing that wonderful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, although with a brand new 48-volt hybrid system added. Also coming to the G63 is a semi-active hydraulic suspension setup impressed by the one within the new SL, which can exchange the anti-roll bars and be a boon for on-road dealing with and off-road functionality. There’s no phrase but on if the G63 4×4 Squared will proceed to be bought.
There have been rumors lately that Mercedes is phasing out its EQ moniker and design language for its electrical vehicles in favor of extra conventional names and fashions, which appears to be confirmed by this prototype. While the idea was referred to as the EQG, the prototype G at CES is simply referred to as “the electric G-Class.” The manufacturing automobile may very well be referred to as one thing like G550e, or perhaps simply G550 EV. Mercedes additionally lately introduced that it’s engaged on an electrical “little G” mannequin that can slot in beneath the traditional G-wagen.
Just know that if you happen to see me driving the electrical G round, that is what I’m listening to:
Source: jalopnik.com