Production spec Mercedes EQG to make global debut on April 24

Mercedes will reveal the long-awaited final production version of the electric G-Class at the Beijing motor show later this month. Previously known as the EQG concept and showcased in our country under that name earlier this year, the electric 4x4 will be sold as the G580 with EQ Technology after it launches in India later this year, following its reveal on April 24 at Auto China.

1. Electric G-Class will not get a ‘frunk’
2. G580 likely to get roughly 100kWh battery; about 350km real-world range
3. Unique 4x4 tech to enable it to be as capable off-road as its ICE counterpart

Mercedes G580: design highlights

It will be Mercedes-Benz’s ninth dedicated electric model, kicking off a whole new chapter of electrification for the traditional hardcore off-roader, a mainstay of the German car maker’s line-up since 1979. The electric G-Glass is also earmarked to act as a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz’s newly created G (for Gelandewagen) sub-brand, promising what G brand boss Emmerich Schiller describes as an “unparalleled combination of luxury and off-road ability for electric vehicles”.

He said: “From the start, it was decided the electric G-Class should be at least as good as the internal-combustion-engine model both on road and off road. We didn’t want to compromise on capabilities.” Based on the latest iteration of the G-Class – codenamed and known within Mercedes-Benz engineering circles as W463 – it builds off a modified version of the steel ladder-frame chassis used by internal-combustion-engine (ICE) models, alongside which it will be produced at long-time partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

Early road-going prototypes confirm it will retain the same characteristic square-rigged exterior styling as other existing G-Class models. Although disguised, they feature standard body panels together with a number of small but unique details, as hinted at on the earlier concept, including a new-look front bumper and a blanked-off grille.

“We have two skateboards with the same hat on top,” said Schiller, in reference to the ladder-frame chassis and familiar G-Class styling. “As with the internal-combustion-engine models, the body is connected to the ladder frame at