Video: Forget J-turns, the Mercedes EQG Can Do Donuts Around The Same Spot In A 'Tank Turn'

Mercedes-Benz will debut the all-electric G-wagen, the EQG, in 2024. Similar to the existing G-Class SUV, the EQG will be underpinned by a ladder frame chassis, with four independent electric motors instead of dual axle-mounted motors commonly found in all-wheel-drive (AWD) electric vehicles (EVs). Four motors that will allow the SUV to spin on its vertical axis like a tank, as you can observe in the video below: 

How can the Mercedes EQG turn like a tank? 

The EQG has independent electric motors mounted at each wheel that can turn at varying speeds to maintain traction in off-road conditions. The ‘tank turn’ or ‘G-turn’, as Mercedes calls it, is made possible by spinning the wheels on each side of the car in opposite directions. In the video, the front and rear wheels on the left side spin in reverse, while those on the right side spin forward. This allows the electric SUV to spin around anti-clockwise on the spot. 

Mercedes had announced at the unveiling of the EQG concept EV that it’ll have independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear to keep the G-wagen’s off-road legacy intact. It’ll also have a 2-speed gearbox with a low-range gear setting for more challenging off-road trails. 

We don’t know much else about the SUV, except that it’ll be tested on the Schöckl mountain trail in Graz, Austria. It’ll face gradients as steep as 60 degrees on the 5.6km long trail to achieve the “Schöckl proved” certificate. 

Also read: 

• Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG (Electric G-Class) Unveiled At 2021 Munich Motor Show

• Mercedes-Benz EQS Luxury Electric SUV Unveiled With 544PS Powertrain

The Mercedes-Benz EQG will join the carmaker’s all-electric “EQ” lineup in 2024. If the teaser video is anything to go by, it’ll feature an exterior that’s largely similar to the existing G-Class SUV, albeit with an all-electric powertrain underneath. It’s likely to be offered in India, but it’ll probably carry a much steeper price tag than the G-Class, which retails from Rs 1.72 crore onwards (ex-showroom, pan-India).