Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen To Be Electrified In 2024

• Exteriors could have a closed-off front grille and retain signature G-Wagen elements, such as exposed door hinges and door handles, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and wing top indicators.

• Electric powertrain setup is expected to include a 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drivetrain, a ladder-frame chassis and a dedicated off-road mode. 

• It is yet to be determined whether the G-Class EV will be an all-new product or simply an electric iteration of the current model.

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled its strategy for the decade which includes several electric models in the pipeline. One of the confirmed models is the all-electric iteration of the legendary G-Class (EQG), which will debut in 2024.

Details of the electrified  G-Wagen are pretty scarce, in fact, we don’t even know whether it’ll be an all-new product like the EQ model range or simply an electric version of the current model. But we think Mercedes will continue to honour the 40-year tradition of the brawny SUV with bits such as exposed door hinges and door handles, tailgate-mounted spare, and wing top indicators. We expect the electric G-Class to also feature a closed-off grille and different inserts for distinction.

On the inside, the SUV could feature a similar dashboard setup to the S Class sedan, which includes a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.8-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system. The carmaker did announce a new MB.OS operating system that will come standard on its future models. But we think Mercedes will roll out this operating system only once it launches its three new dedicated EV platforms, planned from 2025 onwards.

The current internal combustion-engined G-Class range in India features the flagship G63 AMG, boasting a bonkers 4.0-litre bi-turbo AMG V8 that develops 585PS and 850Nm. The other option is the G 350d trim, sporting an OM656 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, making 286PS of maximum power and 600Nm of torque. Technical details are yet to surface, but the carmaker did reveal that future AMG EVs will get an axial flux motor for their powertrains. We also expect it to get the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drivetrain and retain off-road goodies, such as a ladder-frame chassis, and a dedicated off-road mode. 

In India, Mercedes retails the G-Class at prices starting from Rs 1.64 crore (ex-showroom). Since the G-Class is set to be electrified in markets abroad by 2024, expect a longer wait in India. While there’s no direct rival to the G-Class, the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender are the closest in terms of off-road prowess.