Mercedes’ G-class SUV could be electrified next year as a model for 2025, which will cause a lot of grumbling from traditionalists. The survival of the iconoclastic SUV depends, as always, on its evolution in line with current technology. According to the brand’s EQG concept, the production model will closely resemble modern gas-burning G -wagons. This means it will look and perform like a glitzy ‘box on wheels’ on any terrain.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQG Review
The EV’s details are limited. We do know that it will have a body-on-frame layout, with independent front suspension and a rear axle. Mercedes describes a “G-turn” as a development mule rotating around its axis in the dirt. This video suggests that each wheel will be powered by an electric motor.
Engine
It is safe to assume that despite the extra few hundred pounds, there will be a combined output of between 500 and 600 horsepower, as well as a range of at least 250 miles. The last G63 we tested, with 577 hp, weighed in at close to 5800 lbs and reached 60 mph within 3.8 seconds. Unfortunately, the G’s current V-8 rumble won’t be retained in the electric conversion.
Interior
The pictures reveal a new steering wheel that looks similar to the AMG Performance wheel with a double-spoke design. This could be an option in the AMG Line and AMG variant. The climate control unit is cleaner and looks like the A-Class or CLA’s but with different knobs. The touchpad looks larger and slimmer.
The EQG production model has a G-Turn switch instead of the rear differential lock switch on the G-Class. This feature is explained in the following section. The switch (in the middle) allows low-range gearing. This is useful when using the ‘Creeper drive mode’, which is a low-speed cruise control for off-roading. Later, we’ll talk more about that. The electric model, on its left side, has an additional switch that seems to be a party trick. InsideEVs was told to wait until another day when it asked about the switch last year while driving an EQG prototype.
Battery and Range
Dr. Schiller stated that the EQG, like the Mercedes Vision EQXX, will have a battery pack that has an energy storage capability of approximately 100 kWh. Dr. Schiller said that we’re talking about an entirely new battery pack, with a high energy density. This will require high silicon content cells.
Sila Nanotechnologies, on April 4, 2023, announced Titan Silicon as a nanocomposite anode. Titan Silicon, the company stated, is the answer to boosting EV performance. The company claimed that graphite anodes, simple silicon compounds (SiO, SiO2, SiO2), for Li-ion batteries, have reached their peak. The company claims that the new silicon anode will improve the range of EVs by up to 20% – potentially an increase of 100 miles in some models. It also claims it can reduce charging times from 60 minutes down to 20 minutes.
Bloomberg reported that the Mercedes EQG would feature Titan Silicon anodes the same day Sila Nanotechnologies announced the news. It’s not surprising that the American company for next-generation batteries and the German automaker announced their partnership to supply the anodes of the electric off-roader battery.
Sila Nanotechnologies announced on May 17, 2022, that the battery for the G-Class all-electric vehicle will be Sila’s Silicon Anode Chemistry. In a joint statement, the two companies stated that this technology would enable a 20-40% improvement in energy density and reach more than 800Wh/l on a cellular level. According to Kallenius, the EQG battery would be the most densely packed in a car.
Mercedes-Benz will not need to use large batteries to achieve the required range. Sila Nanotechnologies’ futuristic anode allows for more energy to be stored in the same amount of space. This will increase the range without adding additional weight.
Sila Nanotechnologies, a Washington State-based company, will manufacture the advanced silicon anode material using only clean energy. Mercedes-Benz G was announced as the first customer. The EQG is a heavy SUV with a frame. A battery that has a higher energy density will be the best option. Mercedes-Benz will likely ensure that the EQG can travel over 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a charge. The EQG has three levels of regenerative braking – D+, D, and D-.
A report published by JESMB on May 4, 2023 states that the G-Class Electric Vehicle will come with two types of battery packs. The first variant will use the Titan Silicon anode. However, no information is available on the second variant’s type of battery or its energy storage capacity. The second option may be a unit less advanced that can be produced in large quantities and without interruptions. The range may be reduced if the unit is not as energy-efficient. Mercedes-Benz could price the EQG at a lower level.
In the JESMB report, it is also stated that the battery pack for the EQG would be integrated into the ladder frame. The battery pack will be secured by carbon fiber and protected by steel 3.4 mm thick. No word yet on the rate of charging or time. A prototype battery pack was seen by a German publication charging at 80 kW, even though it had reached 90 kWh.
Towing
Mercedes-Benz G is not happy to share the news with those who are curious about the EQG’s towing capability. According to a report on Australia Drive published on November 23, 2022, the EQG will not be tow-rated. According to Dr. Schiller, towing will have a major impact on the range of the vehicle. The company is not sure if the initial generation will offer it.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQG Release Date & Price
The EQG will likely be available as a model for 2025 in 2024. It is likely to be manufactured by Magna Steyr at its Graz facility, Austria, a contract producer that builds the G-Class.
The price of the electric EQG has yet to be revealed. However, we can assume that the base model’s starting price will be around $150,000 at launch in 2024. The 2022 G-Class starts at $132,800 including the $1,050 fee for destination, while the high-performance AMG G-Class SUV starts at $157.500 (including the $1,050 fee for destination).