Mercedes-Benz Announces Electric G-Class
Sascha Pallenberg, Daimler’s Head of “Digital Transformation,” shared a quote from CEO Ola Källenius issued at this year’s Automobilwoche Kongress, saying Mercedes-Benz is planning to manufacture an electric G-Class.
“There will be a zero-emission EV version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In the past there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model, the way I see things now I’d say the last Mercedes to be built will be a G-Class,” Källenius said.
Using current battery technologies, this seems idiotic. The G-Class already outweighs pretty much every EV on the market this author can think of and it’s only going to get heavier once it’s lugging around a gigantic battery pack. The lightest G-Wagon tips the scales at 5,550 pounds. Another thousand wouldn’t be out of the question if Daimler expects it to have a truly competitive range. The model is just too heavy and has the aerodynamics of an open parachute.
But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The G’s clientele often have more money than sense and zero-emission vehicles are pretty in with the Hollywood crowd these days. Maybe this will become the next Toyota Prius. Just don’t point out that a three-ton electric isn’t likely to be the most energy-efficient vehicle unless you’re ready for an argument with someone above your pay grade.
However, that presumes the GE-Class… EQG-Wagen (?) … whatever they call it, will be a production vehicle. We could just as easily see Mercedes using it as a way to showcase MB’s newest technologies at trade events. Alternatively, the manufacturer could make it hydrogen powered and sell it in isolated areas as a compliance model. Källenius never specified anything other than it being a zero-emission vehicle.
Due to the preliminary nature of this announcement, we figure the EV is likely in the very earliest stages of development. Don’t expect to see an electric G-Class ready for purchase for at least a couple of years. Also, don’t assume Mercedes-Benz will take an axe to the gas-powered version. Going all-electric (or hydrogen) is a huge gamble for the model, and Daimler will want to hedge its bets.
CEO Källenius: ”There will be a zero-emission version of the G-Class. In the past there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model, the way I see things now I'd say the last Mercedes to be built will be a G-Class" pic.twitter.com/tAS6tzpR3Y
— Sascha Pallenberg 潘賞世 (@sascha_p) November 7, 2019
[Image: Daimler AG]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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It bothers me no end that it's considered ok to call EVs 'zero-emission'. That's 100% a straight-up lie. This one is not only clearly not 'zero-emission', but how much will it weigh, 3 tons?
You're missing the point; there are a few city centers in the world where non-hybrid cars are banned from entering, and those city centers happen to be places where you go to be seen. The G-Wagen clientele cannot be seen without their rig, so an electric G would allow them to cruise right on in with a side bonus of virtue signaling.