The classic EV SUV based on the G-Class will be as powerful as the G 63 AMG and feature a unique G-Turn function.
Mercedes-Benz has begun endurance testing of the upcoming EQG EV SUV, based on WOOD Grade terrain vehicles. The brand is using a series of prototype SUVs that it announced as completing two years of its four-year engineering program.
- EQG will be based on W463 G-Class
- Will be made in Austria
- The EV powertrain will have four electronic motors
EQG is preview as a concept last year at the Munich Motor Show, and will become the ninth dedicated electric vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The electric G-Class opens a whole new chapter in the electrification of the traditional heavy-duty off-road vehicle, which has been a mainstay of the German automaker’s product line since 1979.
Its CEO, Emmerich Schiller, said that the EQG is also considered the technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz’s newly created G (for Geländewagen) sub-brand.
Mercedes-Benz EQG: chassis
Based on the latest version of the G-Class – codenamed W463 – the EQG is built on a modified version of the steel ladder chassis used by the internal combustion engine models and will be built created with the following model at our partner Magna Steyr’s factory in Graz, Austria.
Early prototypes confirm that the EQG will retain the same distinctive squarish exterior styling as other existing G-Class models. Although camouflaged, they feature standard body panels along with a few small but unique details, as hinted at by the previous concept, including a redesigned front bumper and an empty grille.
Unlike other Mercedes-Benz EQ models, there is no front luggage compartment or trunk in the EQG. The charging cable will be stowed away in a locked box, similar to what was previewed in the concept, and will be mounted on the side-opening rear trunk in place of the spare tire.
At the heart of EQG’s technical development is a new electric powertrain consisting of four electric motors – one that powers each wheel. Unique among Mercedes-Benz’s current EQ models, it is similar to the SLS’ E-Cell, which was produced in limited numbers by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance car division in 2013. Four-way layout The engine is also used by the American electric car starter -up Rivian for the R1 . SUV and pickup.
The front electric motors are mounted low on each side of the shaft. The rear electric motors are more integrated inside the newly developed de Dion-style rear axle conceived specifically for the EQG and chosen to provide “good traction and suspension flexibility.” . Each electric motor can provide individual drive to each wheel through a mechanical two-speed gearbox, providing both high and low gears.
Mercedes-Benz EQG: terrain technology
Mercedes-Benz is holding back from disclosing power and torque figures for its latest electric model. However, the company does hint that there will be various models with different outputs, including an AMG flagship, matching the performance of the existing 577hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Mercedes-AMG G63 4Matic.
Along with the traditional on-road driving modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport), the new G-Class will offer three off-road modes – Trail, Rock and Sand. An additional creeper mode allows the driver to set a predetermined speed before off-road driving.
To aid off-road performance, the four electric motors can also simulate the three locking differentials (one on each axle and one in the transmission) of the internal combustion engine G-Class models. In extreme conditions, the collective drive can be switched to a single wheel to maintain traction and ensure progress.
In addition, the so-called G-Turn function, activated by a button mounted on the dashboard, causes the electric motors on one side to turn the wheels forward and the motors on the opposite side to turn the wheels. wheels in the opposite direction, allowing the EQG to perform on the road – the tank rotates 360 degrees. The driver can choose to turn left or right through the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The compact encapsulation of the front electric motors in the front axle allows the front wheels to have a greater angle of rotation, resulting in revs that are described as “significantly better” than those of the internal-combustion-engine G-Class. other.
Mercedes-Benz EQG: battery
The new path is associated with a floor mounted battery and under the back seat. The lithium-ion unit, with a usable energy capacity that Mercedes-Benz puts at “about 100kWh”, shares its cell technology with The concept of EXX. A new silicon anode is claimed to increase energy density and efficiency far beyond those used by the newly announced battery. balance and SUV EQSwhile helping to reduce overall weight and size.
As in other Mercedes-Benz EQ models, the regenerative system enables the harvesting of kinetic energy in three different steps – D+, D and D-.
To protect the battery in harsh off-road driving conditions, the battery is housed in a sturdy sealed case that helps the EQG wade through deep water. The steel case also receives an additional layer of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer compound for protection from rock and other impacts.
One advantage of mounting the battery in the floor is that the EQG’s center of gravity is significantly lower than that of the G-Class, despite the weight compromise. Below, the double wishbone front suspension and the rear wishbone rear suspension use the same link points as the internal combustion engine G-Class models.
Mercedes-Benz isn’t quite ready to say too much about factors like ground clearance or approach, departure and passing corners, though they reckon the EQG won’t just be suitable for powered G-Class models. diesel and gasoline on off-road conditions, but, in certain situations, outperform them.
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