2024-04-24 04:00:00
Graz, a few weeks ago: A few dozen journalists were flown in from all over the world, the strictest secrecy, cellphone and photo bans, you weren’t even allowed to talk regarding it, it was said. At the 100,000 square meter test and adventure site called the G-Class Experience Center near Graz Airport, Mercedes-Benz officials showed the electric G-Class called the Mercedes-Benz G with EQ technology for the first time.
A small hall had been built into an old hall there at first glance. It was the dress rehearsal for today’s world premiere in a gas meter in Beijing, in an artist district in the Chinese capital.
Video: Exclusive insight into the electric Mercedes G
A turning point, not without risk
China is considered one of Mercedes’ core markets, and the margin-generating Mercedes G is at the heart of it. So far, the combustion engine G has produced fantastic profits, but the electric G represents a turning point, and not without risks. According to an EY study (measured by the EBIT margin of 12.8 percent), Mercedes was the most profitable car company in the world in 2023. But not everything has gone according to plan with the new electric cars, especially in China, and therefore EQS is also completely revised.
Today’s world premiere of the electric G takes on a completely different meaning. Also for Magna in Graz, where the car is manufactured. Amid the turmoil surrounding Fisker, the electric G-Class is a beacon of hope. Not only do they produce the SUV, they also developed the technology for the new G with Mercedes. Unconfirmed estimates are that there will be around 45,000 G models (combustion engine and electric version), but for Magna, Mercedes is more than ever needed. to survive. That’s why managing director Ola Källenius’ latest venture at the production site in Graz was so important.
Facts and surprises
But regarding the electric G and the world premiere and the most important facts and surprises: Four electric motors close to the wheels and individually controllable drive the electric G, the total power is 432 kW. The thinking behind it is quite revolutionary terrain and very promising, because with the drive system and highly developed software you save yourself the need for differential locks and solve it all virtually, so to speak – where power is needed, it is allocated to each individual wheel in fractions of a second. This is intended to make driving much easier, even in difficult terrain there are a number of driving modes (terrain, belt drive, etc.) and extra functions. Like G-Turn, which allows you to turn on the spot thanks to the sophisticated electric operation, or G-Steering for a smaller turning circle.
14 times Schöckl with a load
There are only small design features (optional radiator brackets, air curtains, new A-pillar trim, spoiler lip/roof trim) that are intended to help the electric G with fuel consumption and quiet driving. A 116 kWh battery is used as energy storage in the best case, this should give a range of 473 kilometers. This must be proven in the first test runs with Schöckl on the test track with one charge carried out 14 times. Surprising: Mercedes still uses lithium-ion technology and not yet the more modern 800-volt technology, which would have enabled faster charging (max. charging power 200 kW). The curb weight is 3,070 kilograms, and a payload of around 400 kilograms is possible. Prices start at 142,621.50 euros, Edition One comes in at 192,524.15 euros.
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