A young British company has opted to retrofit an older model. The renowned 4×4 from the German brand, produced between 1979 and 2001, now has an electric version.
A high-quality retrofitted G-Class
This innovation comes from Arcade Cars, a start-up focused on the electrification of traditional vehicles. The retrofitted version of the Mercedes G-Class boasts a powertrain supplied by Everatti and was unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2024. This electric iteration of the classic G-Class is named Sojourn. If you’re interested, the model is currently available for order, although only a limited number will be produced.
Arcade Cars is a British company that is starting to gain recognition in the retrofitting field. Founded in 2023 by Rishav Kanoria and Felix Timmer, both automotive enthusiasts with strong industry connections, the company’s mission is to “develop unique vehicles to enhance the offerings available in the classic car market“. The firm focuses on acquiring vintage military vehicles.
240 km of autonomy for the classic 4×4
In this instance, Arcade Cars has worked on an earlier version of the Mercedes G-Class, one that was manufactured from 1979 to 2001. The 4×4 has evolved through the decades and is poised for a new release with a fully electric engine: the G 580 EQ. While we await the launch of this new model, the G-Class is already receiving upgrades. It appears that Everatti and Arcade Cars have put considerable effort into this project.
The retrofit includes a 55 kWh battery and an electric motor that delivers 150 hp and 300 Nm of torque. In this configuration, the 4×4 promises a range of 240 km, which is impressive considering its weight and design. Arcade Cars notes that the Sojourn will be highly customizable, likely adapting to each customer’s preferences, including the seating capacity.
The allure of classic design paired with electric benefits
For instance, customers can opt for the original 8-seater configuration of the G-Class, which features a long bench seat, or choose a 6-seater layout. The latter consists of 2 bucket seats in the front, 2 jump seats for mid-row passengers, and 2 folding seats in the back. Rishav Kanoria, the company’s CEO, states, “We are all passionate about vehicles from past eras and we believe they deserve a second life.“
He further adds that he is “pleased to have collaborated with Everrati, whose powertrains are now a benchmark in the automotive industry.” According to him, “The electric version of our G-Class merges the charm of a classic vehicle with the benefits of electromobility, offering our customers a unique driving experience while enjoying contemporary advantages such as a quieter and more eco-friendly vehicle.“
Anticipating the G 580 EQ…
The Sojourn is also equipped with a touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At Pebble Beach, the model garnered substantial interest. Although the exact number of units to be produced is unclear, Arcade Cars has announced that the first customer deliveries are expected to commence by the end of 2024. The price for the retrofitted G-Class starts at $130,000.
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This price is nearly the same as that of the upcoming G 580 EQ, which will start at 142,000 euros. The future model from the German brand will feature a function that its predecessor may never match. Dubbed “G-Turn“, this technology enables the vehicle to rotate in place. Additionally, its engine will be significantly more powerful, as the 2025 G-Class promises 587 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
Electric Transformation: The Retrofitted Mercedes G-Class by Arcade Cars
A young British company has taken an iconic model and breathed new life into it by retrofitting the famous 4×4 of the German brand manufactured from 1979 to 2001, transforming it into an electric vehicle.
A Quality Retrofitted G-Class
Meet the Sojourn, a retrofitted version of the Mercedes G-Class brought to life by Arcade Cars, a start-up dedicated to the electrification of classic vehicles. This stunning transformation, unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2024, features a powertrain supplied by Everatti. Customers can now place orders to secure one of the limited few units produced.
Founded in 2023 by automotive enthusiasts Rishav Kanoria and Felix Timmer, Arcade Cars is on a mission to create unique vehicles that enhance the classic car market. They focus particularly on the electrification of vintage military vehicles.
240 km of Autonomy for the Old 4×4
The Sojourn is based on the classic G-Class model produced between 1979 and 2001. As we anticipate the upcoming fully electric version, the G 580 EQ, the retrofitted G-Class already stands out with impressive specifications. The Sojourn is powered by a 55 kWh battery paired with an electric motor that delivers 150 hp and generates 300 Nm of torque, promising a range of 240 km.
Given the vehicle’s age and weight, the anticipated range is commendable. Notably, the Sojourn is fully customizable to meet individual preferences, including various seating configurations to enhance passenger comfort.
The Charm of a Classic with the Advantages of Electric
Customers have options when it comes to seating arrangements. They can select an original 8-seater configuration, featuring a long bench seat, or a more versatile 6-seater option. The latter includes two bucket seats in the front, two jump seats in the middle, and two folding seats in the rear, catering to different needs and lifestyles.
Rishav Kanoria, CEO of Arcade Cars, emphasizes the passion behind their work: “We believe classic cars deserve another life.” He expresses pride in collaborating with Everatti, known for their outstanding powertrains. According to him, the electric version combines the charm of a vintage vehicle with the contemporary benefits of electromobility—resulting in a distinctive driving experience that is both quieter and more environmentally friendly.
Modern Features for a Classic Ride
The retrofitted G-Class not only boasts classic aesthetics but also modern technology. It features a touchscreen display with compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a blend of nostalgia and modern usability. This contrast is appealing to a generation that values heritage but seeks modern convenience.
First impressions at Pebble Beach indicate that the Sojourn may be hitting the right notes with car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Pricing and Availability
Interested buyers should note that production numbers are limited, with the first deliveries expected by the end of 2024. The starting price for the retrofitted G-Class is set at $130,000. Interestingly, this is quite competitive considering the upcoming G 580 EQ, which is expected to start at around €142,000.
G 580 EQ Features and Innovations
| Feature | Sojourn | G 580 EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 150 hp | 587 hp |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | N/A | 4.7 seconds |
| Range | 240 km | Unknown |
| Starting Price | $130,000 | €142,000 |
Innovative Features of G 580 EQ
The upcoming G 580 EQ will introduce a unique feature called “G-Turn,” enabling the vehicle to turn on itself. This advancement reflects a new era of automotive technology that the older variant cannot compete with.
The 2025 G-Class promises not just power but a sophisticated approach to modern luxury vehicles, making the transition from classic to contemporary all the more fascinating.
