The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is getting an electrical sibling referred to as the EQG, and final week the corporate confirmed some details about its powertrain.

At a media drive for the 2024 S 63 E Efficiency, Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, stated, “we’ll mount 4 electrical motors very near the wheels simply to verify the off-road capabilities, once more, are raised to a different stage.”

Schiebe additionally stated the EQG will likely be accessible subsequent yr. Earlier stories advised it may come late this yr.

The EQG has been rumored to have 4 electrical motors because it debuted because the EQG Idea in 2021. The idea had 4 motors close to the wheels, in addition to a 2-speed switch case for off-road gear discount. Nevertheless, this information confirms there will likely be 4 electrical motors close to the wheels, although Schiebe made no point out of a 2-speed gearbox.

The information signifies the EQC may have in-wheel hub motors just like the Lordstown Endurance electrical pickup truck. Nevertheless, there was no indication that Mercedes is engaged on hub motors. Hub motors would saddle the EQG with unsprung weight on the wheels, which is a detriment to experience high quality.

The EQG may use the model’s new axial flux motors, which it confirmed on the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven supercar idea proven final week. Mercedes is engaged on these motors and Shiebe stated they weigh a 3rd of what a radial flux motor weighs, take up a 3rd of the house, and are extra environment friendly. Lucid makes use of axial flux motors; every is able to producing as much as 670 hp and is smaller in measurement than the motors in a lot of the competitors.

Autos such because the Rivian R1S and R1T, which additionally boast loads of off-road prowess, even have 4 motors. These motors are situated in-board on every axle, sitting subsequent to one another within the middle of the automobile. It sounds just like the Mercedes answer may cut up the distinction.

Mercedes-Benz EQG prototype

Final yr, Mercedes launched a video of an EQG prototype finishing a so-called “G flip” during which it spun in place. A Rivian R1T prototype made the identical sort of flip, although it was referred to as a “tank flip,” and it was enabled by spinning the motors on every axle in reverse instructions. Rivian has since canceled improvement of that characteristic.

Mercedes has not launched data on how a lot energy the motors will make or how massive the battery pack will likely be. Nevertheless, the corporate has stated the EQG may have all of the off-road functionality of the gas-powered G-Class. The exact management of the ability supplied by an electrical powertrain and the person management afforded by 4 motors point out it may make it much more succesful.