- Mercedes-Benz revealed that its upcoming electric G-class SUV, previewed by last year’s EQG concept, will be able to do a “tank turn.”
- In the video, the EQG uses its four electric motors to spin 360 degrees on its own axis.
- The EQG is expected to arrive for the 2024 model year.
Mercedes-Benz has ambitious electrification plans, having already launched the EQB crossover, EQS luxury sedan, smaller EQE sedan, and EQS SUV. Eventually, even the boxy G-class—not exactly known for its eco-friendliness with its 577-hp V-8 AMG G63 model—will spawn an electric variant. Mercedes previewed the electric G-class last year with the flashy EQG concept but revealed very little about the off-roader's mechanical components. Now Mercedes has given a taste of what the production version of the EQG will be capable of by showing off one of its party tricks, the G-turn, during a recent conference.
Mercedes-BenzCar and Driver
If you remember the “tank turn” that Rivian showed off in 2019, the G-turn will look very familiar. The EQG features four electric motors, with one powering each wheel, and uses these motors to spin the SUV in place by turning the wheels on one side of the vehicle in the opposite direction from the wheels on the other side. The video shows a camouflaged prototype rotating 360 degrees on its own axis on a patch of dirt, with this shtick likely only to work off the pavement. Rivian has yet to include the tank-turn function in the production R1T, but with the EQG not expected to arrive until 2024, Mercedes has some time to work out the kinks.
During the conference, Mercedes also revealed that the EQG will ride on an independent front suspension, with a rigid rear axle that will be developed exclusively for electric vehicles. The EQG will also be offered with a lithium-ion battery that uses a silicon anode chemistry to boost energy density and therefore range. The EQG is due for the 2024 model year, so more details on the electrified off-road icon should continue to trickle out in the next couple of years.
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