launched a truly wild G-Class concept in 2012. The shocking concept was named Ener-G-Force. The idea was to make a G-Wagen that could exist in 2025 if the model managed to survive that long period. Of course, we now know that it shows no sign of slowing down. However, the G-Class is likely to see some big changes over the next couple of years. Could this G-Class concept play a role?
What is the next Mercedes G-Class?
The likelihood that the next G-Class will look like this 2012 moon buggy isn’t great. However, the designers of this concept got one part right. They assumed the G-Class would be smaller, which the Mercedes CEO recently suggested may actually be the case.
, may not be called GLG and will probably have different basis. It will no longer be on the old-school body-on-frame chassis. Instead, rumors suggest it will get Mercedes’ new MMA architecture which is expected to debut in 2024. This same chassis will be used for the shooting brake, GLA and GLB.
Will the next Mercedes G-Wagen be a real SUV?
Based on this underpinning change, it appears the next-generation G-Wagen will transform into a unibody crossover, something much smaller than what we have now; think Bronco Sport versus Bronco. Motor1 points out that, like the , the new, smaller G-Wagen will likely get an efficiency boost but lose a significant portion of its legendary off-road prowess. This would likely be due to the lower ground clearance and ground clearance.
Christoph Starzynski, vice president of development for electric drive, told Motor1 that this new MMA platform will be Merc’s first EV platform. It won’t just be for electric vehicles, however. That could mean the little G-Wagen could be in ICE or electric, maybe even both.
What would an electric Mercedes G-Class look like?
With any luck, Mercedes would take some cues from the wild 2012 Mercedes G-Class concept. It sure has the mojo. As for how the EV platform works, Motor1 says “MMA is designed to support 800V for fast charging, better batteries and new MB.OS software for cars that will be at least 4.5 meters (177 inches) long. “
Unlike the current G-Wagen, this baby G is more likely to fall into the “entry luxury” category, given its size.
Are SUVs going away?
That might seem like a silly question given the huge popularity of proper SUVs. However, the trend is moving towards more unibody crossovers. Sure, the Bronco is popular, but the Bronco Sport still exists alongside it. Crossovers are dotting our streets en masse these days. True body-on-frame trucks and SUVs are disappearing fast. While this dated G-Wagen concept is extremely cool, the loss of the old-school G-Wagen will hurt. It’s just another real 4×4 headed for the pasture, and that pasture is filling up quite a lot.
