The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQG: Everything You Need to Know

The icon is going electric. Here’s what we know so far.

By Tyler Duffy, Will Sabel Courtney, and Jack Seemer

Published March 27, 2024

Whether you call it the G-Wagen, the G-Class or the Geländewagen, it’d be hard to argue that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is anything but one of the most capable all-around vehicles on the market. It crams luxury, status and exceptional off-road performance into a single iconic package.

But there’s one thing it can’t do well: consume fuel efficiently. Averaging just 14 mpg combined, the Gelandewagen is one of the worst-polluting passenger vehicles in America.

That’s all about to change. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Concept EQG in Munich in September 2021, and a production version is planned for 2024. The manufacturer also announced its plans to electrify the G550 and G63 for the 2025 model year, adding hybridized powertrains and paving the way for an all-electric future.

Here’s everything we know about the Mercedes-Benz EQG, the electric G-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz EQG snuck into CES, and should arrive in 2024

When Mercedes first revealed the Concept EQG, the brand surrounded the vehicle with sorts of futuristic imagery, as you can see in some of the pictures here. Never

As part of its spread at CES 2024, Mercedes-Benz brought a “G-Class Prototype” that was very clearly meant to be the electric G-Wagen. (If the squared-off faux spare tire cover like the one on the EQG Concept wasn’t enough of a tip-off, the exterior design of a topographic map fading into electronic circuits gives it away.)

The presence of what appears to be a fairly production-ready car at a trade show suggests a formal debut is likely imminent. That’s supported by a 2022 statement by Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola Kallenius, who told Motor Trend that the electric G-Class was planned to enter production in 2024.

Will the Electric G-Class actually be called the EQG?

It’s not entirely clear. EQG is the best bet for now; Mercedes has been using “EQ” branding to delineate its EVs, and Mercedes launched the concept vehicle as the “Concept EQG.” Mercedes also filed trademark applications in Europe for EQG 560 and EQG 580.

But Mercedes is reportedly moving away from EQ branding starting in 2024. Besides, Mercedes also reportedly has plans to branch out “G” into its own sub-brand, perhaps with a baby G crossover. So it’s possible the electric G-Wagen will use a different name than we expect.

The EQG will be based on the internal-combustion G-Class

Mercedes has confirmed that the EQG will be built on a modified version of the combustion G-Class’s steel ladder frame chassis. Emmerich Schiller, CEO of the new “G” sub-brand, described the platform to Autocar as “two skateboards with the same hat on top.”

Expect the EQG to receive a unique front bumper and an illuminated black panel in place of a grille like other EQ vehicles.

The EQG is expected to use a quad-motor drive system

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the EQG will pack a quad-motor system. Each motor will be able to offer high and low-range gearing. The motors will be able to simulate three locking differentials, and the entire power output can be sent to an individual wheel if needed. Compact motor packaging at the front will give the EQG a better turn radius than the combustion G-Class.

Mercedes has not confirmed power outputs or electric range yet. But at least one version should match the G63 for off-road performance and top speed.

The Mercedes EQG will pack next-gen battery tech

Mercedes announced that the G-Wagen will be their first vehicle to offer next-gen battery tech developed with the American firm Sila. The silicon anode chemistry batteries promise a 20-40% improvement in energy density — allowing a manufacturer to get the same range with a smaller pack or more range from a similar-size pack.

The technology should debut as an optional range-extended option for the EQG around “mid-decade.” It’s possible the vehicle could launch without it, given the apparent 2024 arrival.

The EQG isn’t likely to have a rear-mounted spare

The rear-mounted spare tire is a common feature of boxy, body-on-frame off-roaders like the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler and the current Mercedes G-Class.

The Concept EQG does not have one but offers a visual link to the spare wheel cover with a lockable storage box — perfect for storing the charging cable. However, a prototype testing in a Mercedes video did have a functional spare tire.

How much will the Mercedes-Benz EQG cost?

mercedes eqg concept with two radiating aliens standing next to it

Mercedes has not revealed how much the EQG will cost yet. The current G-Wagen starts at $139,900 for the base model and $179,000 for the AMG G 63.

Car and Driver estimates the EQG will start around $150,000. But we wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being significantly more than that.

Technically, the EQG won’t be the first electric G-Wagen

arnold schwarzenegger in an electric g class

There’s at least one electric G-Class already kicking around. Back in 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger paid $1 million to Austrian tuners Kreisel Electric for a custom electric-converted Mercedes G-Class.

Mercedes has also announced changes to the upcoming G550 and G63 for 2025. Both will receive 48-volt hybrid systems, as well as improved aerodynamics — including a new grille, altered A-pillars and a roof-mounted spoiler — that will likely appear on the EQG later this year.