--- title: "The Mercedes G-Wagen EV Has Party Tricks That Hint at a Super Off-Road Powertrain" description: "What's in the middle of that dust devil created by four independent electric motors is actually very powerful and very new." date: "2022-11-22" modified: "2022-11-22" authors: - name: "James Gilboy" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-mercedes-g-wagen-ev-has-party-tricks-that-hint-at-a-super-off-road-powertrain" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # The Mercedes G-Wagen EV Has Party Tricks That Hint at a Super Off-Road Powertrain ![]() *\Edmunds\* Mercedes' teaser of a spinning electric [G-Wagen]() prototype earlier this year gave us a taste of what its electric off-road SUV can do. Now, we have a better idea of its capabilities, thanks to more insight about the technical makeup of the G-Wagen EV prototype. Said insight comes courtesy of *[Edmunds]()*, which posted a video of a next-generation, electric *Geländewagen* prototype. The Mercedes EQG, [as it's expected to be called](), was first shown [rotating in place]() in May—all but confirming a four-motor setup. Much of the SUV's makeup remained mysterious, however, until Mercedes officials detailed these EVs' construction during a ridealong. https://twitter.com/edmunds/status/1594830821613084675 At the event, Mercedes reportedly confirmed the EQG rides on a ladder chassis like the conventional G, rather than the unibody platform of current EQ models. Tucking its batteries into its frame apparently makes it more rigid than the ICE model, never mind what it does for the center of gravity. That'll be useful for the tall EQG both on the road and off it, whether scaling a steep incline or merely traversing across it. As for the batteries themselves, they reportedly have a new, high-density chemistry that improves range. But as with all EVs, those batteries are heavy and estimated to push the G's curb weight into the mid-upper 6,000-pound range. For a drivetrain, these prototypes use a quad-motor setup as expected, along with a shiftable 2-speed transmission. That'll help range on the highway, but also maximize torque for rock crawling. It's just as well, because in [my experience of off-roading the quad-motor Rivian R1T and tri-motor GMC Hummer EV](), I found the Rivian had the edge on traction. Beyond that, the EQG was [suggested earlier this year by a concept]() to use independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, much like the [Ford Bronco](). Most Mercedes-EQ models have four-wheel steering, which if present in the G-Wagen could combine the best of both the Rivian and Hummer, though Edmunds didn't observe its presence. When the EQG is coming isn't yet certain—*[Autocar]()* reports it'll be on sale in 2024—but Mercedes is clearly far along in development. *Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com* ## Author James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids." ### Author social links [Instagram]()