We’ve updated this post with live images of Mercedes’ concept electric G-Class from the Munich Motor Show floor.

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the EQG Concept at the 2021 IAA Mobility Show in Munich, which is a preview for the upcoming fully electric version of the G-Class. Merc’s goal was to retain the rugged character of the G-Wagen while bringing their off-road icon into the electric era with a zero-emission powertrain.

The EQG Concept looks quite close to production as it retains most of the body panels of the second-generation G-Class (W463) while incorporating EQ design cues like the illuminated fully covered grille and the two-tone color. The concept also comes with roof-mounted LED bars, illuminated side guards, uniquely designed 22-inch alloy wheels, more aerodynamic bumpers, and a wall box-inspired storage space where the spare wheel used to be.

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The PC gamer generation will approve the generous use of LED strips throughout the body of the EQG Concept. We hotly anticipate the ARGB unicorn version

Despite being fully electric, the EQG is still based on the ladder frame of the G-Class, with independent suspension at the front and a rigid axle at the rear. This means that it retains the off-road credentials of the ICE-powered model, with the battery integrated into the frame for a low center of gravity.

Mercedes didn’t give us many details about the electric powertrain as the car is still under development. However, it revealed that the EQG will be fitted with four individually controllable electric motors providing “enormous pulling power and controllability” which makes us believe it could be faster than the Mercedes-AMG G63 performance flagship.

Thanks to the instantly available torque of the e-motors and the shiftable 2-speed gearbox, Mercedes states that the EQG will have “a climbing capacity of up to 100 percent on the suitable ground”, like its conventionally-driven brothers.

Right now, we don’t have a specific date for the premiere of the production version of the EQG. However, at the end of its development, Mercedes will take it for a demanding test drive on the 1,445-meter high Schöckl mountain in Graz in order to prove its rugged nature.

Live photo credits Stefan Baldauf / Guido ten Brink for CarScoops