The EV Plan Got Shot Down
Mercedes wanted to make the little G-Class an all-electric vehicle. Period. That was the original blueprint. But dealers in the United States looked at the plan and said no.
The clear feedback from our U.S., dealers which we from time to also asked, was we need in an ICE version We said yes Ok Lets put an an ICE in there It needs have enough power and it will it happen definitely
Michael Schiebe Mercedes AMG CEO Automotive News
They insisted on combustion engines. So Mercedes listened. It happens when you have a brand where the boxy SUV sells better than almost anything else. The standard G-Class sold nearly 50000 units last year its best performance since it started selling in the 1970s
The company teased a smaller version years ago now prototypes are spotted near the Nurburgring They looked exactly what you expect A shrunken 75 percent version of the big brother The test car was electric but the final lineup won’t just be that anymore.
Why They Changed Course
It isn’t just about pushy American retailers although that helped. There is also the reality of charging infrastructure which varies wildly by region Some places simply don’t have the grid for widespread EV adoption yet
Range anxiety is real for off roaders. You don’t want your four wheeler dying because the nearest outlet is three towns away A gas engine eliminates that worry.
Markus Schafer the former chief tech officer says this new car is a “completely new development.” Not a rebadged CLA. Not a shortened standard G It has its own bones
- Ladder frame construction likely
- Genuine off road capability
- Rear mounted spare tire remains
- Length roughly 173 inches (4.4m)
Will the gas model come out on day one? Unclear. The ICE option feels like an afterthought at this stage They might launch the electric one first and drop the gasoline variant later
Money Prints Both Ways
Does this matter? Sure It broadens the appeal drastically. An all electric off road toy limits your customer base to early adopters with garages full of chargers
The gas version probably costs less too. And it works everywhere from Alaska to Africa
Mercedes got what they wanted for the environment until dealers intervened now everyone wins financially The little G is going to be huge. Maybe bigger than the big G
Who knows though Will the electric version survive the hype cycle Or will people just want the familiar rumble of an engine they trust
You tell me.
