Resistance Is Futile: Mercedes-Benz Confirms It’ll Build An Electric G-Class!

As if getting a true all-new model in nearly four decades wasn’t enough, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is now entering the realm of electrification.

This is not a rumor, but an actual confirmation that came from none other than Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius, who was quoted by the company’s chief of Digital Transformation, Sascha Pallenberg, in a short Tweet.

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The electric variant of the new G-Wagen will be part of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ sub-brand. Kallenius has already confirmed a massive €10 billion ($11 billion) investment in the EQ portfolio, followed by the following statement: “By 2022, we will be bringing more than ten different all-electric vehicles to market.”

At least one battery-powered Mercedes-Benz G-Class exists, though it’s not an official version but rather a conversion by an Austrian company named Kreisel Electric. Owned by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took delivery almost three years ago, it has a 490 PS (483 HP/ 360 kW) electric motor, does the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.6 seconds and maxes out at 183 km/h (114 mph). Power comes from an 80 kWh battery pack, which supports 150 kW fast-charging and gives it a range of 300+ km (190 miles).

On a related note, at some point Mercedes-Benz thought about killing the G-Class altogether, but its execs quickly changed their minds.

“In the past, there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model, the way I see things now, I’d say the last Mercedes to be built will be a G-Class”, added Kallenius as quoted, again, by Pallenberg.

Note: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 pictured