LA Show: Mercedes Ener-G-Force
A new off-road concept paves the way for a new generation of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and hints at a replacement for the aged G-Wagen
Mercedes has unveiled a new concept, the Ener-G-Force, at the 2012 LA motor show. It’s purely a design study, but Mercedes says it is a vision of its future off-road models, and could be the inspiration for the next incarnation of the G-Wagen.
The concept is a futuristic take on the classic Mercedes off-roader, with power coming from four individual hub-mounted electric motors, with quick-change battery packs mounted in the side skirts. These change colour to indicate how much power is remaining.
Seen here in highway patrol guise, with LED headlamps, an integrated roof carrier and additional lights in the roof, Mercedes has entered the concept into the Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge. Mercedes says that ‘all surfaces are designed to express intensity and tension’ and the concept’s body certainly lacks any sharp edges, creases or swage lines.
Like Land Rover with the Defender, Mercedes has danced around the need to replace its G-Wagen for years, but it has continued to upgrade and develop the old G-Class with all the latest kit to get it through ever tightening regulations.
The Ener-G-Force draws many parallels with the DC100 concept, in that it won’t make production in its current form, but it does lead the way for an all-new replacement for the beloved G-Wagen – which has been in production since 1979.
