Mercedes Set to Reveal Electric G-Class; Kia to Launch Affordable EV3 with GT Model

In a significant stride toward electric mobility, Mercedes-Benz is slated to unveil its much-anticipated electric G-Class at the Beijing Motor Show, heralding an era of luxury electric off-roading. Concurrently, Kia Motors gears up to introduce the EV3, its latest low-cost electric model, including a sporty GT Line version, showcasing the industry's shift towards accessible electric vehicles without compromising on design and performance.

Mercedes' Electric G-Class EQG: A Trailblazing Concept for Luxury and Off-Road Prowess​

Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil its highly anticipated electric G-Class at the Beijing Motor Show this month, marking a significant milestone in the luxury automaker's push into electric mobility.

The G-Class, renowned for its off-road prowess since 1979, enters the electric era with unmatched performance and luxury promises. This latest model teased since its concept debut in 2021, is expected to redefine electric off-roading standards.

Mercedes unveiled the G-Class EQG concept at the Munich Motor Show in September 2021. Mercedes has been previewing the concept for several months, Electrek reported.

The electric 4x4 debuted at CES 2024 in January. Before its debut, CEO Ola Källenius tested the electric G-Class in extreme weather near the Arctic Circle.

Since 1979, the Mercedes G-Class has been one of the original off-road vehicles. Mercedes G brand managing director Emmerich Schiller stated that the company "didn't want to compromise on capabilities."

"From the start, it was decided the electric G-Class should be at least as good as the internal-combustion-engine model both on road and off road," Shiller told Automotive News. The concept included a quad-motor powertrain for maximum off-road performance.

The electric G-Class, like BYD's luxury Yangwang U8, which debuted in China last September and in Europe earlier this year, can make "tank turns."

Shiller stated that the quad-motor system, also used by Rivian, aims to provide the electric G-Class with "an unrivaled combination" of off-road performance and the on-road luxury and refinement that G customers expect.

Despite the previews, Mercedes has not revealed the final details. Mercedes stated that the prototype would consume between 28.7 and 30.3 kWh per 62 miles, with an efficiency rating of 2 to 2.2 kWh.

With a battery capacity of approximately 100 kWh, the electric G-Class should range from 200 to 220 miles.

According to Autocar, the new electric G-Class will be called the G580 with EQ Technology. Shiller hinted that it will include several models with varying outputs, including a flagship AMG.

Mercedes' G brand manager stated that it was too early to announce the range. Still, the four electric motor systems could benefit significantly from energy regeneration on and off the road.

The battery is sealed so you can wade through deep water. The casing is "designed to protect the battery at all times," with an additional layer of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer compound. Although the final weight has not been confirmed, Shiller confirmed it will weigh less than 7,700 lbs (3500 kg).

Like its predecessors, the electric G-Class is designed to conquer the iconic Schoeckl. Before going into production, the EV will make 300 runs up and down the 3.4-mile trail to ensure it is fully equipped.

Mercedes is also developing a smaller electric G-Wagon. With the current G-class model starting at $143,000, a smaller model could be offered at a lower cost.

Kia Unveils EV3 as a Game Changer in Affordable Electric Vehicles This Summer

Kia Motors is poised to enrich the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its new low-cost model, the EV3, set to make its debut this summer.

Following the unveiling of the concept at Kia's inaugural EV Day in October, the automotive industry anticipates the 2024 launch of the EV3, a vehicle that promises to blend the technological advancements and design elements of Kia's larger EV9 SUV into a more compact and affordable framework.

The EV3, described as a downsized iteration of the three-row EV9 SUV, encapsulates Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy. This new approach features a reimagined "Tiger Face" grille and pronounced wheel arches, signaling a fresh design direction for the brand.

Inside, the EV3 boasts an interior composed of plant-derived materials, underscoring a minimalist aesthetic. While the concept model showcased a single expansive screen for both the driver's display and infotainment, industry insiders anticipate the production version will be equipped with Kia's latest ccNC infotainment system.

As the EV3's launch draws near, prototypes have been observed undergoing testing, offering glimpses of what consumers can expect. A video from ShortsCar recently provided an up-close look at the forthcoming EV, capturing its dynamic presence on the road.

Comparable in size to the Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Kona, the EV3 is expected to measure approximately 170 inches in length, 72 inches in width, and 62 inches in height. With a starting price anticipated to be under $30,000, the EV3 aims to spearhead a new lineup of budget-friendly electric vehicles from Kia, including the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5, with prices ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

Further diversifying its electric offerings, Kia is also slated to release a sporty GT Line trim of the EV3, as reported by TheKoreanCarBlog. This variant, recently captured by Korea's HealerTV, features a redesigned front bumper and more pronounced design lines, adding an aggressive flair to the model.

Kia's expansion into the electric vehicle sector includes a broad spectrum of models, from the EV2 to the EV9, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and budgets, with prices extending from $25,000 to over $80,000. Despite a recent announcement indicating an increased focus on hybrid vehicles, Kia remains committed to making electric vehicles accessible, with the EV3 marking the beginning of this initiative in 2024, followed by the anticipated launch of the EV4 in 2025.

The automaker has already made strides in the Chinese market with the release of the smaller EV5 SUV, priced at approximately $20,000 (149,800 yuan). In Australia, the EV5 is available for around $46,000 (70,000 AUS), underscoring Kia's global approach to offering competitively priced electric vehicles.

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