CES 2024 witnessed a groundbreaking spectacle as the spotlight shifted away from flying cars and holographic displays to embrace the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV, known as the EQG and the Las Vegas Strip served as the stage for a dazzling showcase of the EQG's remarkable capability: the 360-degree tank turn, affectionately named the "G-turn."
This remarkable maneuver is made possible by the integration of four independent electric motors, one at each wheel, granting the EQG the ability to effortlessly rotate on its own axis. Picture it as a mechanical ballerina gracefully turning on a dime, with one set of wheels spinning clockwise while the opposing set spins counter-clockwise. Although not an entirely novel concept (an EQG prototype had previously demonstrated this feature on sand) its inclusion in the production-ready EQG opens up a realm of exciting possibilities, particularly in off-road scenarios.
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The 360-degree tank turn, or G-turn, may not be an everyday necessity, but its potential applications vary from extricating oneself from tricky off-road situations to simply wowing friends and onlookers. Judging by the buzz on the internet, the latter scenario seems more likely. While the EQG isn't the pioneer in showcasing this impressive feat – the Rivian R1T prototype had unveiled a similar 360-degree tank turn a few years earlier – its incorporation into a production-ready vehicle adds a new dimension of allure.
Beyond the mesmerizing G-turn, the CES 2024 unveiling of the production-ready electric G-Wagon, albeit shrouded in camouflage, hints at an imminent global debut. Notably, the conventional ICE G-Class is anticipated to coexist with its all-electric counterpart, though Mercedes-Benz may lean towards phasing out diesel options, retaining only petrol powertrains for the G-Class lineup. The automotive landscape is undoubtedly evolving with Mercedes-Benz leading the charge in electrifying experiences.