How Merc’s R-Class could be return as an EV

AMG and EQ divisions team up to resurrect ahead-of-its-time R-Class as an all-electric limo-SUV. By Georg Kacher

1

RETURN OF THE R

This is the most potent creation in a product plan left behind by departed AMG boss Tobias Moers. Picture the GLC in its sportiest form, blow it up a couple of sizes, change the proportions to reflect its lack of engine, and the outcome could be a modern take on the old R-Class, the oddball MPV/luxury limo, available with up to seven seats.

2 WHAT’S IN A NAME?

A reborn R-Class arriving 20 years after the original could be badged as an EQ (electric division) product or AMG (emphasising its vast power). It’s tentatively badged Mercedes-AMG GLR but, given its electriconly powertrain, may become EQR. It would rub shoulders with confirmed electric versions of the G-Class (EQG) and S-Class (EQS).

3

NEXT GEN BATTERIES

Energy is provided by a 105kWh power pack with a 20kWh overboost feature. Sporting liquid-cooled round energy cells, the new graphenebased metal-free AMG batteries are designed for 350kW fast-charging. Given this would be a car built for high miles carrying multiple occupants, the batteries must be able to withstand hard use without degradation.

4

PLENTY OF PUNCH

The version of Merc’s new electric platform in the GLR is said to boast three 250kW motors for a combined output of 1006bhp and 996lb ft of torque. While single-speed direct-drive caters for the front wheels, the rear wheels are kept busy by a twospeed powershift transmission – as pioneered by the Porsche Taycan EV (below).