Georg Kacher’s unrivalled insights
Even though it’s totally unsuitable for the job, Merc’s mighty G-Class will go fully electric very soon, as previewed by the Concept EQG at the 2021 Munich motor show. The heavy ladder chassis is currently limiting range between battery charges to a scant 155 miles. The next-generation G, designed with electrification in mind, might be as far o as 2030. That will have a longer wheelbase, spaceframe architecture and a wider lightweight body, albeit keeping the familiar boxy, rugged style. In addition to the e-driveline, it’s likely to retain a couple of combustion engine options.
Via Maybach, Merc is keen to keep cashing in on the luxury car craze – but which model it will release next is far from clear. While thumbing through the archives, a senior product manager spotted one of Gorden Wagener’s pet concept cars, the awesome Maybach 6 that’s been shown in coupe (2016) and roadster (2017) guise. And now, although a production version is not yet set in stone, insiders tell me that it’s at the very top of Merc management’s wishlist. Expect radical proportions but with a twist to underline its avant-garde drivetrain concept. Meaning what, precisely? Rumours claiming that this rich person’s plaything may be fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell have not been denied.
After AMG One comes AMG Two. A alterbach is working on beating Porsche and Rimac at its own game with a brand-new electric hypercar. Since this venture is totally detached from Mercedes-badged derivative products and the new plug-in hybrid E-Performance strategy, AMG can freely exploit synergies with Aston Martin and Multimatic, which helped to give birth to the AM Valhalla and the Project One. Given how long the One has been brewing, it’s a big challenge for new AMG boss Philipp Schiemer.