Mercedes-Benz previews Ener-G-Force Concept SUV

Mercedes-Benz has previewed its Ener-G-Force Concept SUV a few weeks before its debut at the 2012 LA Motor Show.  The Ener-G-Force concept is the German Automakers entry into this year’s Los Angles Design Challenge which has the theme ‘Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025’.

 The Ener-G-Force gives us a preview of what future G-Class models will look like.  Its imposing presence is backed up by the large hood, large grille, towing winch and LED headlights, giving the impression of a menacing face (now you know what to expect if you break the law in 2025).   

It has slat windows, specially designed body work, big wheels which been shod with even bigger tyres. At the back we can see design cues from the present models despite most of the body being specially sculpted. In place of the spare tyre there appears to be a tank set to the side. 

However, where the SUV differs from its current siblings is its power plant. Mercedes-Benz says the Ener-G-Force concept will be Hydrogen derived electric vehicle.  It stores water in tanks on the roof, and then uses a “hydro-tech converter” to separates the hydrogen. 

The hydrogen is then converted into electricity and stored in the in specially designed side skirts. Finally, the power is then routed to four electric motors (one in each wheel). This system gives the Ener-G-Force a 500-mile range. The company claims the hydrogen side skirts can also be swapped for battery packs.        

To keep in tune with its off-roading heritage, the SUV has been fitted with a 360-degree topography scanner aptly named the ‘Terra Scan’. This allows the SUVs computer to adjust the suspension settings based on the terrain and the gradient. 

This is currently just a concept and we hope that this exciting model becomes the G-Class of the future, a model that is known world over for its reliability and performance.  While this is exciting to look at, it even more tantalising to image what an AMG version of this model will turn out like, provided the AMG skunkworks still exists in 2025.