G-CLASS ELECTRIFIED
The All-electric G580
According to Stuttgart, the new Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology represents the first fully electric variant of this off-road icon and symbolises the fusion of tradition and progress. Even so, the electric G-Class retains the character of the original Geländewagen, including its angular silhouette and other iconic elements.
Like the conventionally powered variants, the body of the electric variant is built on a ladder frame, modified and reinforced to integrate the electric drive. It also retained the combination of independent front suspension with double wishbones and rigid rear axle.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the ladder frame ensures a low centre of gravity, and with a usable capacity of 116 kWh, it provides sufficient energy for ranges of up to 473 km (WLTP). The electric G-Class utilises four individually controlled motors near the wheels to develop a total output of 432 kW and an unbelievable maximum torque of 1,164 Nm.
The motors, together with the selectable Low Range off-road gear reduction, enable interesting driving manoeuvres and exclusive functions, such as G-Turn (turning the vehicle almost on the spot on loose or unpaved surfaces) and G-Steering (for a significantly smaller turning circle when driving off-road).
The three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function is like cruise control for off-roading – maintaining optimum propulsion while the driver focuses on navigating the terrain – and like its conventional counterparts, the G580 has a gradability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces and remains stable on sideways slopes of up to 35 degrees.
More impressive, with a maximum fording depth of 850 mm, the electric G‑Class outperforms its ICE stablemates by 150 mm, and the low range off-road gearing increases propulsion with a special reduction ratio, and it has its own soundtrack, named G-Roar with a characteristic, G-Class-specific driving sound. It also includes an “aura” sound and a variety of “event” sounds.
The electric variant can be distinguished from the conventional models by its blacked-out “grille”, a slightly raised bonnet and so-called air curtains in the rear wheel-arch flares, and the design box on the rear. It features extensive standard equipment, including the MBUX infotainment system, a leather-clad multifunction steering wheel and ambient lighting. It is unclear when the new G580 will be made available locally.
GRANDE PANDA
Fiat’s New Global Player
Following some teaser images of a production-ready concept vehicle, Fiat has now – on the eve of its 125th anniversary as an automaker – introduced the new Grande Panda, a B-segment vehicle under four metres long, with clean lines and roominess despite its compact volume, and seating for five, as the firstborn of a new family inspired by the 1980s Panda.
Designed by Centro Stile in Turin, the Grande Panda embodies its forerunner’s values as a compact car based on a global platform, allowing Fiat to expand its worldwide reach. As the first product in a new family, it will be followed by a new vehicle every year until 2027.
The new models are all based on the multi-energy STLA Smart platform, and the Grande Panda will first be launched in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and will be available in both electric and hybrid versions. It is an attractive vehicle with a subtle combination of structured lines and soft and bold surfaces, emphasising its robust wheel arches.
The front is compact with precise orthogonal lines that envelop a progressive square mesh arrangement to create a sleek visage, generating a punctuation of pixels from the centre of the glossy black upper grille to the headlights. A skid plate in the lower bumper emphasises the Grande Panda’s SUV attitude, and the headlamps, made up of opal cubes, supposedly reflect the windows on the façades of the Lingotto factory.
Alongside a unique light signature, the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) turn into indicators and illuminate some of the cubes, which appear as horizontal pixels arranged in a chessboard pattern. On the sides, the silhouette of the Grande Panda recalls the wedgy design lines of the original Panda from the 1980s, with a dynamic passenger compartment and greenhouse, and sloping roof racks.
In homage to the classic Panda 4×4, the Panda letters are printed three-dimensional in bas-relief on the doors, and the angular ratio of the vertical volume and robust C-pillar emulates the design of its forebear. A black square badge is connected to the greenhouse graphics to generate a lenticular effect, creating a striking effect in which the letters Fiat turn into four bars.
The rear has a bold character thanks to the prominent wheel arches and inclination of the rear window. Also, to maintain the 1980s theme, the 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels have a stylised X design. Fiat has not yet indicated when the Grande Panda will be officially launched, and whether (or instead, when) it will come to South Africa.
WAGONEER S
Jeep’s First Global e-SUV
Jeep has now charged into the electrified SUV segment with the new Wagoneer S, the brand’s first global battery-electric vehicle (BEV), marking a new chapter in the storied history of the iconic brand. The Wagoneer S will first be available in the US and Canada and later in other markets worldwide.
The Jeep Wagoneer S is offered exclusively as a BEV, and according to Jeep, it has a range of more than 480 km on a single charge, with a drivetrain that delivers 600 horsepower (440 kW) for a lightning-quick zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds and more than 800 Nm of instant torque.
These impressive performance credentials are paired with the brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system to instil driving confidence and traction for all weather and road conditions. Jeep flexed the STLA Large platform and tailored it specifically for the Wagoneer S to deliver instant torque and lightning-quick acceleration.
The standard, all-electric, four-wheel drive delivers composed driving dynamics both on-road and in various road conditions. Electric drive modules (EDMs) independently power the front and rear wheels for instant torque response, while the Selec-Terrain traction management system features five distinct driving modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand. The front EDM has wheel disconnects to reduce energy draw when cruising and help optimise range.
For an improved driving experience and reduction in overall noise and vibration levels, body torsion stiffness was improved by 35% over previous midsize-segment Jeep SUVs, and the premium exterior design of the Wagoneer S sets a new standard, with a reimagined seven-slot grille. No longer needed for airflow and cooling, the enclosed grille now illuminates the line of sight when approaching the vehicle.
Debuting first, the Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition features elegant black cues, 20” wheels and dual-pane panoramic sunroof as standard (the Launch Edition will only be available in the US) and leading the way in its class among all EVs, the Wagoneer S features over 45 inches of high-definition screen space, including a segment-exclusive 10.25” front interactive passenger display.
Also standard is a new 12.3” driver cluster with a refined set of menus, including BEV-specific elements, such as charge level, battery health and available power. The premium seats are heated and ventilated front and rear, and a segment-exclusive 19-speaker, 1,160-watt McIntosh audio system is available. There is no indication yet whether the Wagoneer S will be made available locally.
Report by Ferdi de Vos
