The off-roader swapped diesel for battery power, gaining The Terminator’s stamp of approval
Former California Governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger is a big fan of the Mercedes G-Class, but he is also known as a staunch supporter of green energy.
So how does he manage to reconcile his two seemingly contradictory passions?
From now on, he can, because a company called Kreisel Electric based in his native Austria has collaborated with Schwarzenegger to build an all-electric G-Class. The iconic vehicle has been given an electric motor and a battery pack that turn it into a zero-emissions off-roader said to be equally capable off the beaten track as its conventionally-powered counterparts.
Unveiled in Kitzbühel, Austria, the electric G-Class started life as a diesel-powered G 350 d before Kreisel Electric gave it two battery packs with a total capacity of 80 kWh that weigh in at 510 kg (1,124 lb). The batteries are placed under the bonnet and in the rear — replacing the fuel tank and underneath the boot floor. Kreisel Electric says luggage space and off-road capabilities are not affected by the packaging of the batteries.
The energy stored by the batteries powers several electric motors with reduction gears fitted directly onto the transfer gearbox with a combined output of 360 kW (483 hp/490 PS). That's almost double what a standard G 350 d produces, resulting in a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 183 km/h (114 mph) — despite the vehicle's curb weight 2,600 kg (5,732 lb).
According to Kreisel Electric, the batteries offer a driving range of 300 km (186 miles) and can be fast-charged up to 80 percent of their full capacity in just in just 25 minutes. Arnie will take the electric SUV to California where he will drive it and help Kreisel Electric develop it further, something he appears to be thrilled about.
"This amazing off-road vehicle as a clean and fast electric car? A dream has become real!"
Arnold Schwarzenegger