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<\/a><\/p>\nThe electric version of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s G-Class looks set to be built in Arnold Schwarzenegger\u2019s alpine hometown.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its EQG prototype, an all-electric version of the automaker\u2019s utilitarian off-road icon. Its combustion-engine forerunner is built in Graz, Austria, by Magna International Inc, and the subcontractor\u2019s European boss dropped a hint at the Munich car show that the electric version will be built there, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve built the G-Class for 41 years and we\u2019re involved with their electric projects,\u201d Guenther Apfalter said in an interview. \u201cWe have high hopes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former California governor and action-movie actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a native of Graz, in 2018 implored former Mercedes Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche to offer an electric version of the G-Class. That dream now looks set to become reality as Daimler AG\u2019s main division plows more than 40 billion euros ($47 billion) into electrifying its product range this decade.<\/p>\n
When Mercedes designed the G-Class in the late 1970s, its boxy design and all-terrain capabilities were envisioned for soldiers and explorers. It largely stayed in that niche until the SUV boom vaulted the model more into to the mainstream, gaining high-profile customers including Sylvester Stallone, Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox.<\/p>\n
While vintage in design, the G-Class is among the most expensive cars in the Mercedes range. The AMG G63 version, for example, costs about $156,450.<\/p>\n