The Mercedes EQG could sport a neat off-road feature known from the Rivian R1T

Besides their sustainable all-electric drivetrains, battery-powered cars and SUVs also have a great deal of potential regarding the development of practical new functions that are virtually impossible to implement in cars with traditional combustion engines. Well ahead of the planned 2023 launch of the all-electric Mercedes G-Class, which is also called the Mercedes EQG, the luxury German automaker has now demonstrated such a feature in a quite impressive manner and thereby also teased the popular Rivian R1T.

In a recently published YouTube video, a partially camouflaged prototype of the Mercedes EQG successfully completes a so-called tank turn, in which the electric off-road SUV rotates on the spot without the need of performing a tedious three-point turn. During this charming little dance, the wheels on the right and left-hand side of the Mercedes EQG are spinning in opposite directions, which is possible because the electric Mercedes G-Wagon is equipped with one electric motor for each of its four wheels. If the feature actually makes it into the production model of the battery-powered SUV, the German automaker may market it under the “G-Turn” moniker.

As impressive as the tank-like turn of the electric Mercedes G-Class may be, the feature is not exactly groundbreaking. The comparatively young US-based company Rivian has already illustrated a similar capability of the Rivian R1T, but unfortunately, the feature is not available in the currently produced version of the popular electric pickup truck. Therefore, it remains to be seen if the Mercedes EQG will actually become the first electric SUV that can turn on the spot like a tank. Either way, prospective buyers of the electric Mercedes G-Class should not raise their hopes that this feature will be available on public roads or paved surfaces in general.

Purchase the Pulsar Plus Level 2 40 Amp Electric Vehicle Smart Charger on Amazon