Mercedes previews Audi Q1 rival with new G-Code concept

The new hydrogen-electric driveline is a development of that set to appear in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Fuel Cell slated for launch in 2017. It has been conceived to offer three driving modes: all-electric Hybrid eDrive, hydrogen-electric Hybrid Eco, and hydrogen-electric Hybrid Sport.

Depending on the chosen mode, the G-Code can operate in front-wheel drive powered solely by the combustion engine, in rear-wheel drive propelled by the electric motor or in four-wheel drive with both the combustion engine and electric motor. 

Drive is channelled through a dual-clutch gearbox and an electronic propshaft that serves to combine the two power sources.

As well as featuring the latest in kinetic energy regeneration and plug-in technology, the G-Code uses two advanced energy-sourcing technologies currently being investigated by Mercedes as a way to provide power for hydrogen synthesis on the move.

‘Multi-voltaic’ paint covers the body of the G-Code and not only acts like a giant solar cell to produce electrical energy when the sun shines, but also regenerates electrostatic energy as wind is drawn over the surface. 

The new concept also employs what Mercedes describes as “power-on-the-move suspension” in which the rebound movement of the springs and dampers is used to drive a generator via hydraulic means to create electricity.

The G-Code’s interior has a clean, uncluttered look with controls – including steering wheel, pedals and head-up display – that automatically extend from their rest positions when the ignition is triggered via a smartphone.  

A widescreen monitor spans almost the entire width of the instrument binnacle and houses vehicle information 
as well as infotainment functions and images from 
the rear-view cameras.

A flat panel runs through the middle of the cabin, providing mounting points for a rotary controller, various switches and aluminium grab handles. Meanwhile, 3D body scanners allow the leather-lined carbonfibre-backed seats to automatically adjust to suit occupants, providing massage, heating and cooling functions.

In a nod to the design of Mercedes’ more recent production models, the G-Code adopts round ventilation units. The air conditioner is envisaged to use oxygen produced during hydrogen synthesis to provide fresh air even in urban stop-and-go traffic in congested Asian cities.

Taking the personal mobility theme beyond the car itself, the G-Code also houses two electric scooters below the floor of the luggage compartment. They are conceived to be recharged during driving to provide additional mobility in the city after parking.

Although Mercedes describes the G-Code as an advanced design study with little technical significance to its future production car line-up, insiders suggest that its exterior design, dimensions and interior packaging are a foretaste of a new entry-level model to join the firm’s growing number of SUV models.

The compact SUV follows the more functionally styled Ener-G-Force concept revealed at the Los Angles show in 2012.

Head of research and development at Mercedes Thomas Weber has described the model as "a look at the future."

Mercedes six-strong SUV line-up

GLA - The GLA will remain the foundation of Merc’s SUV line-up for several years yet. It is the fourth car to be spun off Merc’s front-drive MFA platform after the A-class, B-class and CLA.

A further model, a CLA Shooting Brake, is planned, as is a pair of Infiniti models as part of Mercedes’ tie-up with Nissan, but so far the firm has no plans for a coupé version of the GLA. A production version of the G-Code would supersede the GLA as the smallest Mercedes SUV.

GLC - The successor to the first-generation GLK is called the GLC. Unlike its predecessor, the mid-sized SUV has been engineered in both left and right-hand drive, paving the way for a UK introduction shortly after its unveiling at next year’s Shanghai motor show.

Engine choices will include existing four-pot and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units with the likelihood of a plug-in hybrid in early 2016. Also in the blocks is a GLC63 AMG running a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. 

GLE - Facelifted third-generation M-class is set to be called the GLE to reflect its close technical ties with the E-class. The mid-life visual changes are described as being more significant than usual for Merc, with newly shaped headlamps and revisions to the steel body structure.

Insiders say that it will receive updated versions of today’s in-line four, V6 and V8 engines. New to the line-up will be a GLE500 plug-in hybrid running the same 436bhp petrol-electric system used by the S500 plug-in hybrid.

GLE coupé - Previewed by the Concept Coupé SUV at the Beijing motor show in April, the production version of the M-class-based five-door is scheduled to be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January prior to the start of UK sales during the second quarter of 2015.

Mercedes’ rival to the BMW X6 will receive a limited range of six-pot and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants, including a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine in the range-topping GLE63 AMG coupé model.

GLS -  Merc’s range-topping SUV is due to get a mid-life facelift in early 2016. Along with stylistic and technical changes, the big US-built seven-seater will also receive a new name: GLS.

Further into the future, Mercedes plans to spin a long-wheelbase Maybach model off the third-generation model due in 2018. This move will push the GLS further upmarket, where it will compete against the likes of the Range Rover and production version of the Bentley EXP 9F

G-Wagen - Mercedes’ iconic G-wagen off-roader is scheduled to receive what company insiders describe as the model’s most significant update in more than 35 years when a heavily revised version appears in 2017.

Among the changes will be a new body structure, which provides scope for wider tracks and improved interior packaging. The engines planned for this military-grade SUV include Mercedes’ new in-line six-cylinder diesel powerplant.

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