There are essentially two versions of this Teutonic masterpiece. The “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025” is the entry that Mercedes-Benz will be showing at the Los Angeles Design Challenge, and the other the civilian version shown here, which is just as formidable. The styling features of these models are a radical reinterpretation of the design features of the classic that is the G-Class.
Ener-G-Force Designer Hubert Lee says “Of course we wanted to take a clear step forward, but we also wanted the G’s characteristic features”.
The Ener-G-Force has a similar profile, however with a high shoulder line and scaled-down glass areas. Every surface on the Ener-G-Force is designed to express intensity and tension, just the right recipe for a police vehicle that instills confidence in civilians and fear in the hearts of offenders. The Ener-G-Force has an expressive radiator grille that incorporates the headlamps. LEDs in the headlamps are positioned to form the shape of a G. The front indicators and position lights are mounted on top of the fenders, again a nod to the modern day G-Class.
The mounted roof, another signature G Class feature, as is the three part glass area are carried over to the Ener-G-Force. The 20-inch rims give the Ener-G-Force a powerful and towering stance. Notice the rear of the Ener-G-Force where there’s a slight bump on the rear door? This is a pull out compartment, which is a symbolic interpretation of the spare wheel carrier of the classic G-Class. This pull-out tool box can hold a wide variety of equipment items that can be retrieved easily without having to open the whole liftgate.
Not just form, function too
The Ener-G-Force is powered by fuel cells in turn powered by hydrogen. Recycled water stored in tanks on the roof is converted to hydrogen by the “hydro-tech converter”. The batteries, or whatever they are called in 2025 are housed in the side skirts. Changes in the colour of the illumination of the side skirts indicate the operating and charge status of the energy packs. The Ener-G-Force is designed to nothing but water and have an operating range of about 800 kilometres. Propulsion is via four motors mounted in the hubs. As we’ve seen in the electric cars of today, output for each individual wheel can be adjusted to suit the terrain to be traversed. A ‘Terra-Scan’ 360-degree topography scanner on the roof permanently scans the surroundings and uses the results to adjust the spring and damping rates as well as other suspension parameters for maximum traction! A roof carrier and additional lamps are integrated into the roof almost looking like they were carved from a single piece.
Fret not petrol heads, while the future may definitely be green, nobody said the vehicles have to look as tame and comforting as fresh laundry.
