Now the old Mercedes G-Class is going all-electric

While Mercedes is fully concentrated on launching the all-electric G-Class EV, the engineers from Arcade Cars are feasting on a throwback to the seventies. The London firm unveiled a GE230 featuring no tailpipe emissions through the conversion to battery power. But old habits die hard.

The all-electric G-Class, officially known as the G580 with EQ Technology, marks a watershed moment in the evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic off-road vehicle’s storied lineage.

Retaining the classic boxy silhouette that has defined the G-Class for decades, this electric variant combines traditional ruggedness with cutting-edge electric performance. Think of four independent electric motors, a robust 579 horsepower, and a whopping 1 162 Nm of torque.

Modern-day luxury in an old guise

So, Mercedes’ oldest car in its lineup is ready for the modern age—but so is its ancestor. At the famous Concours in Pebble Beach, Arcade Cars took the veils from the Sojourn, a meticulously restored and customized version of the legendary GE 230—the vehicle that spawned it all. The GE 230, produced between 1979 and 2001, has now been reimagined to meet the demands of modern-day luxury while retaining its timeless appeal.

That modern-day luxury comes in the form of a traction battery, co-developed with Everatti, a UK-based company specializing in resto modding for the electric age. Details remain sparse, but we do know it features a 55kWh battery and an electric motor delivering 153 hp and 300Nm of torque, providing a range of 215 kilometers. It’s a pity it can’t perform the G-turn like the modern version, but at least the four-wheel drive system has been retained.

Swiss army knife

The Sojourn is Arcade Cars’ first vehicle. The firm selects each vehicle “carefully” from former Swiss Army stock, ensuring authenticity before it is completely dismantled and rebuilt. They are all two-door soft tops and can be ordered in either a six- or eight-seat configuration. Trim, paint finishes, and equipment can all be tailored to order, an abundance and luxury approach that isn’t shy of the new model from the official showroom.

Next to craftmanship, the Sojourn also boasts modern technology seamlessly integrated into its classic interior design. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and retro-inspired Bluetooth systems are available, along with premium sound systems that ensure a top-tier audio experience. It’s only classic by origin, and the form is entirely suited to modern lifestyles.

Strong interest

As for those old habits, Arcade Cars isn’t exclusively betting on Everatti’s zero-emission driveline. For those who prefer the roar of an internal combustion engine, the Sojourn offers two petrol options derived from the original GE 230 engine—a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 128 hp and a more powerful 2.8-litre engine with 151 hp.

Both options deliver the demanded on- and off-road performance, with enhanced durability and power. While prices remain undisclosed, deliveries are expected by late 2024.

Arcade Cars’s head office is in London, but it runs operations in Germany and Austria. According to its CEO, Rishav Kanoria, the resto-mod G-Class triggers serious potential. “Since we first took the wraps off our redefined G Class, we’ve been inundated with expressions of interest.”