TheMercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept design study,based on the iconic G-Class off-roader,willbe entering the Los Angeles Design Challenge at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of the month. The theme for the Los Angeles Design Challenge takes a look into the future to find the ultimate ‘Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025’.

??Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept is police car of the future

To meet the changing demands of the future, the Mercedes-BenzEner-G-Force Concept is envisioned to be a reliable and fast police vehicle that is environmentally friendly using alternative energy and would be fully capable of supporting police and emergency services around the world. The Ener-G-Force concept also gives a hint to the future of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders.

Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars said, “The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow’s adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G model. Modern and cool, it could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”.

Design Features

The Ener-G-Force, which is modelled after the G-Class with proportions and design elements, was re-designed and updated to create a car of the future. Hubert Lee, Ener-

G-Force Designer said, “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 but with a higher shoulder line and scaled-down glass areas.

The Ener-G-Force features an expressive radiator grille that incorporates the headlamps. The LED’s in the headlamps form units in the shape of a ‘G’ while the front indicators and position lights are mounted on top of the wings, which is a classic G-class element.

The Ener-G-Force features a G-Class inspired mounted roof with a tripartite glass area and rides on 20-inch rims. At the rear, the Ener-G-Force features a pull-out tool box which holds a variety of tools without opening the tailgate.

Alternative Energy??

The Ener-G-Force stores recycled water in tanks on the roof which is transferred to a ‘hydro-tech converter’, where natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen to operate the fuel cells. The electricity generated is stored in storage units in the side skirts. The Ener-G-Force only emits water and has a range of 800km. Four hub-wheel motors are able to adapt individually to the terrain and provide the pulling power for the Ener-G-Force.

The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept is also fitted with a ‘Terra-Scan’ 360-degree topography scanner on the roof which scans the surrounding terrain and adjusts spring and damping rates and other suspension parameters to suit the terrain or the road. The side skirts house either the energy storage units or the hot-swappable battery packs. Changes in the colour illumination of the side skirts indicate the operating and charge status of the battery packs. The Ener-G-Force also features a roof carrier and additional lamps integrated into the roof.