Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept

The Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept is Benz’s answer to the 2012 LA Design Challenge brief to create the "Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025".

As the name suggests, the large SUV is also a hint towards a future redesign of the classic Geländewagen G-Wagen/G-Class. Graphically this is most evident around the Ener-G-Force’s DRG with its dark mask incorporating deep-set lamps (here with ‘G’ lamp graphics), a surprisingly traditional Mercedes grille and characteristic fender-top turn signals. The asymmetry of the rear end is drawn from the positioning of the original’s spare wheel.

The rest of the car is more of a departure. Its proportions are almost unrecognizable, with a high waistline, a very shallow glass house and outsized wheels. Meanwhile the surfacing has gone from slab-sided utility to Californian muscle beach curves. Incidentally the car was designed in the Mercedes-Benz Avanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, California by Hubert Lee, who says: "Of course we wanted to take a clear step forward, but we also wanted the G's characteristic features".

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