Gear -- 23 days ago
Words: Rory FH Smith
Supermini soft-roaders are sprouting up at motor shows the world over and Mercedes-Benz is the latest manufacturer to join in with the unveiling of its G-Code concept earlier this week.
More than just a severely shrunken G-Class, the G-Code concept is the first design to emerge from the German automaker’s new research and design hub in Beijing, China. Unfortunately labeled by Mercedes as a Sports Utility Coupe or SUC (cue sniggering at the back), the G-Code is Mercedes’ take on what it believes young Chinese urbanites will aspire to drive in the near future.
With its soft edges, smooth panels and wraparound glass, the G-Code represents a radical styling departure from Merc’s current SUV line up, particularly when compared to the boxy, old-timer – the G-Class. Measuring in at 4.1 meters, the G-Code would sit at the foot of the brand’s product portfolio and looks set to give Audi’s forthcoming Q1 something to think about before it’s even hit the streets. The G-Code’s party piece, however, is the pulsating light show glowing from the front grille, which changes colour depending on the selected driving mode: blue (parked and e-running), purple (normal driving) and red (sport mode).
Not disclosing the exact details of the G-Code’s proposed powerplant, Merc did mention that the SUC relies on a combination of a ‘state-of-the-art turbocharged combustion engine that runs on hydrogen’ and an ‘electric motor that drives the rear axle.’ In the cockpit, the driver switches on the ignition by docking their smartphone into the dash – evidence of the Merc’s future-proofing strategy, which aims to attract younger buyers to the traditional German premium automaker.
The G-Code is far from a pointless PR exercise however, as Mercedes hope to roll out a small SUV for the Chinese market by 2016. With other bands launching similar products in Europe, there’s a reasonable chance the head honchos at Mercedes will also consider the European market a little further down the line, so don’t despair if the G-Code appeals to your European tastes. There’s no word on pricing in these early stages but it’ll need to come in under £20,000 if it’s to compete with Audi’s Q1, due in early 2016.
