Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius was recently photographed in Sweden and Austria alongside the new, all-electric G-Class SUV with a genuine smile on his face, showing his passion and excitement for the vehicle. In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Källenius shared his personal connection to the G-Wagen, highlighting its capabilities and the sense of individual freedom and opportunity it provides. He emphasized the car’s iconic status, updated technology, and unique features that have garnered a strong global fanbase.
Källenius explained that his passion for the G-Class stems from its iconic status as one of the most legendary vehicles ever made, with a rich history dating back to 1979. He praised the car’s ability to retain its classic shape and signature features, such as the distinct door-closing sound, while incorporating the latest technology. Källenius shared his favorite experiences behind the wheel of the G-Class, including driving it on challenging terrains like Mount Schöckl in Austria and frozen lakes in Northern Sweden, where the car truly demonstrates its capabilities.
The Mercedes-Benz CEO highlighted his favorite features on the new, all-electric G-Class, praising the classic signature sounds like door closures and trunk operations, reminiscent of a bank vault. He also pointed out new features like the G-TURN, which allows for a 360-degree turn almost on the spot, providing both fun and practicality off-road. Källenius expressed his delight at the precision and performance of the electric drivetrain, emphasizing the impressive torque and meticulous attention to detail in the development of the vehicle.
Reflecting on the development phase of the new generation of G-Class, Källenius noted the car’s enhanced off-road capabilities and comfort on paved roads. He underscored the vehicle’s improved interior aeroacoustics and overall comfort, indicating that after 45 years of evolution, the latest G-Class is the best yet. He expressed confidence that the electric G-Class will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning G-Class enthusiasts, with its combination of off-road prowess and road performance. Newsweek aims to challenge conventional wisdom and seek common ground in bringing such uncommon knowledge to light.
