Is Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force a future version of the legendary G-Class?

The 2012 LA Auto Show served as the perfect occasion for Mercedes-Benz to amaze the audience with a future version of the legendary G-Class - the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force.

Mercedes has even built a 1:1 prototype for the LA Challenge Design. What initially was meant to be a police car was transformed into a civilian model of the car that manages to preserve its original boxy shape from 1979.

The designers claim that, in spite of the fact that they did want to provide a futuristic car, they did not want to take out of the equation the classical features of the G-class. Ener-G-Force is a sports model, with an impressive grille on the radiator, with G-shaped LEDs installed on it. The back of the car has an off-center pull out the hood, which reminds of the place for the spare tire.

The creators of the concept wanted to keep up with the sustainable development requirements and they integrated an eco-friendly PowerSource. The drive train works on recycled water, stored in a tank on the car's roof. The hydro-tech converter transforms the hydrogen into fuel cells.

The batteries necessary for powering the engine are located under the side-skirts and they ensure the autonomy of 800 km. Each of the four wheels has an individual electric engine, guaranteeing a high level of stability.

This concept is different from the luxurious concept cars that we usually see in magazines, being addressed to the middle class, rather than the wealthy customers.