Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept

Designers at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio have created their version of what the future G-Class model could look like after illustrating the “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2015.” They’re calling their off-road concept the Ener-G-Force and will debut it at the 2012 LA Auto Show.

It was critical that the concept be able to reach any incidents cops may have to go to both on and off road, and after designers saw the finished product, they created a life-size model was built to demonstrate what the off-roader of the future may look like. Powering the concept is recycled water, which is converted into hydrogen and oxygen by the onboard “hydro-tech converter.” Hydrogen is then used to power the fuel cells, while its batteries are contained in the Ener-G-Force’s side skirts. Four wheel-hub motors provide propulsion, and the Ener-G-Force has a range of about 500 miles.

It has a roof-mounted “Terra-Scan” so that drivers never get stuck, allowing it to map the topography ahead and automatically adjusts suspension settings and ground clearance as needed. Its side skirt lights can change color depending on the charge, while the batteries are hot-swappable to extend the electric SUV’s range.