Mercedes G-Class Could Learn to Swim: Patent Reveals Floating System for Electric Version

The Mercedes G-Class Electric could soon float on water. A new patent reveals a buoyancy system that allows the Mercedes G-Class to stay on the water surface and move across it, going far beyond its current 850mm wading depth. The idea remains under engineering protection. Yet it opens a completely new chapter.

Smart buoyancy units inside wheel cavities

The proposed system relies on removable units made from inflatable materials or foam. These units are installed inside the wheel cavities to provide the necessary buoyancy force. Each unit's size can be controlled separately. That is critical for handling uneven load distribution or unpredictable water movement. Storage is near the spare wheel area, and the tire air compressor inflates them when needed. Simple engineering intelligence.

But buoyancy alone doesn't create movement. The wheels would remain steerable while the vehicle sits on water, acting like a rudder to help change direction. This idea suits the G 580 with EQ Technology in particular. That uses four electric motors controlled independently. Independent control allows each wheel's rotation speed to change, or even spin in opposite directions. The result is precise maneuverability on water to reach dry land again.

Current G-Class Electric capabilities

The current G 580 with EQ Technology isn't an amphibious vehicle. Yet it packs serious off-road capability. It can wade through water up to approximately 850mm deep, enough to cross most water obstacles that Mercedes drivers face in normal conditions. Total output reaches 587 horsepower, with torque hitting 1164 Nm under European specs. Numbers that place it high among electric SUVs.

The vehicle also gets the G-TURN function. This feature allows the vehicle to rotate around itself on unpaved surfaces by running wheels on opposite sides in opposite directions. This technology already demonstrates the flexibility offered by independent control of four motors. That same flexibility could make the proposed buoyancy system viable. Will we actually see a swimming G-Class? The patent doesn't guarantee production. But it reveals a vision that goes far beyond current wading capabilities.