Pictures of Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius in Sweden and Austria alongside the new, all-electric G-Class sport utility vehicle (SUV) appeared on social media a few weeks ago showing something unique for any business photo, an unforced smile on the lips of a CEO. Kallenius’s appreciation and excitement for the SUV was palpable, even across a computer screen.
In an exclusive interview, Newsweek asked Källenius about where his passion for the G-Wagen comes from, and why he’s excited for the new generation of the vehicle.
Newsweek: Why is the G-Class so important to you personally, in addition to Mercedes-Benz?
Ola Källenius: “I am privileged that I’ve been able to experience many times just how capable the G really is when taken off-road. The G can do anything and take you anywhere. I can hardly see a car out there that can provide this level of individual freedom and opportunity. Quite simply, driving a legend like this is something very special. And many people around the world share this passion.”
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Newsweek: Where does your passion for the G-Class come from?
OK: “The G-Class is one of the most iconic cars ever made, established in 1979 and constantly updated ever since. It’s equipped with the latest technology and yet it still retains its legendary shape and signature features like the door-closing sound. That’s why it has such a strong fanbase around the world, and I am one of the fans. Going electric now opens the next chapter in this car’s rich history.”
Newsweek: What are your favorite things to do when you are behind the wheel of a G-Class?
OK: “Taking this car to places only very few cars can go. I had the pleasure of driving the electric G during a test session on the famously steep Mount Schöckl in Austria, and I’ve driven it on the frozen lakes in Northern Sweden. I wish every customer could do things like that with their G. Because that’s where the G-Class reveals its true talent.”
Newsweek: What are your favorite features on the new G-Class?
OK: “First of all, I love all the classics. Signature sounds first come to mind: Closing the doors, closing the trunk door, unlocking the car. It’s like a bank vault. With the electric G, a few more great features came forward. The G-TURN for instance, is a lot of fun, but doing a 360-degree turn almost on the spot can also be incredibly helpful off the road.”
Mercedes-Benz
Newsweek: What surprised and delighted you about the new, all-electric G-Class?
OK: “The level of precision really is something else. Four electric motors make maneuvering the G in rough terrain even easier. Our engineers have developed a phenomenal electric drivetrain with torque beyond belief. Everything about this car is so well thought out, down to the very last detail. The electric G really has big shoes to fill. And I am sure it will meet and exceed the expectations of even the most discerning G-Class enthusiasts out there.”
Newsweek: Are there any points in the development phase of this new generation of G-Class that made you stop and think: this is going to be really good?
OK: “All off-road capabilities aside, most G-Classes spend most of their time on paved roads. And the new G-Class excels there as well, with a lot of features that significantly enhance interior aeroacoustics and comfort on a longer drive. It’s been 45 years in the making and we’ve just delivered the best G-Class yet.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.