With a fuel economy rating of 13/17/14 mpg city/highway/combined, it's fair to say the mighty Mercedes-Benz G500 isn't the most economical vehicle on the market. This is going to change, however, as Daimler's Head of Digital Transformation, Sascha Pallenberg, has made a surprise announcement on Twitter that Daimler CEO, Ola Kallenius, wants to transform the gas-guzzling G-Wagon into an efficient electric off-roader in the future.

According to Pallenberg, Mercedes was considering scrapping the iconic SUV after 40 years of production, but the automaker has decided to continue its legacy as a fully electric model.

"There will be a zero-emission #EV version of the #MercedesBenz G-Class. In the past there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model, the way I see things now I'd say the last Mercedes to be built will be a G-Class," Daimler CEO, Ola Kallenius, said.

No further details were provided, so it isn't clear when the electric G-Class will arrive or what powertrain it will have. However, it could launch within the next three years as Mercedes has outlined plans to launch as many as ten new all-electric models by 2022 as part of a ten billion euro ($11 billion) investment.

Presumably, it will be sold as part of the Mercedes EQ family as a more off-road capable alternative to the EQC SUV. Mercedes is also preparing to launch an all-electric flagship luxury sedan, which was previewed by the stunning Vision EQS Concept at this year's 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show.

While we don't know when the electric G-Class will arrive, it's already facing some stiff competition. Bollinger recently unveiled the electric B1 SUV, which is powered by two electric motors and a 120-kWh battery pack to deliver 614 horsepower, 668 lb-ft of torque, and a 200-mile range.

It's extremely capable off-road too, with a near 50:50 weight distribution and approach and departure angles of 52 and 43 degrees, beating the Land Rover Defender. It also has a 5,201-pound payload, 7,500-pound towing capacity, and 15-inches of ground clearance. Rivian is also developing the electric R1S SUV, which has a 410-mile range in the range-topping model and four electric motors delivering a combined 754 hp and 826 lb-ft of torque.