The LA Design Challenge this year is to create a vehicle in the theme of Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025. The goal is to create a vision of the future for our law enforcement. The Ener-G-Concept seen here is the entrant from what appears to be some drunk designers at Mercedes-Benz.
The concept is loosely based on the G-Wagen, itself a former military vehicle, but instead of the G-Class’ muscular profile and sharp angles, the Ener-G-Concept is an amalgamation of mush. We understand that basing a futuristic police vehicle on a former military vehicle seems like a good idea, but G-Wagen is not something that should be altered. There is a reason it has been on sale mostly unchanged for decades.
If you can look past the bastardized exterior design, there are some rather impressive new features on the off-roader. To start with, it is powered by a state-of-the-art fuel cell system that can be recharged using a rain-water collection system on the roof. Those roof racks are actually part of the collection system which sends the water to the “hydro-tech converter” where it is then converted to hydrogen power.
The Ener-G-Concept is one of six entrants into this year’s contest with the winner to be announced at the LA Auto Show. We will be sure to keep you informed of the winner. For now, check out the high-resolution gallery below.
