The SUV legend finally goes electric… officially.
It’s been teased for quite some time, but throughout that period, it’s remained quite a hot-button topic: the idea of an electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. As one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-standing models, and one of the most prominent icons in the SUV world, celebrated for off-road capability, luxurious appointments, and unmistakable glamour and style, the G-Class isn’t something that Mercedes-Benz changes often.
For decades, the G-Class has remained a body-on-frame SUV with incredible off-road features, a more hot-blooded AMG variant, and head-turning glitz throughout. With the introduction of the first-ever electric G-Class, the G 580 with EQ Technology as it’s called, Mercedes-Benz hopes to introduce electrification while retaining the core principles of what makes the G-Class great: luxury, off-road ability, and style. Even the G-Roar, a feature that provides an acceleration sound that mimics the roar of the V8 many G-Wagon fans are used to, aims to faithfully retain the G-Class experience Mercedes-Benz lovers know and love.
The most noticeable factor is that the iconic silhouette remains largely unchanged, accommodating optimized aerodynamics but retaining the decades-long favored G-Class look. Other things that remain unchanged compared to the combustion-powered G-Class include the ladder-frame design, with the 116-kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into it for a lowered center of gravity, a solid rear axle, and (virtually) locking differentials via torque vectoring.
Four individually controlled electric motors placed near each wheel drive the new electric G-Wagon (making it the first Mercedes-Benz with individual-wheel drive), combining to produce 579 horsepower and 859 lb/ft of torque. Rather than detract from the off-road capabilities of the legendary G-Class, this innovative drivetrain actually enhances them, opening the door for unprecedented ease in off-road driving. The virtually-locking differentials are operated automatically, while the motors also allow for maneuvers like the G-Turn on certain surfaces, the in-place spin that has already earned the electric Geländewagen notoriety before its official reveal.
In addition to G-Turn, the arguably more functional G-Steering feature offers a shortened turning circle that uses the motors to turn the vehicle around the inside rear wheel with the touch of a button, making tricky situations a breeze. Other convenient features for traveling off the beaten path include the “Transparent Hood” camera function, as well as the “Offroad Cockpit” functionality, which makes the instrument and infotainment displays provide information readouts about the most relevant off-roading details when you need them.
For those well-versed in non-tarmac driving, the new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology boasts important numbers like the ability to climb up to a 100% grade on certain surfaces, 9.8 inches of ground clearance within the wheelbase, 33.5 inches of wade depth, a 32-degree approach angle, a 30.7-degree departure angle, and a 20.3-degree breakover angle, coming together to show that an electric powertrain doesn’t detract from the G-Class’s hardy reputation as an off-roader. In addition, concerns about the battery being at the bottom of the vehicle are quelled by Mercedes-Benz’s use of a torsion-resistant casing for the battery pack, using a mix of innovative materials including carbon fiber.
As impressive as the new electric G-Class’s off-road ability is, the question remains as to how it performs in a category that the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s lineup is known for: luxury. For starters, Nappa leather is standard, along with 64-color ambient lighting and climate-controlled cupholders. High-tech features include Augmented Reality for Navigation, a standard Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos, and more.
In addition, the expanded MANUFAKTUR range offers electric G-Class customers a wide range of personalization options for the new high-tech luxury SUV, including Catalana Beige/Black two-tone leather inside, which is available in the new G-Class for the first time. For the United States, the new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is launching for the 2025 model year exclusively as an EDITION ONE variant, which features extra equipment like special blue accents, the AMG line and Night Package, and more.
Pricing is yet to be announced for the new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, but with it being the very first all-electric variant of the legendary G-Wagon, one of Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-line models, the expectation is for it to be high. However, it costs to have access to a vehicle that combines high-tech innovation with luxury, style, off-road prowess, and decades of legacy in the way the new electric G-Class does.
Image Source: Mercedes-Benz
