The next chapter of Mercedes-Benz’s inimitable Geländewagen has finally arrived. Behold, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, a mouthful of a name that invites you to skip, instead referring to the vehicle as “the electric G-Wagen.”
With 579 hp, 859 lb-ft of torque, an independently controlled electric motor for each wheel, and heaps of luxury- and off-road-minded tech, the G 580 with EQ Technology electric G-Wagen looks to poised to continue this nameplate’s prodigious capability and its halo-vehicle ethos. Let’s dig in.
The new electric G-Wagen sits atop a modified version of the steel ladder frame used by the gas-powered version. Modifications to the frame allow the massive, 116-kWh lithium-ion battery to sit inside the rails, helping to lower the G’s center of gravity, which is always a plus for an off-road vehicle. (A low C/G helps on-road, as well.) Mercedes hasn’t announced range figures yet, but it says that via DC fast-charging, the battery can go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in as little as 32 minutes.
Mercedes went to great lengths to protect the pack from the sort of damage possible in hairy off-road conditions, the sort that this vehicle is designed to tackle. (More on that in a bit.) The battery pack is housed inside a torsion-resistant casing that uses a one-inch-thick carbon-fiber bash plate on its underside: surely an expensive piece to replace should you ding it badly enough. Mercedes engineers chose to use carbon not only because of the material’s strength, but also because of its light weight compared to a similar plate of aluminum or steel. The carbon plate, according to Mercedes, weighs just 127 pounds; a similar plate made of steel would weigh three times as much.
Immense off-road capability is part of the G-Wagen‘s ethos, and approaching the question of capability from an electric standpoint enabled engineers to employ some truly wild solutions. Each wheel on the electric G-Wagen is powered by its own 145-hp electric motor, the first time a series-production Mercedes has used “individual-wheel-drive.”
Two motors and a single inverter are fitted at each end of the vehicle in a housing that mounts to the frame. Each motor has its own transmission capable of a 2:1 gear reduction, thus giving you a low-range crawling ratio. Combined system output rings in at 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, and Mercedes says the electric G-Wagen can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph.
While the gas-powered G-Class employs actual lockers for the front, rear, and center differentials, such mechanisms aren’t needed on the electric one. Instead, the electric G-Wagen will feature “virtual lockers,” which will precisely meter out torque to each individual wheel on the fly to simulate certain locked-diff conditions. Control of these virtual diff-lockers is entirely automatic, meaning drivers won’t have to pick and choose which ends they want to be bound up in the middle of a hairy situation.
The suspension setup loosely mimics that of the gas-powered G-Class. The electric G uses an independent layout with double wishbones up front and a solid axle in the rear, just like the other Gs, but the rear axle on the electric one is a De Dion design, chosen because it better accommodates the electric motors. Adaptive, adjustable dampers will come standard on all electric G-Class models.
The sum capability of the new motor setup, the new suspension layout, and that low center of gravity afforded by the battery pack is thus: Mercedes says the electric G-Wagen can climb “100-percent” grades on “suitable surfaces,” which means it can scramble up 45-degree slopes. Ground clearance between the axles is 9.8 inches, and maximum fording depth is 33.5 inches: Both figures best those of the gas-powered G-Class. Approach, departure, and breakover angles are 32, 30.7, and 20.3 degrees, respectively. (Mercedes hasn’t yet released those stats for the gas versions.)
In addition to three on-road drive modes (comfort, sport, and individual), there are two off-road modes, “trail” and “rock.” Rock mode will trigger that 2:1 gear reduction mentioned earlier and restrict the vehicle’s top speed to 53 mph.
By programming each wheel’s motor to work independently, Mercedes’ engineers were able to work in some neat features that could be useful off-road—or at Hollywood curbside parties. The first is known as “G-Turn,” which will rotate the vehicle on the spot by turning the wheels on either side in opposite directions. It sounds useful in theory, but you can only activate it if your electric G-wagen is on a specific type of surface (flat, covered with a loose substance) and if you initiate a long, unintuitive sequence of vehicle commands. Safety is the best reason for this narrow use case, of course; but, despite Mercedes’ best intentions, all won’t be surprised if some owners scrub a few tires showing off the feature to their friends on pavement.
The next function is called “G-Steering,” which reduces the turning circle of the electric G by spinning each wheel’s motor to rotate the vehicle over the inside rear wheel, eliminating the need for multi-point turns in certain situations.
The modern G-Class is famous for cosseting its inhabitants in a truly lavish cabin, and the electric G-Wagen continues that tradition. All versions of the G 580 will feature the latest iteration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system as standard. Here, the system will operate via dual 12.3-inch screens, one in the center and one in front of the driver.
There are unique features such as an “Off-Road Cockpit” that will provide an overview of the most relevant off-road information and allow quick access to functions that enhance this thing’s exceptional off-road capability. One such function is the “Transparent Hood,” which will utilize the 360-degree camera to project a virtual view of what’s in front of the vehicle, allowing the driver to precisely place the big G while navigating tricky parts of a trail.
When it arrives in the United States for the 2025 model year, the electric G—erm, G 580 with EQ Technology—will be offered in just one configuration, the “Edition One.” You can have yours in five paint colors: South Sea Blue Magno, Moonlight White Magno, Moonlight White Metallic, Arabian Grey, or Obsidian Black Metallic. Predictably, for a special edition vehicle, it will come with stylistic flourishes, such as blue trim inserts on certain exterior bits, blue brake calipers, blue carbon-fiber interior accents, and more.
Two packages that will be optional on later versions—the AMG Line and Night Package—will come standard on the Edition One. Between the two, upgrades include 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels painted in black, tinted exterior lighting elements, black exterior mirrors, special Silver Pearl and Black Nappa leather for the interior, and more.
How much will all of this cost? Mercedes hasn’t released pricing information yet, but you can expect it to be priced like a luxury status symbol. For those fortunate enough to get ahold of one, what’s on offer looks sure to impress.
