Here it is, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, making its global debut in Beijing (China is the G-Class’s second largest market) in the year the G-Class celebrates its 45th anniversary. Officially it’s called the “Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology,” which is a real head-turner and marks a departure from the automaker’s EQ branding as more of its models switch to electric power.
The production G580, which was introduced as the Concept EQG in September 2021, is intended to offer the same or even better off-road performance as versions with conventional powertrains, but without emissions. Delivery will begin in the second half of 2024.
The G580 is based on a ladder frame chassis, just like the recently updated G-Class W465, but with some revisions to accommodate the electric powertrain. First of all, the chassis has been strengthened to accommodate a large battery. Although the same double wishbone arrangement is retained up front, the solid rear axle has been completely redesigned to adopt a De Dion design – adaptive dampers are standard.
The G580 has a total of four electric motors, two each in a housing on the front and rear axles. The power from the motors to the wheels is transmitted via double cardan shafts, which has the advantage that the camber does not change during compression.
Each motor has its own two-speed transmission integrated into a common housing that also contains a dual inverter. The purpose of the transmission is to allow low and high gears like a 4×4 vehicle.
In low-range mode, the gear ratio is 2:1 to increase wheel torque to tackle difficult terrain, and the top speed is limited to 85 km/h. In normal everyday operation, the high-range mode is used to maximize the range.
Mercedes-Benz specifies a WLTP range of up to 473 km thanks to a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 116 kWh. The two-stage battery features 216 cells housed in twelve cell modules between three cooling levels and integrated into the leadframe for a lower center of gravity and better rigidity. To prevent water and dirt from penetrating, the battery is housed in a torsion-resistant housing.
The battery supports DC fast charging with a maximum of 200 kW, reaching a state of charge (SoC) of 10-80% in just 32 minutes at the socket. There is also slower AC charging at 11kW and 10-100%. SoC was achieved in 11.77 hours.
The electric motors each produce 147 hp (145 hp or 108 kW), the nominal system output is 587 hp (579 hp or 432 kW) and a torque of 1,164 Nm. The latter produces 314 Nm more than the G63, while peak performance is comparable to that of the variant equipped with a 4.0-liter biturbo V8.
While maximum torque is an advantage of the G580, its battery and electrical components result in a curb weight of 3,085 kg, which is more than the G63, which weighs about 2.6 tons. If you choose the all-electric G-Class, you’ll achieve acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (G63 does it in 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 180 km/h (G63 reaches a top speed of 220 km/h). H).
Of course, the G-Class has earned its reputation as an extremely capable off-roader, as each iteration had to prove itself 336 times on the Schöcklbergen in Graz, Austria, covering a 5.6 km route with gradients of up to 60 km and Side slopes up to 40%.
The G580 meets this requirement and even surpasses the conventional G-Class in some respects. According to the manufacturer, the maximum wading depth of the off-road SUV is 850 mm, which is 150 mm more than variants with a conventional drive.
Additionally, the electric G-Class is equipped with G-Turn, which is essentially a tank turning function made possible by the four independently driven wheels. When the conditions are right—the car is in “D,” rock mode is engaged, and low range is engaged—all the driver needs to do is pull the left or right shift paddle (doubles to control five regenerative braking modes). Hold the steering wheel and release the brake. Pedal and step on the accelerator.
This works for up to two complete vehicle revolutions and the function can be canceled manually at any time by releasing the shift paddle or accelerator pedal. It’s a great party trick and is particularly useful when you encounter an impossible obstacle off-road and a quick change of direction is required.
Another clever feature is the G-Steering function, which regulates drive torque to enable tighter cornering when space is limited, similar to rear wheel steering. As with G-Turn, certain conditions must be met and there is a limit; the maximum speed in this case is 25 km/h.
Finally, there is an intelligent off-road crawling function that is always active when low range is engaged. The driver can use the shift paddles to set crawling speeds from two km/h depending on the gradient and situation.
As for other off-road information, ground clearance is listed at 250mm, allowing for almost identical approach and departure angles of 32 degrees and 30.7 degrees respectively. Only the tilt angle is missing at 20.3 degrees, which is less than the standard G-Class’s 26 degrees. This is due to the presence of the battery and the 26 mm thick and 57.6 kg aluminum skid plate.
For the electric G-Class there is Electric Dynamic Select with the already mentioned Rock mode as well as Trail and the well-known Comfort, Sport and Individual options. The model’s signature differential locks are also present, although they are non-mechanical and rely on calibrating the electric motors to deliver precise torque for maximum traction – the company calls them “virtual differential locks”.
A unique feature of the EV is G-Roar (everything needs a label), which enhances immersion by producing a driving noise reminiscent of V8-powered models, with the sound produced depending on the driving mode selected. “Its deep bass and sonorous tones deliberately set it apart from the sound of other fully electric models from the brand with the star,” the company said in a statement.
In terms of design, the G580 is very similar to its conventional powertrain siblings, but there are a few clues that distinguish it as an all-electric model. At the front, the radiator grille is largely covered by a black panel with thin slots, and the round headlights also have a surrounding trim strip in a similar design. The inlets in the lower apron, however, have square grille inserts.
Elsewhere, a slightly raised bonnet, air curtains in the rear wheel arch extensions and a square box together with elements of the facelifted G-Class – A-pillar trim and spoiler lip on the roof – ensure that the aerodynamics are optimized in order to increase the stated range reach possible. The box is square and smaller to accommodate the charging cable, but customers can optionally opt for a spare wheel.
Inside, you’ll find a dashboard layout that’s largely identical to the regular G-Class, with all controls arranged the same. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment with its two 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen) is also included; a rear entertainment system (11.6-inch touchscreens, a Burmester) is optional sound system) and a “transparent hood” function.
There is also no shortage of driver assistance systems, including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Emergency Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360 degree assistant camera, pre-safe and pre-safe sound.
Of course, there are many ways to customize your G580, be it through the Manufaktur program or the wide selection of packages that transform the exterior and interior. For something special, the G580 is offered in Edition One trim, which offers plenty of cost options as standard.
There you have it, the first electric G-Class ever, a car that Arnold Schwarzenegger would be proud to own. What do you think of the G580? Are the specs impressive on paper and does it deserve a “real G”? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology
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