The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has finally gone electric – just don’t call it a member of the EQ family.
The electric version of the legendary G-Class should be called EQG, following Mercedes-Benz’s naming conventions for its battery-powered models.
However, the unveiling of the model brought with it an official name: Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ technology.
While almost all existing EQ models run on different platforms than those that underpin the petrol and diesel versions, the electric G-Wagon still uses its proven body-on-frame chassis to maintain its off-road credibility.
The G 580 is powered by four electric motors – one for each wheel – which together produce up to 432 kW of power and 1164 Nm of torque. That’s enough to dwarf the G63 AMG’s twin-turbo V8, which produces 2kW but 314Nm less.
Mercedes-Benz claims the boxy electric SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching its electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h.
The motors are powered by a 116kWh lithium-ion battery, protected by a 26mm thick plate with mixed carbon to prevent breakdown. The WLTP cycle states a range of 473 km.
Unlike most electric vehicles (EVs), the G 580 features a reduction gear for short-range off-road driving, limiting the top speed to 85 km/h.
Automatically engaged virtual differential locks help keep the SUV under control when driving on loose surfaces. However, this is achieved through torque vectoring as the G-Wagon has no physical differentials.
And yes, Mercedes-Benz is putting the G-Turn into production, allowing drivers to make their passengers (and themselves) violently ill by spinning the electric vehicle on its own axis.
The G-Steering function, which uses a similar principle to reduce the turning circle, is somewhat more practical. Imagine two people paddling a canoe, one pushing against the current while the other works with it.
Mercedes claims impressive numbers for the G 580, which include the ability to climb a 45-degree incline (or 35 degrees sideways). It also features approach, departure and breakover angles of 32, 30.7 and 20.3 degrees, respectively.
Because the G 580 doesn’t have an engine to take on water, it has a wading depth of 850mm, 150mm more than the G63.
Depending on the surface, there are three driving modes for the road (Comfort, Sport, Individual) and two off-road settings (Trail, Rock) to choose from.
If you think you’ll miss the G63’s V8 rumble, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the EV SUV with its “G-ROAR sound experience.”
An 11 kW onboard AC charger and 200 kW DC charging capacity are standard.
The electric G-Wagen has three charging programs to choose from, including standard, work or home. Drivers can preset their departure time, climate control and maximum charge level for all three, with Home and Work enabled depending on their location.
Although the EV G is noticeably different under the skin from its petrol-powered counterpart, its appearance hasn’t changed much – apart from a raised bonnet, new A-pillar trim, a roof lip spoiler and air curtains on the rear wheels.
Aerodynamically optimized, high-gloss black 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design are installed as standard. If you choose the AMG Line appearance package, 20-inch alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design are included, as well as running boards, brake calipers with logo and illuminated stainless steel wheel, as well as steel door sills.
A night package with tinted lights, black wheels, black mirror caps and emblems is also available.
Inside there are the usual luxury features such as an open-pore natural walnut interior, a nappa leather steering wheel and two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system, which continues to run on the MBUX operating software.
The navigation system can take selected routes into account and plan where to stop to charge or which driving modes to activate.
Optional equipment includes a black grille, 11.6-inch rear displays, Keyless Go and a Burmester 3D sound system.
Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, surround view camera and traffic sign recognition.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has yet to confirm when we’ll be able to see the G 580 in local showrooms and how much it will cost down under.
European examples start at €142,621.50 – the equivalent of more than $235,000.
The G63 AMG, the only G-Class for sale in Australia, is priced from $363,561 excluding on-road costs.
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