Who is the electric G-Wagen – the Mercedes-Benz G 580 2025 with EQ technology – suitable for? The price hasn’t been announced yet, but it will be expensive. Range hasn’t been announced yet, but it gets 294 miles on the European test cycle, meaning the EPA will likely rate it at around 250. It doesn’t look noticeably different than the combustion and hybrid versions either, but the way it turns out is all intentional.
According to Mercedes-AMG boss Michael Scheibe, it must first and foremost be a G-Wagen, regardless of what powertrain it is. This means that its off-road capabilities and iconic shape are at the forefront. Scheibe says Mercedes could have made it more aerodynamic by changing the shape, but then it wouldn’t be a G station wagon.
Visually, the main differences between the electric G-Class and others are the illuminated radiator grille frame, the higher bonnet line and minor changes to improve aerodynamics – slightly modified A-pillar trim, a small roof spoiler and air curtains on the rear fender flares. Inside are controls for EV-exclusive tricks like turning the car where the diff lock buttons should be. That’s it.
Scheibe acknowledges that there may be electric cars that accelerate faster or charge faster, but the G-Class needs to retain its all-wheel-drive capabilities. In Europe, vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds) are not allowed to be driven with a regular car license. Mercedes hit that limit with a curb weight of 7,716 pounds, including a 127-pound carbon-fiber composite underbody plate that protects the battery from rocks. From then on, the size of the battery was determined by mass limitations and the range was limited by its shape. Mercedes isn’t even trying to match the Hummer EV’s range of 381 miles. For full specifications click here.
Maybe it doesn’t matter anyway. Mercedes claims the G-Class is a car for everyone. At one end of the spectrum are German carpenters who buy diesel vehicles as work vehicles. However, on the other side are the lifestyle buyers and that is where the money lies. There’s a reason Mercedes decided to launch the electric G in the hills of Beverly. Take a quick drive around the area and you’ll notice that the G-Class is a more lavish SUV than the Chevy Trax. Of course, not a single grain of mud can be seen from any of them.
Mercedes expects that most electric G-Wagons will be the second or third car in the household, so maximum range is not as important. G-Wagon owners don’t rely on it as their only mode of transportation. For longer road trips, these owners have other options.
That could change later. The company invests in Mercedes-operated or Mercedes-affiliated charging networks in the United States and China. They have already started in Europe. Mercedes realized that the network was not growing fast enough where customers wanted to go. As an example, Scheibe cited the planned motorway network from major German cities to the popular ski resort of Austria.
The G 580’s intended customer base with EQ technology explains its star- and influencer-studded unveiling. The car appeared on a lake shrouded in fog pumped out by dry ice machines, and then Travis Scott climbed onto the roof of the car for a mini-concert. A number of classic G-Wagons were also on display, including an original 1979 model with a Puch badge and one that we learned belonged to Kendall Jenner.
Puch is now Magna Steyr, the company that operates and builds the G-Class largely by hand in Graz, Austria. A Mercedes representative explained that there is only one robot in the entire factory. This allows for a lot of customization if you want your G-Class to be neon yellow, but also flexibility.
This flexibility will come in handy as the vagaries of the electric vehicle market wax and wane. Mercedes will be able to adjust the ratio of ICE and electric G cars they build to some extent. Sure, the handcrafted process is a little slower, but the company sees it as an advantage. They like to keep supply somewhat low and demand high.
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