The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been electrified.
First teased as the EQG Concept in 2021, Mercedes has opted to forgo the “EQ” branding on the production version of the electric Geländewagen – fondly known as the G-Wagen.
Henceforth, the electric G-Class will be called the “G580 with EQ Technology” to retain uniformity across Mercedes’ product portfolio.
An icon electrified
The electric architecture of the electric G580 consists of four e-motors with a combined output of 432kW and 1,164Nm, motivated by a 116kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
With the powerful setup 0-100km/h is completed in just 4.7 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 180km/h.
Perhaps more important than pace, the G-Class’s massive power module affords a maximum driving range of 473km and is protected from damage by a torsion-resistant casing constructed out of a carbon fibre material mix.
When depleted, a 200kW DC plug will recharge the battery from 10-80% in 32 minutes, and it supports up to 11kW AC charging for at-home replenishment.
The battery-powered G-Class fortunately does not compromise on capability.
Its chassis was developed off a ladder-frame concept with independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear which are the most suitable for off-road use, and it brings a selectable low-range gear reduction system.
Additionally, the electric powertrain uses torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks.
“The virtual differential locks enable fully variable distribution of the drive torque among the individual wheels. The result is maximum traction with maximum flexibility without distortion when cornering,” said Mercedes.
As e-motors can provide maximum torque from a standstill, the G580 also affords enormous pulling power and controllability at low speeds which is advantageous on steep inclines and loose surfaces.
Its coolest party trick, this G-Wagen is the first mass-produced Mercedes to feature individual-wheel control, enabling functions such as G-Turn, G-Steering, and Intelligent Off-Road Crawl.
G-Turn allows the SUV to perform 360-degree turns almost on the spot by rotating the left and right wheels in opposite directions.
G-Steering significantly reduces the turning circle by applying more torque to the outside wheels around a corner, forcing the vehicle to swivel around the inside rear wheel.
Intelligent Off-Road Crawl functions like off-road cruise control at speeds of up to 14km/h and provides three settings depending on the terrain, namely Slow Crawl, Variable Crawl, and Fast Crawl.
The eco-friendly SUV also offers a V8 engine noise of sorts, thanks to the new G-Roar feature.
“G-Roar provides an impressive acoustic accompaniment to the acceleration of the all-new electric G-Class,” said Mercedes.
“Its deep bass and sonorous tones deliberately set it apart from the sound of other all-electric models from the brand with the three-pointed star.”
While adapted for the modern era, the new G580 with EQ Technology loses none of the curb appeal that made the conventional G-Wagen such a hit.
It sees a handful of minor exterior changes, encompassing a slightly raised bonnet, a distinctive body-coloured front grille with four louvres and chrome surrounds, new A-pillar cladding, air curtains in the rear wheel arches, and a spoiler lip on the roof.
It also rolls around in streamlined 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design painted in high-gloss black.
These cosmetic alterations have not only given the G580 a unique appearance, but also resulted in improved aerodynamics and acoustic comfort in comparison to the petrol-powered G-Class models, said Mercedes.
As an optional extra, buyers can get an LED light band around the grille that can be activated as a daytime running light and provide locking and unlocking animations, as well as a rectangular storage box on the tailgate for storing items like charging cables or tools.
The cabin of the G580 with EQ Technology is virtually identical to that of the normal G-Class, receiving a 12.3-inch driver and media display with touch controls, a Nappa leather steering wheel, leather seats, ambient lighting, open-pore walnut wood trims, temperature-controlled cupholders, a wireless charging system, and a comprehensive suite of advance driver assistance systems.
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Edition One
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