The Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Edition One is launching in South Africa in the near future at a starting price of R4,647,456, our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists confirmed.
The battery-electric 4×4 is the first of its kind, that being the first G-Class to be driven by electricity alone.
It is also the most expensive electric Mercedes in the country, surpassing the ultra-luxurious Maybach EQS SUV by over half a million rand.
Its price positions the EQ Edition One ever so slightly below the flagship AMG G63 which is equipped with a stonking 4.0-litre, V8 powerplant.
Likewise, the siblings offer similar performance specifications, features, and looks, suggesting that the EQ will be pitched as a direct alternative to the high-performance gas guzzler for the more eco-conscious side of the 1%.
The off-roading EQ
The foundation of the new G580 EQ Edition One comprises four electric motors with a total grunt of 432kW and 1,164Nm
The powerful setup enables the three-tonne 4×4 to complete the 0-100km/h dash in just 4.7 seconds and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.
A sizeable 116kWh lithium-ion battery ensures a driving range of as much as 473km and it is protected from damage by a torsion-resistant carbon fibre casing.
When depleted, a 200kW DC plug will recharge the pack from 10-80% in 32 minutes, and it supports up to 11kW AC charging for at-home replenishment.
The electric G-Wagen retains the legendary capability that the Mercedes has become known for over the years.
The chassis is based on a ladder-frame concept with independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle which the brand says is the most suitable for off-road use, and it brings a selectable low-range gear reduction system.
Additionally, the electric powertrain employs torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks.
An inherent benefit of e-motors is that they can provide maximum torque from the get-go, as a result, the G580 also affords enormous pulling power and controllability at low speeds which is advantageous on steep inclines and loose surfaces.
Perhaps the coolest party trick, this G-Wagen is the first mass-produced Mercedes to come with individual-wheel control which makes possible 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 boasts 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.”
The G580 EQ Edition One is differentiated from its stablemates through a few visual changes such as 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 interior, meanwhile, 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 EQ Edition One
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