Rumors about a full-size electric G-Class have been floating around for a while, but it’s now official. The G-Wagon is going electric with the new fully electric “Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology.” The name might be a bit lengthy, and adopting the name from its concept version, the Concept EQG, might have been a better idea. Nonetheless, the vehicle is likely to attract those who love the G-Wagon and want the advantages of an electric vehicle.
Wondering what the G580 with EQ Technology is all about? Here’s a detailed breakdown.
The G580 keeps many of the design elements that fans of the G-Class are familiar with and fond of. Although the concept version had some modern features like exterior light bars, the production version looks quite similar to the traditional G-Wagon. Still, there are a few design tweaks.
Thankfully, the new vehicle maintains its boxy design, which long-time G-Wagon fans will appreciate. While this design isn’t the most aerodynamic and might affect the range, it offers a unique charm. There are other EVs out there for those who prioritize maximum range.
Compared to earlier G-Wagons, the G580 has a slightly raised hood and a grille with minimal horizontal openings for air intake. At the back, you’ll find a silver “EQ” badge indicating that this is an electric vehicle.
The exterior may look familiar, but the interior is quite different. It still has rugged features like large handles and sporty-looking seats, but it’s also built for comfort, featuring leather upholstery throughout, including a leather-covered steering wheel.
One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of extensive accent lighting inside the vehicle, giving it a modern, luxurious feel. Various displays are scattered around, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a large instrument display. Rear passengers also have their own infotainment screens.
The car is packed with tech features. It includes MBUX augmented reality navigation that overlays directions on a camera image, and there’s an option for a Burmester 3D surround sound system that supports Dolby Atmos. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.
As you’d expect from a G-Wagon, the G580 offers robust off-roading capabilities. It has enough power to tackle steep hills and features a unique G-steering function allowing the car to rotate around its own axis. The vehicle also supports virtual differential locking, which helps route power to individual wheels for improved traction in off-road conditions.
The G580 is equipped with four motors, one on each wheel, delivering a total of 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. It’s fast too, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
The range isn’t the G580’s standout feature. The 116 kilowatt-hour battery provides up to 240 miles of range, which is a bit lower than expected. Hopefully, future models will push this range further.
The G580 can charge at up to 200 kilowatts on a DC fast charger. While not the highest charging speed available (some vehicles support up to 350kW), it’s decent, allowing the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% in just over 30 minutes. The first vehicles will come with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter, and later models will have NACS built-in.
Some details about the G580 remain unknown, including its pricing. However, the starting price is estimated to be between $150,000 and $200,000. It’s not available in the U.S. yet but is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2024.