The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is Germany’s response to popular off-road vehicles like Jeep, Hummer, and Land Rover. It seamlessly combines traditional Mercedes luxury with serious off-road capabilities, making it equally suitable for rugged trails and upscale venues. Now, this iconic vehicle is going electric.
Mercedes has been hinting at an electric version of the G-Class since 2021, and it’s finally here as the G580 with EQ Technology. It’s expected to hit the U.S. market as a 2025 model, alongside updated gasoline versions of the G-Class. This electric model modernizes the classic design and enhances its off-road performance with advanced electric powertrain technology.
The G580 retains the classic G-Class styling but features some updates like a raised hood, flared wheel arches with air curtains, and a charge port. It utilizes a modified version of the traditional G-Class ladder frame to accommodate a battery pack and electric motors.
A powerful quad-motor setup delivers 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque, enabling the electric G-Class to go from zero to 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is electronically capped at 112 mph.
Thanks to an electric motor for each wheel, the G580 doesn’t require the mechanical locking differentials found in its gasoline counterparts. Instead, it automatically distributes the right amount of torque to each wheel to simulate locked differentials. The electric G-Class also includes individual transmissions with low-range reduction gears for off-road terrain, similar to internal-combustion off-roaders.
Despite housing a 116-kilowatt-hour battery pack beneath its floor, the electric G-Class offers 9.8 inches of ground clearance. It’s claimed to be capable of fording up to 33.5 inches of water, which surpasses the capability of its gasoline siblings. Additional off-road specs include a 32-degree approach angle, 30.7-degree departure angle, and a 20.3-degree breakover angle.
The quad-motor system introduces some advanced features like G-Turn, which allows the G-Class to turn on the spot like a tank (for a limited two rotations at a time). G-Steering provides precise torque to individual wheels for tighter off-road turns, and an intelligent crawl function maintains a set speed over loose surfaces. To compensate for the lack of engine noise, Mercedes has equipped the G580 with an artificial sound known as G-Roar.
Mercedes hasn’t disclosed the range yet, but the vehicle supports 200-kilowatt DC fast charging, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 32 minutes. The G580 also comes with an 11-kW AC onboard charger that can fully recharge the battery in 13.5 hours. Additionally, it features the same variable regenerative braking system found in other Mercedes electric and plug-in hybrid models, allowing drivers to adjust the level of regeneration using steering wheel paddles.
Inside, the G580 maintains the luxurious atmosphere typical of the G-Class, including Nappa leather upholstery. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system is carried over from other models, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The vehicle also includes a 360-degree camera system with a “transparent hood” function that displays the terrain directly in front of the vehicle.
The G580 with EQ Technology will launch in the U.S. in a special Edition One version, featuring unique paint and trim details. While pricing information hasn’t been released, it’s expected to be in a higher range, similar to rivals like the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Rivian R1S. Future electric Jeep and Land Rover models are anticipated to join this expanding market, further driving the electrification of off-roading.