The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has finally gone electric – just don’t call it a member of the EQ family.
The electric version of the legendary G-Class was expected to be named the EQG, aligning it with Mercedes-Benz’s naming conventions for its battery-powered models.
However, the reveal of the model has brought with it an official name: the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology.
While almost all existing EQ-branded models run on platforms separate to those which underpin the petrol and diesel versions, the electric G-Wagon still uses its trusted body-on-frame chassis to retain off-road credibility.
Powering the G 580 are four electric motors – one for each wheel – produce up to 432kW of power and 1164Nm of torque combined. That’s easily enough to put the G63 AMG’s twin-turbo V8 to shame, which develops 2kW but 314Nm less.
Mercedes-Benz claims the boxy electric SUV can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching its electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.
The motors are fed by a 116kWh lithium-ion battery pack, protected by a 26mm thick plate with carbon mixed in to prevent a puncture. It boasts a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP cycle.
Unlike most electric vehicles (EVs), the G 580 has a reduction gear for low-range off-road driving activities, limiting its top speed to 85km/h.
Automatically engaged virtual differential locks help to keep the SUV under control when driving on loose surfaces, though this is achieved through torque vectoring as the G-Wagon lacks physical differentials.
And yes, Mercedes-Benz is putting G-Turn into production, allowing drivers to make their passengers (and themselves) violently ill by spinning the EV on its axis.
A slightly more practical feature is G-Steering, which uses a similar principle to reduce its turning circle. Think about two people paddling a canoe, with one pushing against the current while the other works with it.
Mercedes claims impressive figures for the G 580, which includes an ability to drive up a 45 degree grade (or 35 degrees sideways). It also features approach, departure and breakover angles of 32, 30.7 and 20.3 degrees, respectively.
With no engine to worry about ingesting water, the G 580 has a 850mm wading depth, 150mm more than the G63.
There are three on-road drive modes to choose from (Comfort, Sport, Individual) and two off-road (Trail, Rock) settings, depending on the surface being driven on.
If you think you’ll miss the V8 rumble of the G63, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the EV SUV with its “G-ROAR sound experience”.
An 11kW onboard AC charger and 200kW DC charging capacity are standard.
The electric G-Wagen has three charging programmes to select from, including Standard, Work, or Home. Drivers can pre-set their departure time, climate control and maximum charge level across the three, with Home and Work capable of activating based on location.
While the EV G is significantly different from its petrol-powered counterpart under the skin, its appearance hasn’t changed a whole lot – save for a raised bonnet, new A-pillar trim, roof lip spoiler, and rear wheel air curtains.
Aerodynamically optimised high-gloss black 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard, though opting for the AMG Line appearance package includes 20-inch 10-spoke alloys as well as running boards, branded brake calipers, and illuminated stainless steel door sills.
A Night Package with tinted lights, black wheels, black mirror caps and badges is also available.
Inside, there’s the normal luxury fittings such as an open pore natural walnut interior, nappa leather steering wheel, plus dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, which continues to run on the MBUX operating software.
The navigation system can take selected routes into account and plan where to stop for a charge or even what drive modes to engage.
Optional equipment includes a black grille, 11.6-inch rear displays, keyless go, and a Burmester 3D sound system.
Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition.
Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to confirm when we can expect to see the G 580 in local showrooms, and how much it will cost Down Under.
European examples will start from €142,621.50 – equivalent to more than $235,000.
The G63 AMG, the lone G-Class on sale in Australia, is priced from $363,561 before on-road costs.
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