The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an icon of on/off-road luxury since its inception in 1979, has added an extra string to its bow, electrification. And before you sceptics start rolling your eyes and tutting, it’s magnificent – and Mercedes-Benz NZ took us off-road at Kauri Bay to prove it.
The introduction of a fully electric variant G Wagen (officially known as G580 with EQ Technology), combines cutting-edge technology, unmatched off-road expertise, and extraordinary customisation options, meaning that it upholds the 45-year+ legacy of the G-Class while paving the way for an electric future.
The G580 takes the G-Class’s renowned off-road performance to new heights with its fully electric drivetrain. Uniquely equipped with four independent electric motors, one on each wheel, it provides unparalleled control and enables new driving dynamics such as the “tank (G) turn,” where the vehicle can rotate 360 degrees (actually upto 720-degrees) on the spot, and it’ll G-Steer that’ll feels a bit like a handbrake turn.
Additionally, its off-road capabilities surpass that of its combustion-engine predecessors, for example, the G580 achieves an impressive water fording depth of 100 cm, greater than the standard G-Class models. Its electric powertrain provides real-time adaptive torque control, ensuring optimal grip and stability in challenging terrain. Unlike most electric vehicles, the G580 retains a mechanical gearbox attached to each motor. This unique feature allows the activation of a low-range mode, delivering double the torque for extreme off-road situations.
And for the purist’s out there, Mercedes has preserved the famed ladder frame design of the G-Class, which ensures exceptional structural integrity and durability during rigorous off-road use.
Designed to handle a maximum gradient of 45 degrees (again more than its ICE sibling), the G580’s off-road prowess is further reinforced by an underbody protection system. A carbon-composite protective plate weighing just under 60 kg shields the battery while supporting up to three times the vehicle’s weight.
But its superior off-roadness is just one thing, the G580 takes personalisation to an unprecedented level, offering unlimited (ok over 600,000) possible combinations of customisable elements. Starting with 27 exterior paint options, including exclusive ones, you can really make it your own. Plus there are various upholsteries and trim choices, including high-end materials and distinct color palettes like unique blue highlights found in the exclusive “Edition One” model.
For added distinction, you can opt for unique features such as an illuminated black-panel radiator grille inspired by the EQG concept, making the vehicle instantly recognisable at night.
Maintaining the iconic design language of the G-Class while incorporating modern touches, the G580 balances innovation with tradition. Its boxy angular design, round headlights, and distinctive indicators stay true to its heritage, and even its production process reflects its legendary status, as each vehicle is predominantly hand-assembled, with minimal robotic intervention. In fact, only the windshield is ‘robot-installed’, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the electric G.
Additional updates include aerodynamic improvements like vented rear wheel arches, aero optimised wheels and a raised hood, enhancing overall efficiency by 15% compared to the ICE-powered model. And for those that miss the V8 (sigh) there’s a “G-Roar,” a simulated sound generator exclusive to the electric model, replicating the soundtrack of driving a combustion-powered G-Class (although it is slightly muted).
In terms of dimensions, the G580 remains nearly identical in size to the combustion-engine G-Class, with a 4.8-metre length and retains the same wheelbase. However, the weight is up rather significantly, meaning that towing is NOT an option. At its heart is a usable 116kWh battery, offering a range of up to 567km (450km WLTP), AC charging is up to 11kW, while a DC fast charging system supports up to 200 kW for 10-80% charging within 30 minutes.
And of those that talk performance, it produces around 432kW of power and 1100Nm of torque, oh and gets its frame from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds!
For our test drive we stayed well clear of the tarmac, conquering a challenging course devised by the team at Kauri Bay. In follow the leader fashion – with a G63 taking the lead, we climbed hills (and reversed up them too), forded mucky swamps, articulated (in a vehicular way), inclined, declined, tilted and spinned (yes I know it’s not a real word).
Having recently driven the new G63, I’m not saying that I didn’t want to like the G580, but I didn’t want to like it THIS MUCH!
Dave McLeod – Tarmac Life
As outlined in the introduction, the G580 handled it all magnificently, regardless of what ‘exercise’ we were doing, the ride was smooth and unflustered, while our friends in the G63 were as shaken and stirred as a Bond’s Martini.
Obviously the highlights were the G-Steer, which simply pulled the rear end around eliminating the need for 6-point turns and the G-Turn which span the electric Wagen 720-degrees in either direction. But moreover, was the ease in which it conquered the terrain below. The off-road options (and capabilities) are endless, however, simple to interact with for both novices and experienced alike.
Having recently driven the new G63, I’m not saying that I didn’t want to like the G580, but I didn’t want to like it THIS MUCH!
The G580 will initially launch with a highly exclusive “Edition One” variant, featuring unique aesthetics and premium upgrades, such as high-end materials and upholstery with blue accent trims and lighting and a design-specific rear “storage box” styled like a spare wheel cover. Pricing starts at $231,400, with the “Edition One” priced at $276,000, reflecting its premium features and limited availability.
