The electric G-Class that Mercedes-Benz has been teasing for ages is finally here. It turns out that it is not called the EQG, as it has been advertised, in line with the electric lineup of the premium carmaker. It is, in fact, the G 580 with EQ Technology, with a V8 sound in the speakers and capable of performing the tank turn.
The model, named the G 580 instead of the previously advertised EGQ designation, is said to have kept all its off-roader abilities with a plus. The robust ladder frame design keeps its ground, and the vehicle sports the selectable Low Range off-road gear reduction, an independent front suspension, and a newly developed solid rear axle.
In fact, Mercedes did not alter the 45-year old design features of the G-Class. It still has the turn indicators up next to the hood, distinctive door handles, the visible hinges, and the spare wheel case at the rear, but the latter has now received a rectangular shape instead of the round one of the conventional G.
A high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, integrated into the ladder frame, has a capacity of 116 kWh. The G 580 can drive as far as 291 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP standard used in Europe, but the EPA-rated range will probably be lower than that. The unit is housed in a torsion-resistant casing that protects it from any water and dirt intrusion.
Both AC and DC charging are available thanks to the 11-kW onboard AC charger and DC fast charging system with a charging capacity of up to 200 kW. The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 32 minutes with DC fast charging.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Three charging programs are available: Standard, Work, and Home. Owners get a notification from the MBUX system when the charging program is active after they set parameters such as departure time, climate control, or maximum charge level. The Home and Work charging programs will be automatically engaged based on location.
The all-new Mercedes G 580 can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds
For enhanced safety, the all-new, all-electric Mercedes G 580 sports an underbody protection made from an intelligent mix of materials, including carbon fiber.
Four individually controlled electric motors, integrated into the ladder frame and located near the wheels, each engaging one of the four, power the electric G. Each of the motors generates 145 horsepower for a total output of 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque, intelligently distributed to optimize traction.
With instant peak torque from a standstill, the electric G can run from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and top out at an electronically limited speed of 112 mph. The V8-powered Mercedes-AMG G 63 does it faster: 3.9 seconds, which is almost supercar territory.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
It is, though, slower than the other V8-powerd G-Class, the G 550, which is capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 5.3 seconds. But keep in mind that the electric G-Class tips the scales at 6,801 pounds (3,085 kilograms)!
Once an off-roader, always an off-roader
Equipped with virtual differential locks through torque vectoring, providing the necessary amount where needed within fractions of a second, the off-roader is now capable of performing the G-Turn (tank turn) and the G-Steering. It also sports the oh-so-exciting crawl function.
The electric G-Class thus becomes the only Europe-made vehicle to be able to perform the tank turn like BYD's Yangwang U8 and the Zeekr 001, for instance, both of them manufactured in China.
The G-turn enables the vehicle to turn on the spot on loose or unpaved surfaces, while the G-Steering provides it with a way smaller turning circle. The crawl function to get rid of an off-road predicament, using either the Slow Crawl at 1 mph uphill, downhill, and on level terrain, the Variable Crawl at speeds of up to 9 mph on 10-20 percent downhill grades, or the Fast Crawl with a constant speed of around 5 mph uphill and on level terrain.
And wait! There is more to this off-road icon: the G 580 with EQ Technology can climb up to 100 percent grade on suitable surfaces, remains stable on lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees, and sports a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches, which is 5.9 inches more than the V8-powered G 550 and AMG G 63.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
It also sports the G-Roar, which Mercedes describes as an "aura" sound. It is, in fact, an attempt to compensate for the lack of a V8.
The Mercedes G 580 is instantly recognizable
It is easy to recognize the G 580. The model comes with a slightly raised roof, a new A-pillar trim, spoiler lip on the roof strip and flared rear wheel arches. The wheel arches sport the "air curtains," which enhance aerodynamics and improve aeroacoustic. Mercedes also offers an optional black panel radiator grille.
The future driver of the EV will find a redesigned off-road control center on board which Mercedes calls the new Offroad Cockpit. The "transparent hood" function, which debuted with the GLE SUV, has now made its way onboard the G-Class.
It works alongside the 360-degree camera to display a virtual view of what is under the front of the vehicle. This will help the drivers properly assess the surface the vehicle drives on when the angles too steep for them to be able to see it through the windshield.
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experiences) enhances the high-tech ambiance on board. It integrates the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen of the same size as standard.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes G 580 Edition One comes with exclusive standard equipment
During the first year of production, Mercedes-Benz will offer the G-Class as an Edition One version with expanded standard equipment and unique design elements. Customers will be able to choose one of the five paint finishes available: South Sea Blue Magno, Moonlight White Magno, Moonlight White Metallic, Arabian Grey, and Obsidian Black Metallic, all provided by the Manufaktur customization program.
A blue trim strip shows up in the exterior protective holding. There are brake calipers painted in blue, displaying the name of the automaker. The side mirrors project the "Stronger Than Time" message onto the tarmac.
The Edition One also gets a radiator grille with four horizontal louvers as standard. The AMG Line and Night Package are also on the menu, bringing AMG ten-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels in high-gloss black and tinted exterior lighting elements.
Manufaktur Silver Pearl/Black Nappa leather with blue stitching covers the Active Multicontour Seats seats, door cards, and dashboard, while the blue carbon fiber trim elements mirror the exterior theme. It costs It costs a €192,524 in Germany, which translates to $205,778 at the current exchange rates. But we have yet to wait for the US market pricing.
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