- Quad-motor drivetrain delivers 579 hp and 859 lb-ft, zero to 62 mph takes 4.7 seconds.
- Can wade through 33.5 inches of water and perform tank turns.
- G580 with EQ Technology introduces new EQ naming strategy, where EQ is relegated to a tag.
This is Mercedes’ new, battery-powered G-class battering ram, an all-electric version of Benz’s iconic off-roader and the first Mercedes EV to employ the company’s new naming strategy. Instead of getting the EQG badge we were expecting, its official name is G580 with EQ Technology. We’ll see more of that on future Merc EVs.
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The G-EV comes with a four-motor electric drivetrain that makes 579 hp (588 PS / 432 kW), each motor contributing 145 hp (147 PS / 108 kW), and providing a combined 859 lb-ft (1,164 Nm) to push the posh brick to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. But Mercedes says off-road performance was the real priority, and as a result the G580 EQ can outperform the traditional ICE-powered G-class in the rough.
Related: Everything We Know About The 2027 Mercedes ‘Baby’ G-Class
Each of the four motors gets its own two-speed gearbox, there’s a shiftable low-ratio transmission and the G580’s drivetrain doesn’t need traditional diff locks, instead using individual motor control to handle tricky situations. Traction is so good that the G can traverse a 35-degree slope and its battery and powertrain components are completely sealed, allowing it to wade through 850 mm (33.5 inches) of water – an impressive 150 mm (5.9 inches) more than the ICE-powered G-class can manage, and it would be more if the charging port was mounted higher.
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Off-highway tricks include G-Turn, Mercedes’ name for a tank-turn, that lets the G580 spin around on the spot, G-Steering, which pivots the G around one wheel to dramatically tighten the turning circle, and a crawl mode for traversing really tough terrain that can drop the speed to below walking pace.
Other than the smooth grille, a re-profiled hood to improve airflow, and the option to turn the spare wheel holder on the rear door into a home for the charging cable, the G580 EQ looks much like the recently facelifted ICE G-class. It even rides on the same basic body-on-frame chassis, though here, the 116 kWh battery pack lifted from the EQS sedan becomes a structural chassis member, removing the need for cross-bracing, and is protected by carbon shields.
The G580 can handle 200 kW charge speeds and gives a claimed EV range of 292 WLTP miles (470 kW). That’s not bad given the barn-door-like aerodynamics (down from 0.48 to 0.44 Cd, but still terrible) and colossal 3,085 kg (6,800 lbs) curb weight, which is up 600 kg (1,323 lbs) compared with the combustion G500.
Inside, the G580 EQ comes with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system and ambient lighting but you’re still expected to pay extra for keyless entry, temperature-controlled cup holders, Burmester 3D surround sound hifi and the transparent hood camera system.
That seems a bit mean considering it costs €142,622 in Germany (equivalent to $152,620 / £122,560; exact U.S. and UK prices will come later) in base trim, putting it between the ICE-powered G500 and G63, though it’s easy to spend far more. An optional AMG-Line trim adds 20-inch AMG wheels, running boards, stainless steel trim and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, or you can send your G through Merc’s Manufaktur personalization program.
Alternatively, you can splash out on the Edition One launch model. That’ll set you back a hefty €192,524 ($206,018 / £165,440) and comes only in five special Manufaktur paint finishes, including the south sea blue magno seen here.
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