By now, you know the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen. It’s the most iconic SUV to wear the three-pointed star. Manufactured alongside the Pinzgauer, both were developed and built by Steyr-Daimler-Puch for German military use. Now known as the Mercedes-Benz G-Glass, it retains some essence of the original, but is far more opulent. And it’s about to be transformed once more, this time without an internal combustion engine.
Officially known as the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, the new model marks a turning point for the G-Class.
“Throughout its more than 45-year history, the G-Class has always used the most modern drive technology available. So, it’s entirely fitting that the innovative drive concept with four individually controlled electric motors once again raises the legendary performance of our off-road icon to a new level,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, adding that it’s, “true to the character of our beloved ‘Geländewagen’.”
What It’s packing
It may be a BEV, but its looks are of little surprise.
The new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is powered by a usable 116-kWh battery pack nestled in the steel ladder frame, yet possesses a wading depth of 33.5 inches. There’s a 145-horsepower motor at each wheel, and altogether, there’s 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque on tap. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph requires 4.6 seconds on the way to a top speed that’s electronically limited to 112 mph.
As you might expect, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is engineered with virtual differential locks that provides variable torque distribution among the vehicle’s wheels. However, for you control freaks out there, keep in mind that the virtual differential locks are fully automatic.
When it comes time to recharge, you’ll find the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology comes with an 11-kW on-board AC charger for overnight home charging. But should you need a quicker reboot, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology has a DC fast charging capacity of up to 200 kW, allowing for 10%-to-80% recharges in 32 minutes.
You can also recharge the vehicle using regenerative braking, which adjusts to five different levels.
Built for off-road
The cabin’s design plays to familiar themes.
Yet the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is still expected to make tracks once the sidewalk ends. So it’s little surprise that it has a massive 9.8 inches of ground clearance. Or that it possesses a 32-degree approach angle, 30.7-degree departure angle and 20.3-degree breakover angle. Then there are the standard adaptive adjustable dampers, which should deliver incredible off-road agility and a superior ride. Underpinning it all is an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion solid rear axle.
And despite being an electric vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology comes with a standard selectable low-range off-road gear reduction. Then there are the driving modes. It starts with Comfort, Sport, and Individual for on-road driving, and Trail and Rock modes when the road turns uncivilized.
But you’d expect that.
What’s unexpected is a new feature called G-Turn, which allows the vehicle to rotate on the spot by turning the wheels on the right and left side of the vehicle in opposite directions. There’s also G-Steering, which reduces the vehicle’s turning radius off-road, as well as off-road crawl control.
Finally, there’s G-Roar, which emits an artificially-produced sound.
The inside story
Open the door and you’ll find a cabin designed with familiar G-Class interior elements, such as round climate control vents and a thick, meaty grab handle for the front seat passenger.
The instrument panel features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running MBUX software. And yes, it’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, there are USB-C ports and a Burmester Surround Sound System comes standard.
When it launches in the United States in 2025, it will be offered only in Edition One trim, which will feature a number of unique trim details. While Mercedes-Benz didn’t announce pricing, but it won’t come cheaply. The G-Class, the one powered by fossil fuel, starts at $143,000.
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