The all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a “complete flop,” according to one executive. The slow sales of the battery model raises concerns about not only the German automaker’s expansive EV program but about demand for battery-electric vehicles, in general. More from Headlight.News.
The all-electric Mercedes GS580 is being outsold nearly seven-to-one by the gas and diesel G-Class options.
Among luxury automakers, few have made a bigger commitment to going electric than Mercedes. The automaker currently offers a range of battery-powered models, from the compact EQB crossover to the big G-Class.
But things haven’t gone well for the all-electric version of Mercedes’ flagship SUV, according to German business publication Handelsblatt. The newspaper tallied up global sales and reported that only 1,450 of the electric G-Class were sold through the end of April, nearly a year after it went on sale.
While a spokesman insisted demand has begun to gain momentum, Handelsblatt quoted one Mercedes executive – who chose to remain anonymous – describing the EV as “a complete flop.”
“People want a real G-Class”
The gas-powered Mercedes G550.
Mercedes has now launched a broad array of EVs, including the original EQS line – an electric alternative to the traditional S-Class – the smaller EQE and electric EQB and, most recently, the electric version of the G-Class, formally known as the G580 with EQ Technology.
But the battery model has so far received mixed to negative reviews from journalists and the public. A number of issues have come to the fore, including the SUV’s massive 6,801-pound mass, it’s limited, 915-pound towing capacity, a lack of a towbar option and relatively modest range. In Europe, using the WLTP test cycle, that comes to 294 miles. The more stringent U.S. EPA test brings that down to just 239 miles.
Whatever the reason, Handelsblatt quoted another executive as saying, “People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders.”
“Sitting like lead”
Critics have faulted the hefty mass, limited capabilities and modest range of the GS580.
According to one of the anonymous executives quoted by the paper, “The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it’s a complete flop.”
About 1,450 of GS580 EVs were sold through April, Handelsblatt noted, compared with sales of 9,700 gas and diesel-powered versions of the G-Class during the same period.
But, speaking on the record, Mercedes spokespeople have downplayed that nearly seven-to-one gap. Markus Nast, Manager Global Communication Compact Cars, Midsize Cars, G-Class, told Motor1 that G-Class sales, overall are up this year, implying improvements in the EV, as well.
“Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios,” he said. “Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine. Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class.”
More Mercedes EV News
- Review: A Week with the Mercedes EQE 500 4Matic
- First Look: Mercedes-Benz Vision V
- Mercedes-AMG Sees Big Opportunities for Performance EVs
“Little G”
Inside the electric G580.
Mercedes hasn’t scored nearly as big a success as expected with its entire EV line-up, several insiders have told Headlight.News on background, though the company insists it is pleased by the pace of growth for various models, like the EQE.
Still, it is rethinking plans for the future. Among other things, it’s signaled it will take a different approach to design going forward, shifting away from the controversial “One-Bow” theme first introduced with the EQS.
Meanwhile, Mercedes appears to be taking a closer look at the prospect of other all-electric products in the pipeline. According to Handelsblatt, that includes a downsized G-Class known internally as “Little G.”
Mercedes may take a tip from competitors, such as Toyota, Stellantis and BMW, shifting away from an electric-only design to one that will be capable of using a variety of different powertrains, ranging from gas to hybrid to EV. We could find out more soon, the paper indicating the downsized Mercedes SUV is still scheduled to reach market sometime in 2027.
$150K and 7,000 ponds might give you a clue to it’s failure! As bad a decision as the EV Hummer from GM.
Is there a product planner with a brain who’s not from Toyota?