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The Mercedes G-Wagen has become the poster child of upper-crust neighborhoods across the globe, and now the blocky German SUV is coming out with a battery-powered variant for the first time in its 45-year history. Unlike the melty soap bar looks of the rest of the EQ range, this electric G-Wagen rejects the concept of aerodynamics to preserve the look that its customers know and love.
But before we dive into the specifics, it's important to get the name straight. As promised, Mercedes is waving goodbye to the EQ nomenclature it has used for its first batch of EVs, and the electric G-Wagen debuts the naming system taking its place. But that's not to say it isn't complicated. This version keeps the G580 moniker that also adorns the V8-powered version of the SUV, but tacks on the phrase "with EQ Technology" onto its rear. As a result, we are presented with the G580 with EQ Technology––which means the EQ name isn't completely out of our sight, but it has been moved to better align the electric G-Wagen with its gas-fed brethren. Typical German alphanumerics, eh?
The near-identical name is rather fitting, however, as the electric G-Wagen very closely resembles its combustion counterparts style-wise as well. The profile remains as boxy and utilitarian as it always has been, and the circular LED headlights remain the centerpiece of the squared-off front end, though they are now joined by an illuminated frame for the grille area. The hood also adopts a new wedge shape that extends upward to the windshield, and there are new intakes along the inflated rear wheel arches to direct air flow around the G's chunky build. The electric G580 is also set apart by its new rear spoiler, a charging cable box in place of the usual rear spare tire (though the extra tire remains optional for those who want it), and obviously, silver EQ badging scattered about the vehicle. The SUV rides on glossed 18-inch five-spoke wheels as standard, though different designs are available too.
While it's quite difficult to distinguish the electric G580 from the gas-powered one, the powertrain is where things get very different. The good old ladder frame still lies beneath the SUV's slab-like sheetmetal, and it incorporates an independent front suspension along with a solid-axle setup in the rear, though it has been revised to accommodate the new 116.0-kWh lithium-ion battery. The pack is designed to keep weight on the down low, and Mercedes estimates that it will be capable of delivering up to 240 miles of range, which checks out with the gas-guzzling nature of the existing G-Wagen. The battery is enveloped in a twist-resistant casing meant to keep out water and dirt, and the SUV also features a set of skid plates made of carbon-reinforced plastic. According to Mercedes, the new plastic material is one-third the weight of a conventional metal piece, all while increasing rigidity and keeping corrosion at bay.
In addition, the electric G580 will be the first production Mercedes to feature a quad-motor setup allowing for individual four-wheel drive. Each motor produces 145 hp, with two mounted on the front axle, and the other two mounted in the rear. In total, this powertrain delivers a healthy 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, though it only gets the SUV from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It's by no means slow, but even the gas-powered AMG G63 can accelerate quicker (it does so in just under 4 seconds). Top speed is capped at 112 mph.
The battery allows for charging at up to 200 kW on a Level 3 DC fast-charger, which enables the SUV to go from 10 to 80 percent in just over 30 minutes. For slower Level 2 AC connections, charging is limited to 11 kW. To keep the battery level in check while driving, there are a number of regenerative braking levels that can be controlled via the steering wheel paddles. The electric G-Wagen also comes with support for Tesla's NACS adapter, and Mercedes says it will equip built-in NACS chargers later on.
The electric G-Wagen also retains the off-road capability that owners never use, but hey, it's all part of the SUV's reputation. Selectable low-range gearing is available for the first time on any EV, and this comes with a G-steering feature that allows the SUV to rotate on a tighter axis. Other off-road-oriented features include a crawl function, virtual differential locking for each individual wheel, and a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches. Interestingly, that's several inches deeper than its gas counterpart can go. Ground clearance sits at a commanding 9.8 inches, while the approach, departure, and breakover angles are measured at a respective 32.0, 30.7, and 20.3 degrees. The adaptive dampers are carried over directly from the gas-powered G580, and have been designed with messy terrain in mind.
Mercedes has also implemented a number of features within the SUV's cabin that will assist in off-roading. The first of which is the "transparent bonnet," which makes use of the 360-degree camera system to make the boxy hood vanish on-screen, while also alerting the driver of obstacles nearby. The dual displays also house menus for the tire pressure and compass.
However, the unfortunate truth here is that these electric G-Wagens will be seeing practically nothing beyond the pavement, and as a result there are a number of road-focused driving modes available as well. They include Comfort, Sport, and Individual, which are all designed to use the battery more efficiently instead of pouring out the SUV's power all at once. Of course, there are Trail and Rock modes as well for those who intend to use their electrified G's properly.
Inside, a pair of MBUX-powered 12.3-inch displays feature support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a new voice assistant that ditches the "Hey Mercedes" wake-up phrase in some cases. There's also a new in-house navigation system assisted by augmented reality. Some other standard features include leather upholstery for the seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a built-in dashcam, keyless entry, temperature-controlled cupholders, entertainment displays for the rear passengers, and a high-end Burmester 3D sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Extra features can be had for those who opt for the limited-production Edition One. For about $180,000, this model unlocks five new color options (South Sea Blue Magno, Obsidian Black Metallic, Opalite White Magno, Opalite White Bright, and Classic Grey Solid), along with a painted cargo box, a blue finish for the brake calipers, an artificial take on the four-louver grille, the AMG Line and Night packages, and the illuminated message "Stronger Than Time" projected from the doors.
Mercedes hasn't talked about when the electric G-Wagen will be arriving at dealers, but when it does, it's expected to demand nearly $200,000 to start.
Image Credits: Mercedes
Revealed
Apr 29, 2024
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2025 Mercedes G-Wagen EV Brings Its Glitz And Grit Into The Electric Era
Don't call it the EQG, however, as it goes by "G580 with EQ Technology" instead.
The Mercedes G-Wagen has become the poster child of upper-crust neighborhoods across the globe, and now the blocky German SUV is coming out with a battery-powered variant for the first time in its 45-year history. Unlike the melty soap bar looks of the rest of the EQ range, this electric G-Wagen rejects the concept of aerodynamics to preserve the look that its customers know and love.
But before we dive into the specifics, it's important to get the name straight. As promised, Mercedes is waving goodbye to the EQ nomenclature it has used for its first batch of EVs, and the electric G-Wagen debuts the naming system taking its place. But that's not to say it isn't complicated. This version keeps the G580 moniker that also adorns the V8-powered version of the SUV, but tacks on the phrase "with EQ Technology" onto its rear. As a result, we are presented with the G580 with EQ Technology––which means the EQ name isn't completely out of our sight, but it has been moved to better align the electric G-Wagen with its gas-fed brethren. Typical German alphanumerics, eh?
The near-identical name is rather fitting, however, as the electric G-Wagen very closely resembles its combustion counterparts style-wise as well. The profile remains as boxy and utilitarian as it always has been, and the circular LED headlights remain the centerpiece of the squared-off front end, though they are now joined by an illuminated frame for the grille area. The hood also adopts a new wedge shape that extends upward to the windshield, and there are new intakes along the inflated rear wheel arches to direct air flow around the G's chunky build. The electric G580 is also set apart by its new rear spoiler, a charging cable box in place of the usual rear spare tire (though the extra tire remains optional for those who want it), and obviously, silver EQ badging scattered about the vehicle. The SUV rides on glossed 18-inch five-spoke wheels as standard, though different designs are available too.
While it's quite difficult to distinguish the electric G580 from the gas-powered one, the powertrain is where things get very different. The good old ladder frame still lies beneath the SUV's slab-like sheetmetal, and it incorporates an independent front suspension along with a solid-axle setup in the rear, though it has been revised to accommodate the new 116.0-kWh lithium-ion battery. The pack is designed to keep weight on the down low, and Mercedes estimates that it will be capable of delivering up to 240 miles of range, which checks out with the gas-guzzling nature of the existing G-Wagen. The battery is enveloped in a twist-resistant casing meant to keep out water and dirt, and the SUV also features a set of skid plates made of carbon-reinforced plastic. According to Mercedes, the new plastic material is one-third the weight of a conventional metal piece, all while increasing rigidity and keeping corrosion at bay.
In addition, the electric G580 will be the first production Mercedes to feature a quad-motor setup allowing for individual four-wheel drive. Each motor produces 145 hp, with two mounted on the front axle, and the other two mounted in the rear. In total, this powertrain delivers a healthy 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, though it only gets the SUV from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It's by no means slow, but even the gas-powered AMG G63 can accelerate quicker (it does so in just under 4 seconds). Top speed is capped at 112 mph.
The battery allows for charging at up to 200 kW on a Level 3 DC fast-charger, which enables the SUV to go from 10 to 80 percent in just over 30 minutes. For slower Level 2 AC connections, charging is limited to 11 kW. To keep the battery level in check while driving, there are a number of regenerative braking levels that can be controlled via the steering wheel paddles. The electric G-Wagen also comes with support for Tesla's NACS adapter, and Mercedes says it will equip built-in NACS chargers later on.
The electric G-Wagen also retains the off-road capability that owners never use, but hey, it's all part of the SUV's reputation. Selectable low-range gearing is available for the first time on any EV, and this comes with a G-steering feature that allows the SUV to rotate on a tighter axis. Other off-road-oriented features include a crawl function, virtual differential locking for each individual wheel, and a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches. Interestingly, that's several inches deeper than its gas counterpart can go. Ground clearance sits at a commanding 9.8 inches, while the approach, departure, and breakover angles are measured at a respective 32.0, 30.7, and 20.3 degrees. The adaptive dampers are carried over directly from the gas-powered G580, and have been designed with messy terrain in mind.
Mercedes has also implemented a number of features within the SUV's cabin that will assist in off-roading. The first of which is the "transparent bonnet," which makes use of the 360-degree camera system to make the boxy hood vanish on-screen, while also alerting the driver of obstacles nearby. The dual displays also house menus for the tire pressure and compass.
However, the unfortunate truth here is that these electric G-Wagens will be seeing practically nothing beyond the pavement, and as a result there are a number of road-focused driving modes available as well. They include Comfort, Sport, and Individual, which are all designed to use the battery more efficiently instead of pouring out the SUV's power all at once. Of course, there are Trail and Rock modes as well for those who intend to use their electrified G's properly.
Inside, a pair of MBUX-powered 12.3-inch displays feature support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a new voice assistant that ditches the "Hey Mercedes" wake-up phrase in some cases. There's also a new in-house navigation system assisted by augmented reality. Some other standard features include leather upholstery for the seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a built-in dashcam, keyless entry, temperature-controlled cupholders, entertainment displays for the rear passengers, and a high-end Burmester 3D sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Extra features can be had for those who opt for the limited-production Edition One. For about $180,000, this model unlocks five new color options (South Sea Blue Magno, Obsidian Black Metallic, Opalite White Magno, Opalite White Bright, and Classic Grey Solid), along with a painted cargo box, a blue finish for the brake calipers, an artificial take on the four-louver grille, the AMG Line and Night packages, and the illuminated message "Stronger Than Time" projected from the doors.
Mercedes hasn't talked about when the electric G-Wagen will be arriving at dealers, but when it does, it's expected to demand nearly $200,000 to start.
Image Credits: Mercedes
