Mercedes electrifies legendary G-Class off-roader



James Batchelor

27 Apr 2024

After years of teasing, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the electric version of its G-Class off-roader.

Although its been known as EQG during its development, Mercedes has confirmed the electric G-Class will take the name of 'G580 with EQ Technology'. It will sit alongside six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel versions of the G-Class, though it'll offer greater off-road abilities, says Mercedes.

Under the famously boxy body sits four electric motors with one powering each wheel of the car. The motors' individual power is 145bhp, meaning the G580 packs a total of 579bhp and 1,164Nm torque, and each motor has a separate two-speed gearbox. 

Power comes from a 116kWh battery pack, as shared with the EQS luxury saloon, and can be charged up to speeds of 200kW. Mercedes claims a 292-mile range. It sits within the G-Class's traditional ladder chassis, although engineers have removed the chassis's cross members as used in petrol and diesel versions with the battery acting as a structure part of the platform. 

The German firm says the electric G-Class was designed to match or better the petrol-powered version off-road. It has a low-range gearbox, and has a wading depth of 850mm – 100mm greater than the petrol G-Class. It has some clever tech including 'G-Turn' that allows the car to rotate 720 degrees on the spot, and a 'transparent bonnet' that gives a clever view of the front underside of the car on the infotainment screen. It's only ground clearance that's slightly down on the petrol version due to the car's battery pack and flat floor.

Styling changes are limited to a different grille design and a more aerodynamically shaped bonnet and windscreen area, while on the inside there's a 'G-Roar' sound generator giving an 'emotive' experience while driving. The optional spare wheel holder can also be swapped for a special box to store the car's charging cable.

Mercedes hasn't hinted at UK pricing yet, but it's likely to sit between the recently updated G450d diesel model and the Mercedes-AMG G63.


Door-mounted spare wheel holder can be replaced for a box to store the car's charging cable

Share this post

Click here to subscribe
“Added to your showroom”
Showroom:
Icon

You currently have no cars in your showroom. Browse our reviews here to start.

Icon

Please fill out your contact details below.