Mercedes G580 with EQ Technology Review

Mercedes-Benz has now changed the EQG name to the (rather less catchy) 'G580 with EQ Technology', ahead of the cars going into full production. Electrifying.com has had access to a prototype while Merc's engineers make the final tweaks before the unashamedly brash electric G-Class (also commonly known as the G-Wagon) hits showrooms.

Range, Battery & Charging

One bit of information that Mercedes has now officially revealed is the consumption figures. It’s quoting WLTP efficiency of 2.1 - 2.3 miles/kWh, which isn’t brilliant, but when you consider the G’s size, weight, ability and its brick-like aerodynamics it’s also not surprising. There’s no official information on the battery size, either, but we’re anticipating it using the 118kWh battery of the recently renewed EQS. We're also expecting the G580 with EQ Technology to charge at the same rate as its electric saloon relation, so expect DC 200kW rapid charging that'll deliver a 10-80% top-up in around 20 minutes. 

With those figures in mind, the range for the G580 with EQ Technology should be in the region of 235-260 miles depending, of course, on conditions. We’ve experienced it on rigorous off-roading in Southern France, as well as the brutal cold of Sweden’s winter, and in both instances the prototype vehicles seemed to manage their energy very well, Mercedes-Benz engineers are particularly excited about how efficient it is off-road due to the huge amounts of brake regeneration that's possible in this kind of environment. 

Practicality & Boot Space

The G-Class is huge, and there’s a massive boot, though access is slightly hampered by the side-hinged door, so you'll need masses of room at the back of the car to fully swing open the boot 'door'. Passenger room is good, too, with tons of headroom and legroom. It’s the kind of go-anywhere, carry-everything tool that has more capability than most people will need, but then it's that sheer ability that makes the electric G-Wagon so appealing and, well... cool.

Oddment stowage isn’t fabulous there are cup holders and some cubby space inside. There’s no confirmed towing figure associated with the G580 with EQ Technology yet, but it should match that of its internal combustion relations, which can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg.  

Interior, Design/Styling & Technology

As this is a prototype car, our G580 with EQ Technology’s interior is largely covered up to prevent prying cameras taking pictures. We’re familiar with the G-Class’s interior from its combustion relations, so we’re not sure why they bother. 

There are some changes with this range refresh, notably around the infotainment, with all G-Class models adopting the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which adds more touchscreen capability and all the connectivity you desire, and the G580 obviously has its own sub menus for energy management/flows/charging and more. 

Given its price point, it’s no surprise that the interior is luxuriously appointed; the G-Class has always managed a fine balance between authentic utility and high-quality fit and finish. 

This revised generation of the G-Class also gains some of the company’s most intelligent driver aids which, along with its assured crash-worthiness, make sure the G580 with EQ Technology is as safe as the houses that its shape echoes. 

Motors, Performance & Handling

With its four motor set-up the G580 with EQ Technology has sort of off-road prowess that G-Class buyers expect. We’ve passengered around a ridiculously testing off-road trail, on a Swedish ice lake and on Tarmac roads, and it’s impressed everywhere. 

With that off-road capability comes a number of driver-selectable modes depending on the conditions, be it sand, mud or more, but on the road there’s the possibility to drive it in Sport, Comfort, with the recuperation offering four levels  with the latter essentially being one-pedal driving, and the D+ seeing the G do without recuperation at all. In Comfort, on-road, the G580 decouples the front motors to maximise economy. 

Official performance figures have yet to be announced, but the quad motors are expected to deliver in the region of 577bhp and 1100Nm, which, even accounting for the G’s not inconsiderable weight, results in performance that never feels like it’s wanting for more. 

The suspension rides well, the body being well controlled, too, with those four motors giving the engineers the opportunity to individually control wheel speed for torque vectoring, this allowing the electrified G very impressive agility, as well as allowing it the possibility to execute its now famous G-Turn, where it rotates in its own length. 

We’ll be able to report just how all that feels from behind the wheel when we get to drive the finished production car, but from the passenger seat it’s all very impressive indeed. 

Running costs and pricing

The G-Class is expensive to buy and run, though they’re so sought-after that depreciation should be low; the market has yet to dictate whether that’s applicable to this electric G580 EQ version, but we reckon it'll be a popular thing. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the expectation is that this upmarket EV will command a sizeable price tag when it reaches showrooms soon. If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it... 

Verdict

We’re in a prototype, and we're not even in the driver's seat, so we’ll reserve a full verdict until we’ve properly experienced the finished car. What we can reveal is that the electrified G-Class remains very true to the iconic off-roader’s incredible capability, and, thanks to the four electric motors, can even improve on it. That’s certain to make those Knightsbridge, Beverly Hills and Dubai speed bumps a bit less of a challenge, and doing so in the G580 with EQ Technology over one of its petrol or diesel relations makes a lot of sense…