Overview
Following a sneak peek in January 2024 in Las Vegas, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology , the official electric G, is officially revealed. It blends one of the most successful and iconic cars ever made by the firm with a cutting-edge powertrain that most buyers haven’t yet fully embraced. This might be among the greatest G-Wagons produced in the 45-year existence of the venerable Mercedes off-road vehicle, or it might be among the worst.
Manuel Urstöger, the engineer in charge of the G580’s powertrain development, asserts that “the G must be a G.” “We prioritized that above all else when creating the electric G.” This meant that the electric G needed to be able to drive through muck, storm sand dunes, climb severe slopes, and wade through deep water.
The New Adjustments from Other G-Wagen Models
The G580’s exterior design is similar to a G Wagon with “optimized aerodynamics.”
The revised A-Pillar trim, the lip on the roof, the slightly elevated bonnet, and the small vents on the expanded rear wheel arches—which house aero-optimized wheels—will go unnoticed by most.
Noteworthy is the Design Box, which is hidden as an extra wheel that is installed on the boot. It’s a much more sensible location to store electric cords than the ridiculous side storage bins found on the Land Rover Defender.
Mercedes G580 EQ Powertrain and Motors
Four 145-hp electric motors positioned on the ladder frame provide the system’s power, which adds up to 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. A two-tier, 216-cell lithium-ion battery with a useful capacity of 116 kWh powers the motors. Mercedes claims that this combination will enable the 6,600-pound G580 to reach a top speed of 112 mph electronically limited in 4.6 seconds and an EPA-rated range of roughly 240 miles per charge.
With a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged at up to 200 kW, which means it can go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in 32 minutes. Because the battery is housed in a waterproof and torsion-resistant shell, the G580 can wade through 33.5 inches of water—5.9 inches deeper than G-Wagens with internal combustion engines can go without a snorkel. 50 steel screws hold an inch-thick carbon composite skidplate to the frame, providing additional protection for the battery housing. Weighted alone, the skidplate is 127 pounds.
Suspension Design and Off-Road Feature
The G580 shares a non-independent rear axle and a multilink independent front axle with the ICE G-Wagens. It is simple to have a motor power each tire when the suspension system is all independent.
With a 113.8-inch wheelbase and 9.9 inches of ground clearance, the G580 has a breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, an approach angle of 32 degrees, and a departure angle of 30.7 degrees. In comparison, the G550 has 30.9 degrees for the approach, 29.9 degrees for the departure, and 23.5 degrees for the breakover.
The torque applied to each wheel may be individually and automatically adjusted under all circumstances thanks to the four-motor electric drivetrain; G580 engineers refer to this feature as “virtual diff locks.” The G580 has two off-road driving modes (Trail and Rock) in addition to three on-road drive modes (Comfort, Sport, and Individual). Because of a reduction gear arrangement on each motor’s output shaft, it also provides a suitable low range. When the G580 is in a stationary position and the drive selection is in neutral, the approximately two-to-one reduction gearing can be chosen by pressing a button. 53 mph is the top speed in the low range.
Mercedes G580 EQ Interior Technology
Although the G-class has a reputation of off-road capabilities, early G-wagens lacked comfortable interiors. The G580 of today is not like that. The air vents and grab handles retain their tough, squared-off design language, but the trim is noticeably more ornate, with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a nappa-leather-covered steering wheel, and open-pore walnut as standard features.
Mercedes G580 EQ TechnologyÂ
There is speech recognition and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system. Now, you may use the voice assistant for some tasks without having to say “Hey Mercedes.” There is support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX augmented reality navigation system, which superimposes directions on camera images in real time and highlights traffic signal colors so you’ll look up from your phone before it turns green, is probably more helpful for the typical G-class driver than all the off-road features combined.
A Burmester 3D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, wireless charging, rear-seat entertainment, keyless entry, dashcam, and temperature-controlled cupholders are among the optional options. Speaking of sound, Mercedes has created a soundtrack just for the G-class, with evocative titles like “Aura” and “Event,” since the car just wouldn’t be as scary without the sound of engine exhaust.
Clients can choose from a wide range of personalization options for their electric G-classes, or if they move quickly, they can get the Edition One. Opalite White Magno, OpaliteWhite Bright, Obsidian Black Metallic, South Sea Blue Magno, and Classic Grey Solid are the five colors that will be offered in the $180,000 special edition.
