After a long wait, the electric G-Wagen is finally here! Meet the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology. That’s right, Mercedes did not name it EQG. Instead, they chose to give the much-awaited electric G-Wagen an unnecessarily long and silly name. Moving beyond Mercedes’ confusing naming convention, the new EV is arguably the most radical change ever to be received by the iconic SUV, which has been around for five long decades. The original G-Wagen debuted in the 1970s as a rugged, utilitarian SUV that was designed to be used as a military vehicle.
Over the years, the SUV dropped its utilitarian image and transformed into a luxury vehicle while maintaining its boxy design, body-on-frame underpinnings, and impressive off-road capabilities. Then came the EQG Concept three years ago, signaling that the legendary off-roader is going all-electric. After a wait of three years, the battery-electric G-Class SUV has finally arrived.
Mercedes, understandably, didn’t alter the iconic boxy design of the G-Wagen for the new electric version. However, there are some subtle design elements that set it apart from the rest of the range. The most noticeable visual difference comes in the form of a new grille design. The closed-off grille with illuminated contours beautifully compliments the round headlights. Also gone is the bulbar, which has been removed to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Talking about aerodynamics, there are hard-to-notice elements, including the lip spoiler on the roof, that are meant to make the boxy SUV as aerodynamic as possible to maximize range. At the rear, the traditional, round spare tire cover has been swapped for a square compartment that houses the charging cable and accompanying equipment. Believe it or not, the electric G-Wagen is the first in the range to get keyless entry.
On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology is also quite similar to its gas counterparts. It gets the MBUX infotainment system, which is also found in the recently launched G-Class facelift. This immediately makes the cabin more functional and makes it appear a lot more modern. In addition to that, the electric G-Wagen also gets carbon fiber trim with blue color integrated into the weaves, along with blue colored stitching to highlight the electric powertrain. Mercedes has also added what it calls “G-Roar,” which is basically fake engine noise inside the cabin that mimics the gas-powered G-Class.
This brings us to the electric powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology. Prior to its launch, Mercedes showed off the electric SUV’s capability of doing a tank turn. Mercedes calls the feature “G-Turn,” which is made possible thanks to four motors—one for each wheel. The motors have a combined output of 579 horsepower and a massive 859 pound-feet of torque. What that means is it packs an extra 2 hp and 232 lb-ft over the AMG G63. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 112mph.
Furthermore, Mercedes claims a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches, which is 5.9 inches more than the G550 and G63. The motors draw power from a 116-kilowatt-hour battery packed into the ladder frame. The range is yet to be revealed, but the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 32 minutes using a DC connection.
For the 2025 model year, the electric G-Class will be offered in the United States strictly as the Edition One. In addition to the usual Obsidian Black Metallic paint, the electric G-Wagen will be available in four special Manufaktur colors: South Sea Blue Magno, Moonlight White Magno, Moonlight White Metallic, and Arabian Grey. There’s no word on the pricing, but we won’t be surprised if the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology has a starting price north of $200,000.
