2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV's 9 Coolest Facts and Features
Mercedes-Benz's G-class is certifiably legendary at this point. The Geländewagen—that's the G's full name—has military roots dating back to 1979. While the original was a spartan off-road vehicle, you're more likely to see modern examples valet parked at local country clubs. As the G-wagen turns 45 and enters the 2025 model year, Mercedes has done a rethink. Its appearance is similar, but there's a brand-new electric drivetrain hidden underneath the 2025 G580's sheetmetal. We've taken a look, and called out nine of our preliminary favorite facts and features on the upcoming G-class EV.
G-Roar Internal-Combustion Sounds
G-wagen EV customers will be able to customize the sound of their car with a new feature Mercedes is calling G-Roar. According to the automaker, the function is inspired by the noise produced by the internal-combustion G-class. Drivers will be able to change the sound based on the selected drive mode.
Alternate Storage
Whether you've got complete faith in your tires or you think you'll need a little extra space, the new G-class EV has you covered with a new storage box in place of the usual spare tire. The box comes standard on the Edition One with room for small items like a charging cable or snow chains. A spare tire is still available as an alternative if you prefer.
Smart Nav
Making the switch from internal-combustion to electric vehicles can be stressful. Range anxiety can be a very real issue. Because of that, the built-in navigation system for the new G-class can help plan routes to minimize stress. The system accounts for charging capacity, payment functions, topography, ambient temperatures, and speed. It also adapts to driver style and changing traffic situations. The system can even decide that two short charging stops may be quicker than one longer stop—accounting for the battery's ideal charge curve.
Wade Away
The G-class has always been a capable off-roader, and the G-class EV promises to continue the trend with a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches. That figure is 5.9 inches deeper than what the internal-combustion G550 and AMG G63 can handle—wade away.
Optical Illusion
The G-class's off-roading chops may be mostly for street cred, but that doesn't mean they aren't real. In addition to impressive fording figures, the EV Merc is chock full of tech to help you beyond the trailhead. A new "transparent hood" feature uses the vehicle's 360-degree cameras to show obstacles obscured from the driver and suggests the best route around the obstacles.
Low-Range Gearing
Unlike with most EVs, the motors on the electric G-wagen are equipped with a transmission to allow for a low range off-road gear reduction. When engaged, the transmission creates a gear reduction ratio of 2:1, giving drivers access to more torque while off-roading. When the vehicle is in Low range, the top speed is limited to 53 mph, and Merc's crawl assist function is automatically turned on.
Body Armor
Because an EV's battery is so important to the car, Mercedes didn't skimp on protection. The battery is shielded from the elements in a twist-resistant casing, while the rest of the vehicle's undercarriage is protected by a one-inch-thick panel of carbon-reinforced plastic. According to Mercedes, the material won't corrode, plus it's lighter and more rigid compared to steel or aluminum.
Magic Trick
Through the magic of torque vectoring, Mercedes was able to simulate locking differentials for the G-class EV. The individual motors at each corner control the power sent to the wheel, assessing traction and updating which wheel receives torque as you make your way through an off-roading line. According to Mercedes, control of the virtual locking differential is automatic.
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