Mercedes G-Class Goes All-Electric but Retains Its Familiar Shape

• Mercedes has introduced the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology.

• The big brute has a 116-kWh battery sending power to four electric motors, one at each wheel. The motors can be operated independently, allowing for torque vectoring.

• No range, prices, or delivery dates were released.

Mercedes has gone all-in on electrification with even the big, blocky, Cold War-era G-Class now going all-electric.

The “G 580 with EQ Technology” should appeal to enviro-off-roaders or, Mercedes says, hunters wanting to sneak up on their prey.

The big brute, built for military duty 45 years ago, can now be ordered with a wholly electric drivetrain consisting of four individually controlled electric motors combining for a total of 579 hp and a whopping 859 lb-ft of torque. That's not as much as the GMC Hummer EV or the Tesla Cybertruck, but still strong.

The electric setup is heavy, tipping the scales at 6801 pounds which, despite the craft’s prodigious power and torque, actually slows its 0-60 mph time by four tenths of a second compared to the current, gas-fed AMG version, hitting the mark in 4.6 seconds.

But while so much motor output can be satisfying in a straight line, the G is still at its best conquering off-road challenges. To that end the new G-Class sports 9.8 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure of 30.7, and water fording capability of 33.5 inches deep. It can climb a slope up to 45 degrees, traverse a slope up to 35 degrees, and break over a hump of up to 20.3 degrees.

A unique carbon-fiber composite undertray adds protection when doing the above. Low-range off-road gear reduction allows for a crawl mode. The “EG” also sports virtual differential locks thanks to its four independently controlled electric motors. By changing the torque demand from each motor, you can do everything from torque vectoring to G-Turn, G-Steering, and the intelligent off-road crawl function.

The G-Turn can rotate the G in place if the vehicle is on dirt.

“This not only looks spectacular but can also be helpful when driving off-road,” Mercedes explains. “For example, if an obstacle ahead makes it impossible to continue forward. The four independently driven wheels can rotate the vehicle to the left or right as required.”

Sadly, it won’t do that all day, only two complete rotations’ worth.

G-Steering can lessen the turning radius off-road through targeted control of the drive torque at each individual wheel, with the vehicle turning around the inside rear wheel.

The intelligent off-road crawl function is like hill descent—or ascent—control, maintaining a set speed of a few mph, like cruise control but for off-roading.

Those are just some of the features of the new G-Class.

Apart from the drivetrain, much of the rest of the vehicle is the same as the gas-fed version. It rides on a ladder frame with independent front suspension and a De Dion-style solid beam rear axle. Mercedes says the four electric motors are “located near the wheels,” but we weren’t allowed close enough to the one vehicle shown to see exactly how far.

They are not hub motors, we know that. At one point Mercedes says, “The four motors are integrated in the ladder frame—two in each housing at the front and rear axles. These are driven via short axle shafts, meaning the rear electric motors can also be bolted to the chassis.”

Each motor makes 145 hp, or 579 hp total. The individual control of each motor makes this the first series production Mercedes with individual wheel drive.

The “torsion-resistant” battery case helps stiffen the vehicle’s structure. The 116-kWh lithium-ion battery is arranged inside the case in two tiers in 12 cell modules between three cooling levels. AC charging goes through an 11-kW onboard charger while Level 3 DC charging can run as high as 200 kW, assuming you can find a charger operating at the level.

While it says the battery is “high voltage,” Mercedes did not say how high. In other Mercedes EVs, “high voltage” means an 800-volt electric vehicle charging system architecture.

Regenerative braking has five modes for maximum efficiency.

Outside, the look is very much similar to all G-Class vehicles that came before it.

“The G-Wagen is the G-Wagen and we did everything in our power to keep it that way,” said Mercedes’ Michael Scheib.

The single G 580 we saw, from about 50 feet away, maybe more, has a slightly raised hood, new A-pillar trim, spoiler lip on the roof strip and flared rear wheel arches with air curtains that contribute to optimized aerodynamics and interior aeroacoustics. But not too optimized.

“We did not compromise too much for aerodynamics or it wouldn’t be a G-Class anymore,” said Scheib.

The first of the 2025 G-Classes will be available only in Edition One trim, with a square spare wheel cover, unique exterior colors, blue trim strip insert in the exterior molding, blue brake calipers, and a few other items. The radiator grille with four horizontal louvers is fitted standard, and the black panel radiator grille is available as an option.

The Edition One gets the AMG Line and Night Package as standard and includes aerodynamically optimized 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black and tinted exterior lighting elements.

Range, price, and delivery dates are still up in the air, but considering the popularity of the gas-powered G-Class, expect to wait a while for yours.

Is an electric G good? Let us know in the comments below.