Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology: specs, pictures and prototype ride of the new EV G-Class

The all-electric Mercedes G-Class has been a long time coming. Having previewed the EQG Concept all the way back in 2021 and given us various glimpses of the electric SUV testing; three years later, Mercedes has finally revealed the production car at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show. Say hello to the Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology.

The production car hasn’t changed too much in design compared to the concept. The G 580 has the same distinctive boxy look of its combustion-powered sibling, a car which this EV will be sold alongside. Unless you line up the combustion-powered G-Class next to the all-electric version, you might struggle to tell the difference between them. However, Mercedes has made some subtle aerodynamic alterations to the square design of the existing ICE version to help increase efficiency of the EV, including a blanked off grille and a higher bonnet. 

The G-Class has heritage dating back to 1979 – originally conceived as a military vehicle, renowned for its rugged durability and formidable off-road performance. The new electric G 580 is no different. Sitting on the same ladder-frame chassis as its combustion counterpart, the EV is said to have off-road ability that’s equal, if not better, thanks to the electric motors. Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, was also keen to note that no off-road ability had been lost, compared to the petrol and diesel models. “Throughout its more than 45-year history, the G-Class has always used the most modern drive technology available. So, it’s entirely fitting that the innovative drive concept with four individually controlled electric motors once again raises the legendary performance of our off-road icon to a new level.”

Unlike conventional electric vehicles, which often sacrifice off-road prowess for on-road efficiency, the G580 will be able to deliver on both these important aspects. The electric G-Class is powered by four individual electric motors, one at each wheel, helping enhance its off-road ability. The G 580 is no slouch either, with Mercedes quoting an eye-watering 579bhp and 1,164Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

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The battery fitted to the ladder-frame chassis is the same 116kWh unit found in the updated EQS luxury saloon. Don’t expect to get the same 511-mile range of the aerodynamically sleek EQS though, as the boxy, utilitarian shape of the G 580 results in a maximum range of 293 miles. Battery charging speeds are impressive thanks to the 200kW capacity, meaning charging from 10-80 per cent can be done in as little as 32 minutes.

When heading off-road, skid plates have been fitted under the battery for protection and the ground clearance is better than the 241mm of the petrol or diesel SUVs, at 250mm. If you get to a water crossing, the battery is fully waterproof and the electric G-Class can wade to a total depth of 850mm, which is 150mm more than the standard car. 

The Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology also has ‘virtual locking differentials’ found in the torque vectoring system of each motor, which should help boost traction even on the toughest terrain. The SUV’s unique abilities were demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas when the Mercedes Concept EQG showed-off a manoeuvre called the ‘G-Turn’. The move is a 720-degree turn on the spot that the G 580 can perform with the electric motors on each wheel spinning in opposite directions. Another feature that was previewed at the same time was a storage space in a squared off box on the tailgate that takes the place of a spare wheel holder - an ideal location to house the 11kW onboard charging cable. You can always choose to spec a chunky spare wheel here too, if you prefer.

Inside the cabin, the EV looks fairly similar to the regular G-Class. Walnut wood finishes, leather seats and the rugged grab handles all feature as standard. The two 12.3-inch screens on the dash will run the latest MBUX infotainment system and feature an augmented reality sat-nav and a voice assistant which will be able to ‘learn’ and make suggestions for the driver. 

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The exterior cameras will be displayed on the central screen in low-visibility situations, as well the ‘off-road cockpit’ which will show data like steering angles, tyre pressures, a compass and a virtual view beneath the front of the car when approaching steep off-road obstacles, or high kerbs and bollards in an urban setting.

UK specifications are yet to be announced, but Mercedes will launch the electric G 580 later in 2024, initially offering it in ‘Edition One’ trim. Edition One will feature black wing mirrors, silver running boards, five ‘Manafaktur’ paint finishes and blue accents for the ‘G’ logos. The Edition One interior will also receive an uprated sound system, a sunroof, ‘Edition One’ badging with blue inserts, as well as temperature controlled cup holders.

Expect the Edition One to cost in the region of £190,000 with other models starting from the £140,000 mark when they arrive later down the line.

G 580 with EQ Technology prototype ride review

We had the opportunity to experience a prototype of the new G 580 with EQ Technology on a winter test route in Sweden. The G-Class EV demonstrated its durability and stability in extreme conditions, performing very well during a 180-mile drive in temperatures well below zero. 

The G 580 with EQ Technology also has noticeably improved aerodynamics over the standard G-Class, reducing wind noise and enhancing the overall feeling of sophistication. For those who would prefer life with an element of excitement, you can select the G-Roar function which utilises a sound generator to create a more theatrical soundtrack. 

Mercedes also further reinforced that this car has not lost any of the off-road capabilities that mark it out from other luxury SUVs. The impressive ‘G-Turn’ feature mentioned above and the many drive modes you can select give a real depth of off-road ability. Overall, we found that even though we only had a passenger ride, the car seemed to be nimble despite its size and handled the many different terrains well, helped of course by the quad-motors allowing torque vectoring between the wheels.