Ever since I attended the Munich debut of the Mercedes-Benz Idea EQG in 2021, the place it premiered with a Dollar Rogers–taste sci-fi mini movie that featured design head Gorden Wagener along other folks in alien costumes, the electrical G-Magnificence has lived hire loose in my mind. I will’t bring to mind every other new automotive I’ve been this interested by, and going to the Beverly Hills expose of the manufacturing G-wagen EV on the finish of April simply amplified it.By some means, in truth riding the electrical G-wagen each at the paved roads round southern France and on some treacherous off-road classes at Mercedes’ international first-drive exceeded my beautiful astronomical expectancies. Now not solely is it higher to power at the avenue than gas-powered G-wagens, it’s even higher within the tough stuff. Most significantly, the EV has all the allure and persona that G-Magnificence house owners love such a lot; if I have been blindfolded and installed one, I’d right away understand it used to be a G-Magnificence.
Complete disclosure: Mercedes-Benz flew me to Montpellier, France to power all of the 2025 G-Magnificence lineup, from the brand new inline-6 G550 to the hybridized G63 AMG and, after all, the electrical G580. They put us up in two other fancy wineries, fed us wonderful meals together with G-wagen–formed cookies, and likewise allow us to power a number of heritage G-Magnificence fashions. I used to be grinning from ear-to-ear all of the time. Additionally, I after all watched Guiding principle at the airplane journey house and didn’t adore it.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikThe electrical G-wagen’s legit title is G580 with EQ Generation, which is a clunker. Mercedes is transferring clear of its EQ branding total, thus why it isn’t known as EQG, however the corporate needs to retain one of the EQ department’s branding and styling parts because it transitions to turning into a completely electric-only logo over the following decade. Naming it G580 makes it transparent that that is nonetheless only a G-Magnificence on the finish of the day, and Mercedes’ engineers, entrepreneurs and bosses have agreed that no person will consult with this automotive by means of its complete title anyway — everybody will simply name it “the electrical G” or one thing identical. It’s a G-wagen, finish of tale.
However beneath the outside the electrical G-Magnificence is an intensive departure from each and every G that got here prior to it, essentially the most thorough remodeling of the type because the 2018 redesign (and more than likely much more so, truthfully). The electrical type needed to retain the similar ladder body as the usual G, which used to be a problem for packaging the batteries and different powertrain parts as you’ll be able to solely have compatibility such a lot inside the current platform. The G580 has a two-tiered 116-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s very similar to the only discovered within the EQS, with all the 216 cells contained inside the ladder body’s construction. The body itself has been bolstered, too.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikThe G580 makes use of a quad-motor configuration — one of the vital solely such setups within the business together with Rimac and Rivian, despite the fact that Mercedes used to be first to convey a quad-motor EV to manufacturing with the SLS Electrical Pressure again in 2013. Each and every of the G580’s 145-hp motors has its personal centrally shifted two-speed transmission and the entrance and rear motors are each and every constructed right into a shared housing that accommodates two motors, transmissions, and a double inverter. General output is 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque, 2 hp and 232 lb-ft greater than the brand new mild-hybrid G63 AMG and 136 hp and 446 lb-ft greater than the brand new mild-hybrid six-cylinder G550. The motors are fastened without delay to the ladder body, with dual-joint driveshafts that experience slip joints connecting them to the wheels. Whilst the G580 has an unbiased double-wishbone entrance suspension like different G-wagens, the rear axle makes use of a newly advanced De Dion setup, which Mercedes says method camber doesn’t alternate with compression.
This cutaway displays how the motors are integratedPhoto: Daniel Golson/JalopnikThe EV had to seem like a G-wagen, so there are just a couple of tells that you simply’re taking a look at an electrical one. As same old it has the similar four-bar grille and entrance air intakes because the G550, which additionally eschews uncovered exhaust pointers. The electrical G has a reasonably taller hood bulge and air curtains forward of the rear wheels, plus EQ badges at the fenders, however in a different way it seems to be similar to the gas-powered G’s. Upload the to be had AMG Line bundle and also you get wider fender flares, and naturally the G580 will also be had with a couple of other Evening Programs that black out a lot of the trim, in addition to another design applications and external trim choices.
If you wish to make certain other folks know your G-wagen is electrical, there are a couple of choices you’ll be able to make a choice. The primary is the black panel grille remedy, which provides the G580 a most commonly blocked-off grille with 4 skinny horizontal slats and a chrome grille border that illuminates with the headlights, plus a shiny black {surround} that extends to enclose the headlights. I believe this setup seems to be extraordinarily cool, particularly in the event you opt for the non-compulsory black fender flares and bumpers, and it’s a pleasing unfashionable nod to the unique G-wagen’s entrance finish.
Either one of those are the electrical onePhoto: Daniel Golson/JalopnikThe different choice is the Design Field on the rear that replaces the normal spare tire. This rounded rectangle is hinged at the similar aspect because the tailgate itself, opening as much as expose an incredibly huge garage compartment that has a devoted area for the charging cable, plus cubbies and nets for different pieces. No less than at the Version One fashions, the outside of the field has a break up colour setup, with the higher segment being black to mix in with the strains of the rear window. I truly just like the Design Field, and I believe most homeowners would get extra use out of it than the spare tire, despite the fact that it’s nice that each are to be had. Monster 4×4 Squared fashions apart, the G580 may be the primary G-Magnificence to provide a spare tire delete from the manufacturing facility, hanging the Mercedes celebrity low down at the tailgate and including a refined clean panel the place the spare tire mount could be.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikAlmost not anything concerning the cabin means that you can know this G-wagen is electrical, both. There are some EV-specific knowledge menus and gauge cluster designs… and that’s mainly it. In any case the G-Magnificence will get a central touchscreen working the MBUX infotainment machine, an enormous improve over the previous Comand setup, and it has Mercedes’ superb voice assistant. The dashboard weather controls were streamlined, and there’s a brand new guidance wheel. Visually zhuzhing up the inner are further ambient lighting fixtures strips, climate-controlled cupholders and new trim parts. Almost certainly the most important deal for current house owners is the addition of keyless access for the primary time on a G-wagen, together with for the swing-out tailgate, with out dropping the bolt-action rifle locks or the heft of the doorways and the tactile enjoy you get with the latches.
From the instant I activate, the G580 feels similar to another G-wagen when it comes to total personality, but it surely’s stepped forward in some necessary techniques. The guidance feels heftier than the G550’s, which I believe is a good, and it’s nonetheless simple to power with only some palms or a mild contact. Even though it has common metal springs with adaptive dampers, the journey high quality is far better than on a G550 or same old G63, it soaks up extra avenue imperfections, and the suspension has pitch and roll stabilization however nonetheless lets in sufficient of the vintage G-wagen lean in corners. I want the G580 used to be to be had with the G63’s new Energetic Trip hydraulic suspension, which vastly adjustments the G’s dynamics, however the G580 remains to be a greater enjoy than the G63 with out it.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikDespite being about part a moment slower to 60 mph than the V8-powered G63 — Mercedes quotes a 4.6-second 0-to-60-mph time, as opposed to 4.2 seconds for the G63 and 5.3 seconds within the six-cylinder G550 — the G580 feels a lot sooner in genuine existence. As you’ll be able to see from my video under, it doesn’t lose steam as the rate rises, surging forwards in opposition to a 112-mph best pace. Floor it’s giggle-inducing; like with different G-wagens the entire entrance finish rises up like a ship beneath acceleration – it’s amusing, it nonetheless feels managed. The powertrain is so a lot more responsive than even the G63’s V8, and the torque vectoring features imply I will lift extra pace right into a nook and boost up tougher popping out of 1 with out being worried about whether or not this giant tank can take care of it. Each G-wagen is giggle-inducing to power, and the G580 is not any exception.
Each 2025 G-Magnificence is far quieter than remaining yr’s type because of a number of small aerodynamic tweaks, like a smoother A-pillar and a brand new spoiler at the forefront of the roof, that have been basically carried out to give a boost to the EV’s vary. The electrical G additionally has extra sound insulation, and it’s simply the quietest G-wagen ever, with acoustic convenience worthy of the vault feeling you get from slamming the door. At upper speeds some wind noise nonetheless penetrates — there’s no getting round how upright and flat the greenhouse is — but it surely’s a lot more sumptuous total.
Instead of the way it seems to be, doubtlessly essentially the most the most important factor concerning the G580 is the way it sounds, doubly so with the inner being any such calm atmosphere. For many years now G-wagens were recognized for his or her side-exit exhaust pointers and signature rumbling engine notice and each are absent at the EV. As a substitute, Mercedes advanced what it calls G-Roar, described as a “an excellent acoustic accompaniment to the acceleration with deep bass and sonorous tones.” The sounds aren’t very intense when tootling round in Convenience, however in Game mode the G-Roar truly comes alive. It doesn’t sound like an engine, according to se, but it surely provides most of the similar auditory sensations that the G63’s V8 does. It burbles at low speeds, with an intense waffling sound getting louder beneath acceleration. The sounds are audible from outdoor the auto too. Like different EV sounds it no doubt gained’t be for everybody, however I completely adore it.
There are 5 other ranges of regenerative braking within the G580, together with a no-regen mode and an auto mode that adjusts the recuperation in line with your riding and the visitors forward. Essentially the most intense of the 5 settings doesn’t fairly give the G580 one-pedal riding, which is a disgrace, however with 217 kW of recuperation capacity the regen is robust sufficient to get virtually all the paintings achieved, and it even takes me a little to get used to how competitive the preliminary deceleration is. Fortuitously the G580 isn’t plagued with the moving-pedal function that Mercedes’ early EQ fashions had. Regenerative braking is without doubt one of the maximum transformative additions to the G-wagen’s riding enjoy, and it’s one of the vital issues I pass over essentially the most after I leap again right into a G550 after riding the EV.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikI don’t have sufficient time within the G580 to get a way of its real-world vary, however it is going to be greater than sufficient for the common G-wagen proprietor. In Europe the G580 has a most vary of 295 miles at the WLTP cycle, which is able to most likely figure out to round 250 to 275 miles within the U.S. EPA cycle. Positive, within the grand scheme of EVs that’s no longer so much, however the gas-powered G-wagens get such shitty fuel mileage that the majority house owners will more than likely in finding it to be an growth. I imply, the present G63 is rated at 13 mpg within the town, and in the actual international it’s a lot worse than that — the 2025 G63’s mild-hybrid setup will assist, however no longer by means of an important quantity.
The G580 helps DC fast-charging of speeds as much as 200 kW, excellent sufficient to move from 10 to 80 % rate in 32 mins. Mercedes says mainly all house owners will rate at house anyway, and G-Magnificence house owners would generally take one among their different automobiles in the event that they wish to do a avenue travel. But when the variability is truly a priority, like for those who need to do longer-distance off-roading or overlanding, Mercedes says that during a couple of years the G580 will develop into to be had with new silicon-anode batteries that can spice up power density by means of 40 % and build up vary by means of round 100 miles.
So, the electrical G-wagen is improbable on avenue, the place commenters will say that the majority of them will spend all their time anyway, however a G-Magnificence nonetheless must be the most productive off-roader conceivable regardless of the powertrain — and the EV is. The G580’s 9.8 inches of floor clearance is 0.3 inches more than a G550, and its manner and departure angles are reasonably higher as neatly, despite the fact that the breakover attitude is 5.7 levels worse. It might climb a 100-percent grade similar to different G-wagens, and it’s solid on sideways slopes of as much as 35 levels.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikMercedes has arrange an hour-long off-road route that snakes across the vineyard’s hills, for which I switch into a unique G580, this one painted Sand Beige with the to be had 18-inch wheels dressed in Falken Wildpeak A/T all-terrain tires. (If you need this setup, you unfortunately can’t make a choice the AMG Line that provides wider rear fenders.) That is no amateur’s route, both. It’s been raining all day, so there are extra dust puddles and washed-out sections than Mercedes expected, and the route is stuffed with deep ruts, difficult rock-crawling sections and different hazards.
One of the crucial G-wagen’s longtime signature options are its lockable differentials, of which fashionable fashions have 3, however the electrical G580 doesn’t have any diff lockers — no less than, no longer “genuine” ones. Due to the quad-motor setup, the G580 makes use of torque vectoring to create digital differential locks that paintings routinely, controlling the torque at each and every wheel inside fractions of a moment. Whether or not you’re sliding round like a rally motive force or slowly mountain climbing a rocky hill, the G580 is at all times getting the optimal quantity of energy and traction to each and every wheel.
What’s no longer digital is the G580’s Low Vary, a real off-road 2:1 equipment aid that’s to be had within the Rock power mode, which is what I keep in for the entire power. Low Vary works at as much as 53 mph, and Mercedes says the auto’s dealing with and reaction traits alternate when it’s activated. In Low Vary the motors are hanging out 3,319 lb-ft of torque; Mercedes’ engineers say that determine may well be a lot upper however that might be pointless.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikWhen Low Vary is activated, the use of a button within the heart of the sprint the place the diff lockers most often could be, the G580’s move slowly keep watch over serve as is right away became on as neatly. It mainly works like an off-road cruise keep watch over, managed by means of the similar guidance wheel paddles that most often keep watch over regen braking. Within the slowest surroundings the auto maintains a pace of simply 1 mph, whilst within the quickest surroundings the G580 is going 5 mph on stage or uphill terrain and has no set pace whilst going downhill, as a substitute the use of the recuperation to sluggish the car relying on how steep the grade is. The center surroundings is named “variable move slowly,” and it assists in keeping the auto at a strolling tempo.
In any of the 3 settings the driving force remains to be in a position to boost up or brake if wanted, and the auto will go back to the move slowly pace after or handle the rate you’ve adjusted to. The move slowly keep watch over works in opposite too, because the G580 in entrance of me demonstrates by means of backing up an excessively steep, rocky hill. It looks as if pictures being performed in opposite, adore it shouldn’t be conceivable to do in genuine existence. Now not desiring to do any acceleration or braking inputs makes off-roading a lot much less aggravating, particularly when going up a steep grade or via a specifically difficult segment, and the whole quietness of the cabin provides to the calmness. I will listen the motors whirring as rocks ping towards the underbody, and it’s simple to carry a dialog with my passenger and benefit from the sounds of nature whilst nonetheless specializing in the path. The G-Magnificence additionally has a brand new clear hood function that makes use of the surround-view cameras to turn a digital view of what’s beneath the entrance finish.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikOne of the commonest issues with electrical off-roaders is protective the battery pack, and Mercedes has that sorted. Protecting just about all of the underbody is a one-inch-thick defend panel that’s two skinny items of carbon sandwiching a different composite that Mercedes gained’t discuss but, with a layer of stone-chip coverage added on. The panel weighs simply 127 kilos, one-third of what a metal panel could be, it’s bolted onto the body with 50 metal fasteners so it will possibly simply get replaced if wanted. The battery, motor housings, suspension parts and different necessary portions also are designed to resist mud, water, and different excessive prerequisites and put on.
The G580 too can ford water as much as 33.5 inches deep, 5.9 inches more than the gas-powered G’s, which I am getting to enjoy by means of riding via an opaque muddy river. My Mercedes engineer co-pilot remarks that as a result of the rain this water crossing is extra like 35.5 inches deep, however the G580 makes it via no drawback, the use of move slowly keep watch over to plow through at a better set pace. The EV’s silence unquestionably makes water coming as much as the highest of the hood much more nerve-wracking, despite the fact that.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikWe come to a forestall in a muddy automobile parking space to check out out G-Flip, the electrical G-wagen’s largest birthday celebration trick. It’s simple to turn on, despite the fact that it does take a couple of steps. With one foot at the brake, first you press the G-Flip button at the sprint subsequent to Low Vary, and you then hang down the guidance wheel paddle that’s within the path you need the auto to spin. Whilst keeping the paddle and protecting the guidance wheel completely instantly — even a slight flip will cancel the movement — put your proper foot at the accelerator, free up the brake, and the auto begins spinning completely in position. The general public will more than likely use G-Flip to make bystanders stare in awe and chortle (and Mercedes says it must no longer be used on pavement), however it is going to be a real assist if you wish to have to show round on a path or get round a drawback.
If it seems to be hilarious from outdoor the auto, it’s even funnier while you’re throughout the automotive experiencing it. There aren’t any extraordinary noises or unsettling vibrations, there’s no frame roll or suspension flex. The G-wagen remains completely flat and solid because it spins round — at fairly a top pace, I may upload. It’ll just do over two complete rotations prior to coming to a forestall, despite the fact that the driving force can right away cancel the spin at any time by means of letting cross of the paddle, taking their foot off the accelerator or turning the guidance wheel. You’ll be able to stay activating the G-Flip again and again, too.
Now not as spectacular visually however helpful in much more eventualities is the G-Steerage serve as, which is toggled by means of the 0.33 locker-replacing button at the sprint. By means of controlling the torque being despatched to each and every wheel and locking one or either one of the interior wheels if wanted, G-Steerage a great deal reduces the G580’s turning radius. The route has a number of corners that might be a ways too tight for a G to get round most often with out creating a three-point flip, however with G-Steerage lively I’m in a position to power round them very easily. It really works at as much as 15 mph, and the serve as will keep on for a very long time in the event you don’t flip it off.
It’s a little of a unusual sensation, more or less like drifting however with out the rear finish being in truth kicked out. The motion is very linear; the volume that I believe I wish to flip the guidance wheel to get across the nook is the precise correct amount, I don’t wish to make any little corrections or changes partway via. Mercedes additionally has us do a slalom route throughout the dust, with the cones positioned so shut in combination that mainly no automotive may do it, let on my own a G-wagen. However with G-Steerage became on, the G580 simply rotates round each and every cone. Mixed with the G-Magnificence’ slightly small footprint, the G-Steerage will open up much more path chances that earlier fashions couldn’t navigate. I solely scratch the skin of the G580’s features, so I will’t wait to take one on some lengthy off-roading journeys in California.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikMercedes hasn’t introduced pricing for the U.S. marketplace but, but when it’s anything else just like the German pricing, the G580 EV could be the most productive deal within the G-Magnificence lineup. With the necessary 19-percent VAT tax incorporated, the G580 begins at slightly below €143,000, the an identical of about $154,000. That’s solely €11,000 (about $12,000) greater than the brand new G500 (offered because the G550 in The us). Within the U.S. the present V8 G550 begins at $144,150 together with vacation spot, and the refreshed inline-6 type could be nearer to $150,000. If the electrical G-wagen is available in at round $170,000 — fifteen grand not up to the G63 — I believe that’ll be a hell of a deal.
When the G580 hits U.S. broker quite a bit in the second one part of this yr, it’ll solely are available in Version One shape. Mainly the release version, this type is particular to simply 5 colours and can come totally loaded, with particular badges, blue accents at the external trim strips and inner carbon fiber, and a few different distinctive styling bits. Be expecting Version Ones to price no less than $200,000, prior to you upload any markups (and there can be markups). If you wish to spec your electrical G-wagen your self — and also you must — the 2026 type will more than likely develop into to be had in early spring. Via Mercedes’ Manufaktur program, G-Magnificence consumers have over a million conceivable colour and trim choice combos, with greater than 20,000 paint colours to choose between and the facility to create bespoke specifications.
Picture: Daniel Golson/JalopnikMercedes doesn’t have any particular gross sales goals for the EV, and there aren’t any plans for a spread of the Graz manufacturing facility, despite the fact that the corporate admits it might be conceivable at some point. No, the G-wagen will keep a purposefully restricted commodity, even if Mercedes is making greater than ever. In 2023 greater than 10,000 G’s have been offered within the U.S. on my own, virtually beating the S-Magnificence, and right here the G63 massively outsells the G550 — I’ve heard the gross sales break up these days sits at round 80 % for the AMG. G-Magnificence manufacturing is versatile, so Mercedes is ready for any stage of EV call for and will alter output accordingly.
In a roundtable on the release, Michael Scheibe, AMG CEO and head of the G-Magnificence department, mentioned he thinks the EV may develop into the preferred G-wagen type by means of the tip of the last decade, particularly in nations like China, and he expects the EV will each herald new consumers and conquests to the logo and hang main enchantment to current G-wagen house owners. The G-Magnificence has the second-wealthiest house owners within the Mercedes logo, moment solely to Maybach, and its reasonable buyer is getting more youthful and extra accepting of electrification. As for the potential for an electrical AMG variant, Scheibe wouldn’t discuss any legit plans, however the glint in his eye and the smile on his face mainly showed it’ll occur in the end.
The G-wagen gave the impression adore it could be one of the vital remaining cars to convincingly cross electrical, and probably the most tricky buyer bases to transform, however the G580 with EQ Generation proves it’s in truth the perfect candidate. The electrical G-Magnificence is simply as cute as its gas-powered siblings, with its personal distinctive personality and unrivaled off-road efficiency. I believe it’s a house run, a destroy hit, a excursion de pressure, no matter different flip of word you’ll be able to bring to mind. I badly need one, no, I want one, and that’s precisely how a G-wagen must make you are feeling.
Picture: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
Picture: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
