Mercedes-Benz Unleashes $249,900 Electric G-Wagon

• The first electric G-Wagon continues with its body-on-frame architecture
• Priced from AUD$249,900 before on-road costs which makes it $119,000 less than a G63 AMG
• Four electric motors enable it to do the ‘G-Turn’

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was perhaps the last car we expected to embrace electrification because of its history with grunty V8s. However, the brand has treaded carefully while turning their fossil-fuel-powered celebrity favourite into a silent EV. Unlike the swoopy EQS or other EQ models, the G 580 with EQ Technology is still a “proper” G-Wagon with an electric powertrain stuffed within its boxy lines. Mercedes-Benz did not compromise on its origins and stuck to a proper ladder-frame architecture to maintain its off-road integrity.

One could argue that the G 580 is even better off-road than a G63 AMG because of its increased water-wading ability (+150mm) and more power. Speaking of which, the four electric motors near each of the wheels dish out 580HP (hence the name) and a mountain of torque at 1,164 Nm. This means the much heavier G 580 nearly matches the G63 AMG regarding acceleration while being $119,000 cheaper at AUD$249,900 before on-road costs. Now, let’s have a close look at the electric G!

Of course, the much talked about G-Turn (tank turn) is also a highlight with the wheels on the left and right able to spin in opposite directions. This reduces the turning circle off-road rather than amusing ongoing traffic as only loose surfaces will trigger this feature.

The folks at Mercedes-Benz had to roll up their sleeves and figure out how to include the massive 116kWh lithium-ion battery within the ladder-frame chassis with a high amount of ground clearance. Crucially, the G 580’s battery is protected by a 26mm-thick casing made from a mix of materials including carbon fibre. Hence, the G 580 can forge through water 850mm deep which is 150mm more than internal combustion engine G-Class models.

Unlike the regular gasoline-fed G-Wagon, the G 580 uses torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks so it does not need manual intervention. Other off-road spec features include a three-speed offroad crawl function and low range plus Rock/Trail off-road programmes.

Compared to other premium EVs, the NEDC tested range of 567km may not sound like a lot but it’s ample considering the performance on offer- both on and off-road. While an 11kw AC charger is available, the G 580 can be juiced up to 80 per cent in 32 minutes with a fast DC charger.

The battery pack, which is shared with the EQS 580, is not the most efficient but it’s still better in terms of the range when compared with the gasoline G63 which consumes fuel at an alarming rate.

Elsewhere, you would be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the regular G-Wagon but a closer reveals subtle tweaks to improve the aerodynamics including a small spoiler at the edge of the roof plus tweaked bumper, and grille along with cooling apertures at the rear. The biggest difference though would be the tail-gate mounted spare wheel being swapped for a charger carrying box.

The interior too is like the new updated G-Wagon and comes lavishly equipped with all the toys including a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, KEYLESS-GO, multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather, power front seats with memory function, heated and cooled cupholders and wireless smartphone charging.

Also, the latest MBUX infotainment screen has EV-specific displays along with the ‘off-road cockpit’ including gradient, lateral inclination, compass, tyre pressure and selected G-Mode.

You can also spec the ‘Edition One’ model (as pictured throughout this article) which comes in five colours: MANUFAKTUR South Sea Blue Magno, Classic Grey Uni, Opalite White Magno, Opalite White Bright or the classic Obsidian Black Metallic. Other visual changes include blue brake callipers at the front and rear, inserts in the exterior protective strips in blue plus aerodynamically optimized 20-inch rims in black as well as black door handles. The Edition One also has a different charger box at the rear.

Further, there is Nappa leather on the inside in silver pearl/black and carbon trim elements with blue accents. Other optional packages include Night Package ($4,300), MANUFAKTUR Exterior Package ($4,300), Black Panel grille ($3,800), Superior Line Interior Plus Package ($14,500), and finally, Interior Comfort Package ($8,500).

There aren’t many electric off-roaders out there and that’s where the G 580 stands out since it remains faithful to its original ethos of being a hardcore off-roader but now within an electric canvas.