With looming government mandates, every major auto manufacturing is currently transitioning to a fully electric lineup. So when Mercedes-Benz debuted its electric EQG concept SUV in 2021, we knew it was only a matter of time until the German marque revealed the production-ready version of the all-electric G-Class. Fast-forward roughly three-years-later to today and that day has finally come, as the brand has now pulled the cover off of its all-new fully-electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology.
Constructed around an advanced, reinforced and modified ladder frame, the EV G-Wagen features an independent double wishbone front suspension paired with a solid rear axle using a rigid De Dion design — a suspension that uses adaptive adjustable dampers. The new G 580 also boasts some seriously impressive go-anywhere all-terrain capabilities, with 9.8” of ground clearance, wading depths of up to 33.5”, lateral slope climbing capabilities of up to 35°, the ability to climb a 100% grade, and approach, break-over, and departure angles of 32°, 20.3°, and 30.7° respectively.
Powering the G 580 with EQ Technology is four individually-controlled permanently excited synchronous two-speed motors that send 579hp and 859ft-lbs of instantaneous torque to an all-wheel drive system. Drawing from a 116-kWh Lithium-ion battery pack offering a range of 293-mile per charge, this powertrain affords the EV SUV a top speed of 112mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds — impressive e figures considering its 6,800-pound curb weight. The exterior of the vehicle features a sleek design language that looks markedly more futuristic, while still being readily identifiable as being a G-Wagen, retaining a host of its iconic design features — including its (now-illuminated) grille and circular headlight assembly, and a unique take on its traditional rear spare wheel cover which now sports a square-shaped with rounded edges and houses the all-electric SUV’s charging cable rather than an extra wheel.
What’s more, this new model also sports both a PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system as well as a PRE-SAFE Sound that prepares its occupants’ ears for the stress caused by the noise generated in an accident by utilizing a special sound chip generates a noise via the vehicle’s speakers, thereby triggering natural reflexes. Sporting a 113.8-inch wheelbase, this state-of-the-art EV also benefits from traffic sign assist, active parking assist with PARKTRONIC, ATTENTION assist, a Parking Package with 360-degree camera system, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active blind spot assist, a route-based speed adaptation system, active lane keeping assist, active emergency stop assist, electromechanical steering, and active steering assist at speeds of up to 100mph.
The new G 580 also gets over 70 cubic feet of collective interior cargo space coupled with a more than 900-pound payload capacity. Other noteworthy elements include double-universal-joint driveshafts and dual-circuit hydraulic braking with active brake assist. Mercedes-Benz is also offering a limited run of EDITION ONE models that feature blue carbon fiber trim elements, blue stitching, numerous available MANUFAKTUR paint options, 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, the Active Multicontour Seat Plus Package, and the G-ROAR sound experience — all as standard.
Though the marque has revealed a good deal of information and specs, it still has yet to announce pricing, availability, or a release date. Having said that we’re sure additional intel will trickle out over the coming months — if not sooner..
