2025 MERCEDES-BENZ G580 WITH EQ TECHNOLOGY FIRST LOOK REVIEW: QUAD-MOTOR GELANDEWAGEN PACKS AMG POWER

It was only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz turned its iconic G-Wagen electric, and in the wake of the 2025 G-Class refresh, the automaker revealed the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology. That name is a mouthful, but not entirely unexpected, as we know the brand wanted to drop the EQ-prefaced naming structure for its electric models. Most will likely refer to this as the electric G-Class (even Mercedes does), and that's the core of the matter; the G580 with EQ Technology is the new all-electric SUV that merges the traditional off-roading capability of the G-Class with cutting-edge technology and all-electric range. With a ladder frame chassis and four individually controlled electric motors putting out 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque, the 2025 Merc G580 with EQ Technology is the most powerful G-Class in the lineup, trouncing even the AMG G63.

When Is The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Coming Out?

The release date for the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology is set for late in 2024. The USA will get just one specification for 2025: the Edition One.

2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Estimated Price and Competition

Mercedes-Benz hasn't given us a price for the 2025 G580 with EQ Technology, but we can estimate that it'll cost $12k - $15k more than the current gas G-Class, based on the pricing differences between regular Merc models and their EQ counterparts. The 2024 G-Class has an MSRP of $143,000, while the AMG variant (which is closer in output to the all-electric G-Wagon) goes for $183,000. Given the extent of the technology found in the G580 with EQ Technology, we'd expect a "base" G580 to start close to, or even exceeding, the price of the AMG G63, but it's more likely that the special Edition One models will broach the $200k mark, given the extra standard equipment it comes with.

Rivals are hard to pin down; while there are a variety of electric SUVs these days, few tick the boxes for off-roading capability, status, and a premium interior the way the G-Class does. The Rivian R1S comes closest in this brief, and for a quad-motor setup that's comparable to the electric G-Class, you'll be paying around $92,000 before other options. That doesn't have anywhere near the sea clout as the G does, though. In future, more rivals are likely, and we already know a production version of the Jeep Recon will arrive as a proper electric off-roader - albeit one lacking the G's luxury.

New Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Exterior and Colors

A G-Wagen wouldn't be a G-Wagen if the automaker messed with how it looks - even to set it apart as an electric model.

The boxy exterior of the new Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology benefits from the update the gas G-Class received for 2025, and while the electric version is familiar, the automaker says there are nearly limitless opportunities for customization. The round headlights and four-louvered grille are familiar, but buyers can switch out the grille for an optional black panel. An animated LED light band and chrome grille surround are also available, but adaptive multibeam LED headlights are standard fare.

The Edition One models we'll see stateside for 2025 all come with a square Design Box mounted on the rear door in place of the traditional spare wheel. It allows for neat storage of tools, the charging cable, or other off-roading equipment.

The AMG Line exterior package is standard on the new Mercedes-Benz G580 electric SUV, which imbues it with a slightly raised hood, flared wheel arches, 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels, running boards, and stainless steel illuminated door sill panels. The Night Package will be optional on regular G580 models, but the Edition One variants get this as standard - this package blacks out the exterior mirror housings, tints the indicator light housings, and equips black Aero wheels.

As for exterior paint colors available for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, the full spectrum of colors hasn't been listed, but we know the Edition One will only be available in one of these five hues:

• Manufaktur South Sea Blue Magno
• Manufaktur Moonlight White Magno
• Manufaktur Moonlight White Metallic
• Manufaktur Arabian Grey
• Obsidian Black Metallic

Further setting Edition One apart is a blue trim strip in the G-Class's exterior protective molding, blue brake calipers, and exterior mirror projections that cast the words "Stronger Than Time" onto the ground.

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Dimensions

The dimensions given for the new electric G-Class show that it's slightly shorter than its gas sibling; sharing a 113.8-inch wheelbase, the regular G-Class has a length of 190 inches and stands just over 80 inches in height. The electric G-Class is 182 inches long and has a height of 78.2 inches.

Curb weight figures haven't been announced for either of the 2025 G-Class derivatives in US specification, but we doubt the figures will stray too far from what's been announced in Germany, where the G580 with EQ Tech tips the scales at a significant 6,801 lbs.

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Powertrain and Performance

An electric off-roader isn't an entirely new concept anymore, but the electric G brings a bit more to the table than just electric propulsion. The idea behind electrifying the Gelandewagen was to enhance its ability to go off the beaten path, and so Mercedes has added in some clever tech that includes selectable low-range gearing. The G580 with EQ Tech also comes with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle.

Four electric motors - one at each wheel - provide 145 hp each, with a combined output of 579 hp and a torque figure of 859 lb-ft. These specs make the new Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology the most powerful G-Class in the lineup, although its weight penalty sees the 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 getting to 60 mph four-tenths quicker:

• 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology

  Electric

  EngineQuad-Motor Electric

  Horsepower579 hp

  Torque859 lb-ft

  Top Speed112 mph (limited)

  0-60 MPH4.6 seconds

  Transmission2-Speed Automatic w/Low Range

  Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive electric
• 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

  G-Class Gas

  Engine3.0-liter inline-six gas

  Horsepower443 hp

  Torque413 lb-ft

  Top Speed130 mph

  0-60 MPH5.3 seconds

  Transmission9-speed automatic

  DrivetrainAll-wheel drive
• 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63

  AMG

  Engine4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 Mild Hybrid

  Horsepower577 hp

  Torque627 lb-ft

  Top Speed137 mph

  0-60 MPH4.2 seconds

  Transmission9-speed automatic

  DrivetrainAll-wheel Drive

The use of electric motors and a high-voltage 116-kWh battery haven't detracted from the G580 with EQ Tech's ability to off-road, and in some ways, this has even been enhanced. The battery has been integrated into the frame for a low center of gravity, and the electric SUV uses the ESP and central powertrain control system to distribute torque to where it's most needed to ensure the best traction for the situation at hand. Torque vectoring is used to create virtual differential locks, which results in precisely metered torque sent to each individual wheel.

The heavy electric G-Class still needs to be agile and maneuverable, so the automaker has equipped it with some clever tricks that are meant to aid in off-roading. Like Rivian's tank turn, the G-Class's G-Turn feature was all the rage on social media channels in the run-up to this reveal - but the G-Turn is an actual function that will get off-road adventurers out of a tight spot. It rotates the vehicle on the spot by turning the wheels on opposite sides of the car in opposite directions, effectively pirouetting the SUV through a full 360 degrees (or more).

The G-Turn function allows for two full rotations before it automatically deactivates, but it can also be stopped mid-turn. If you're stuck in a tight ravine and need to get around a sharp bend, the G-Turn can be initiated, with drivers stopping the rotation at just the right time. Other unique tricks include G-Steering, which tightens the SUV's turning circle, and intelligent off-road crawl for the ideal pace needed on really rough terrain. The latter function offers three crawl speeds: slow, variable, and fast.

Like traditional off-roaders, the electric G-Class also provides a low-range off-road gear reduction function of 2:1, which increases drive torque when the 'Rock' drive program is selected. In this mode, top speed is restricted to 53 mph, and intelligent off-road crawl is auto-activated.

In some ways, the EV is more capable than the regular G-Class, beating it on approach, ramp, and departure angles, ground clearance, and water fording depth.

All of the off-road kit aside, the Merc G580 with EQ Technology still has to be comfortable on-road, too, so it comes with adaptive adjustable dampers as standard to ensure minimal body lean through corners and to soak up abrasions to the road surface.

A final EV-specific trick worth mentioning is the G-Roar feature, which gives the G580 with EQ Tech a unique sound. It comes standard on Edition One models and includes an 'aura' sound when you're around the vehicle before and after startup, and an 'event sound' that highlights acceleration, start up, and more. The G-Roar sound can be altered depending on the drive program selected.

Estimated Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EPA-certified all-electric range of the G580 with EQ Technology hasn't been announced yet, and it'll be interesting to see how that fluctuates in off-roading scenarios. We expect around 250 miles on the road. According to the WLTP cycle in Europe, 270-294 miles of driving is possible, but the stricter EPA standards will no doubt see those estimates decrease for US users.

Both AC and DC charging are supported, and DC fast charging at up to 200 kW is standard on the electric G-Class. In ideal circumstances, the Merc G580 with EQ Tech can be charged from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes.

There are three charging programs as standard on the new G580: Standard, Work, and Home. These programs can be activated automatically based on your location and can have pre-selected parameters like max charge level and departure times programmed for your convenience. Energy can also be recuperated while coasting and braking during regular driving, with up to five regen levels to choose from.

New Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Interior and Cargo

The interior of the Mercedes G580 with EQ Technology isn't a departure from the revamped cabin we saw on the regular G-Class lineup for 2025, and that's a good thing. The refresh sees the familiar look carried over to the electric G-Class - with round air vents echoing the rounded headlights - and the redesigned off-road control center and new off-road cockpit on the dashboard, along with the grab handle for the front passenger. These are signature touches that define the G-Class in all its configurations.

The standard features list is long:

• Wireless charging
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Keyless entry and go
• Remote start
• Burmester 3D surround sound with Dolby Atmos
• Exclusive Interior Package with Nappa leather, ambient HVAC vent lighting, and contrast stitching
• MBUX with 12.3-inch driver display and 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Navigation with electric intelligence to plan quickest/most convenient route
• Voice command with 20 new G580-exclusive commands

If you want even more, the options menu includes:

• MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system with twin 11.6-inch touch displays
• Dashcam with video playback feature
• Exclusive Interior Package Plus for diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery
• Active Multicontour Seat Plus package for massage function (standard on Edition One)

As for interior colors and materials, Mercedes mentions that a new Manufaktur Catalana Beige/Black two-tone leather option is available across the G-Class lineup for 2025 for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz lists the cargo space in the 2025 G580 with EQ Technology at 19.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and maxing out at 70.3 cubes with those stowed away.

For a six-figure car such as this one, the Mercedes-Benz G580 electric SUV comes with an extensive driver assist catalog as standard.

• Adaptive cruise control
• Active steering assist at speeds up to 100 mph
• Transparent hood
• Active brake assist for forward, crossing, or oncoming traffic
• Active emergency stop
• Active lane keeping assist
• Active blind spot assist with audible signals and exit warning
• Attention assist
• Parking package with 360-degree camera
• Parking assist with Parktronic
• Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound collision mitigation
• Traffic sign assist

2024-04-25T07:21:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd