The electric G-Class received 4 motors and monstrous torque

After four, five, six, eight and twelve cylinders, finally there is a Mercedes-Benz G-Class without any cylinders. Instead of an internal combustion engine, the purely electric Geländewagen gets 4 motors – one on each wheel, while retaining its most valuable quality – remarkable off-road capabilities.

The design of the electric version that was presented officially – the G580 – largely repeats that of the CNG G-Class. The changes are in the drive, with the 4 electric motors providing a power of 579 hp. and 1165 Nm of torquethus the G580 with EQ technology outperforms the AMG 63 top version. The advantage of the electric version is even more tangible due to the fact that all the torque in the EV is activated instantly.

The four-engine configuration allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds slower than the AMG version with DVG. The maximum speed of the electric G-Class is limited to 180 km/h, but hardly anyone buys such a model for straight-line acceleration or top speed.

The big trump card in this case is the off-road capabilities, as the all-terrain vehicle can go through ditches with a maximum depth of 85 cm, which is 15 cm more than the G550 and G63. The electric Geländewagen can climb side slopes of up to 35 degrees and offers a ground clearance of 250 mm. The SUV easily handles rough terrain with its approach angle of 32.0 degrees, departure angle of 30.7 degrees and break angle of 20.3 degrees. Like the normal G-Class, it can climb up to 100% incline. This, of course, does not mean that it can climb vertically, but equates to an angle of 45 degrees, since the slope is a function of the elevation relative to the movement.

Off-road extras range from a two-speed transfer case to crawl capability. There is a ‘G-Turn’ feature which is the ability to turn the vehicle in place like a tank. Included are virtual differential locks made possible by torque vectoring, as well as adaptive adjustable dampers. There is also a G-Steering function to significantly reduce the turning circle.

The G580 with EQ technology gets independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, along with underbody protection that uses carbon and other tough materials to protect the massive 116.0kWh battery. Mileage remains a mystery for now, but it is known that the battery can be charged up to 200 kW. With DC connection, charging will take about 32 minutesto charge from 10 to 80%.

The SUV retains its familiar edgy design, but features a closed grille with an illuminated outline. The exterior follows the styling of the 2021 EQG concept and can be ordered without the rear-mounted spare tire. Instead, Mercedes puts a box that can store the charging cable, snow chains and tools, provided the weight of the items does not exceed 10 kg.

The interior also echoes that of the regular G-Class, with the usual 12.3-inch screens there, as well as the grab handle on the passenger side of the dashboard. Mercedes offers the same “transparent lid” functionality, which it recently showed on a diesel-powered model. It works with the 360-degree camera and allows drivers to see ‘through’ the bonnet – as with other recent models such as the EQE SUV and EQS SUV.

Initially, the electric G-Class will be available in an Edition One version. It is available in four special Manufaktur colors (South Sea Blue Magno, Moonlight White Magno, Moonlight White Metallic, Arabian Grey) and the usual Obsidian Black Metallic. All have blue brake calipers and a decorative stripe insert. A rear box is included as standard, as are the AMG Line and Night Package with 20-inch alloy wheels and dark body accents.

Inside there is blue carbon fiber upholstery and stitching, plus what Mercedes calls “G-Roar”. This is a fake engine noise that mimics the sound of an internal combustion engine equipped G-Class under acceleration.

Pricing for the electric G-Class has yet to be announced, but they are expected to be higher than the petrol versions, and this applies even to the most powerful G63 AMG modification, which costs about 180,000 euros.

More photos of the electric G-Class – see in the gallery: