Mercedes-Benz G-class: completely electric, no EQG!

Electric powertrains intuitively fit just as well in a G-class as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration. Yet we are already used to many special combinations. There are now many American pick-ups with electric drivetrains, so an electric G-class could also be added. Already in 2021, Mercedes-Benz looked ahead to a G-class with an electric drivetrain with the EQG Concept. Now the production version is here. Unlike the EQG Concept, the appearance of the electric G-class hardly differs from the G models with other types of powertrains, but that may not even be the most interesting thing.

Mercedes-Benz has been attaching the EQ label to its electric models for a number of years. Not only are the fully EV-developed EQE, EQS and their SUV alternatives members of the EQ family, but even the electric derivatives of the GLA and GLB (EQA and EQB) are. It is precisely this electric G-class that does not bear the name EQG. Mercedes-Benz is still somewhat awkwardly calling it ‘the G580 with EQ technology’. Surprising? Partly. It previously appeared that Mercedes-Benz wants to soon abandon its model name strategy of giving electric models an EQ model name.

Back to the G580 with EQ hardware. What does he have to offer? In any case, a good battery. The electric Mercedes-Benz G-class has a battery pack with a usable capacity of 116 kWh in the openings of its ladder frame. That package powers no fewer than four electric motors. Each wheel is driven by its own copy. Together they deliver 587 hp and 1,164 Nm. This combination helps the electric G-class to have a very acceptable range of 473 kilometers for its design. Fast charging is possible up to 200 kW. With its 587 hp, the electric G thunders from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. With an empty weight of 3,085 kilos, the electric G-class is certainly not lightweight.

In the form of a Low Range driving system, the electric G has the EV equivalent low gearing and thanks to the mode called ‘G-Turn’ by Mercedes-Benz, the G-class can rotate in place on its axis. Also interesting is ‘G-Steering’, a function that makes the turning circle a lot smaller. The G-class with an electric drivetrain should be very off-road worthy, just like its more traditionally motorized sister models. It can handle slope angles of up to 35 degrees and you can drive through puddles, ditches and rivers to a depth of 85 centimeters.

On the outside, the electric Mercedes-Benz is very much a G-class. Between the headlights we observe a new and typical EQ panel with LED lighting. Not a fan of this? No problem, the so-called Black Panel grille is available at an additional cost. At the back we do not see a round spare wheel cover, but a square unit. By the way, that square box does not cover a spare wheel, but serves as a storage place for your charging cable. The front hatch is slightly higher than the hood of more traditional G-classes. We also see small wind deflectors at the rear wheel arches.

From two tons

The electric Mercedes-Benz G-class immediately has a Dutch starting price. It costs €200,303, but for that you immediately get a fully loaded Edition One introductory model. It has the extensive MBUX infotainment system as standard, a nappa leather-covered steering wheel, Keyless Go, cooled and heated cup holders, an extensive audio system from Burmester and so on.