When it got here time for Mercedes-Benz to show the long-lasting G-Class SUV into an electrical automobile, sure voices throughout the firm instructed it turn out to be smoother, extra streamlined, much less brick-like in form, all for the sake of effectivity. These voices had been met with a transparent and decisive response: “No.”
Meet what was once referred to as the Mercedes-Benz EGQ, and is now formally named the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Know-how as an alternative. It is a fancy and considerably convoluted title for one thing comparatively easy in idea: a G-Class SUV that is powered by batteries and never a diesel or gasoline engine. And although it does not look that approach on the floor, it represents essentially the most radical change within the Geländewagen’s total historical past.
Mercedes’ EV push has had some setbacks
Clients haven’t warmed to Mercedes’ EV choices as they’ve with another opponents, like BMW. The corporate is slowing down its personal EV plans, however new choices like this electrical G-Class present it’s miles from achieved.
“All through its greater than 45-year historical past, the G-Class has all the time used essentially the most fashionable drive expertise out there,” Mercedes board member Markus Shäfer mentioned in a information launch. “So, it is solely becoming that the revolutionary drive idea with 4 individually managed electrical motors as soon as once more raises the legendary efficiency of our off-road icon to a brand new stage.”
Certainly, the phrase “icon” comes up fairly a bit when Mercedes talks about this EV; clearly, the automaker did not wish to mess with a design that hasn’t modified a lot since its debut in 1979.
Then once more, who would actually need a G-Class that does not appear like it is about to be deployed to some world sizzling zone? Even when the luxurious SUV is now ultra-popular with Russian gangsters, petrostate nepo infants and Instagram influencers, it simply is not the identical with out that army truck vibe.
A Large Battery, 4 Motors And Tons Of Torque
The dual-turbocharged V8 engine that served because the hallmark of the G-Class in recent times is a tricky act to comply with. As an alternative, Mercedes has packed a comparatively massive 116-kWh lithium-ion battery into the metal ladder body of the truck. That is protected by a mixture of supplies, together with carbon, to maintain your subsequent off-roading tour lithium-ion battery fire-free, at the least hopefully.
The battery powers 4 independently managed electrical motors positioned close to the wheels, which ship a collective 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA-estimated electrical vary has not been launched but. However we all know that energy is sufficient to propel the hefty electrical G-Class (the load additionally stays undisclosed) from a cease to 60 mph in simply 4.6 seconds.
The G with EQ Know-how—perhaps we’ll stick with EQG for brevity’s sake—may also bear DC quick charging at a decent 200 kW fee. That enables it to cost from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes, in accordance with Mercedes, which is not so good as some new contenders however is not too far off the remainder of the truck pack nowadays.
Like different EQ fashions, the electrical G-Class provides Navigation with Electrical Intelligence, which gives on-the-fly changes to your charging wants primarily based on visitors, highway hazards, the general route, topography and extra. It could actually provide you with a warning to a charging station while you’ll want it, after which discover a good one close to you. I’ve used this method on different electrical Benzes and it’s certainly one of many smarter ones available on the market right now, and a welcome addition to the G-Class.
Aside from that, visually, little is totally different between the EQG and the fossil fuel-powered G-Class. The hood is raised barely on the electrical SUV, flared rear wheel arches with “air curtains”, new A-pillar cladding and the shortage of exhaust pipes give it away.
There’s additionally the distinctive rectangular Design Field on the rear door, which permits for stowage of issues like charging cables (removable ones are the norm in Europe) or snow chains.
But it surely’s clear that Mercedes did not simply shove some batteries into the G-Class and name it a day.
Off-Street Goodies And A A lot Extra Trendy Inside
However even when few of them get pushed this fashion—the G-Class’ greatest market is Miami—these SUVs nonetheless need to be off-road-capable. And the electrical G does not appear to disappoint on that entrance.
Options embody a “low-range” off-road gear discount, the G-Flip rotation perform, a G-Steering trick that reduces the turning circle in off-pavement conditions and is nice for speeds as much as 15 mph, and variable speeds and settings for “clever” hill ascent and descent. And just like the gas-powered G-Class, this EV additionally will get Mercedes’ “clear hood” tech that gives a visualized view of what is beneath the entrance of the automobile, to raised navigate these tough off-road conditions.
And because it has no “engine” in want of oxygen, the electrical G-Class is definitely a greater off-roader in some methods than its gas-powered counterparts. Its fording depth is rated at 33.5 inches, increased than the G 550 and AMG G63, and it could actually additionally climb as much as a one hundred pc grade on appropriate surfaces. Mercedes lists says the EQG is able to a 32-degree strategy angle, 30.7-degree departure angle and 20.3-degree breakover angle, and it has 9.8 inches of floor clearance between the axles.
On the within, this G-Class is fairly removed from a ’70s army truck. Screens abound, together with a 12.3-inch driver show and 12.3-inch central multimedia show. And if the proprietor checks the field for it, passengers can watch motion pictures and browse the web with two built-in 11.6-inch contact shows for the again seat.
Add within the “G-ROAR” characteristic that creates totally different combustion engine-like sounds, 64 colours for ambient lighting and a particular digital cockpit for off-roading, and sure, it is a clear lots is happening right here.
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Will Individuals Purchase It?
As foolish as it’s, individuals love the G-Class; Mercedes has solely seen its gross sales skyrocket upward in recent times, particularly the go-fast AMG fashions. However will these patrons be right down to commerce their thundering V8 engines for electrical energy?
In the event that they do, the Version One Particular Version will likely be unique to the U.S. as a 2025 mannequin 12 months automobile. It arrives at dealerships within the second half of 2024; pricing will possible be introduced nearer to its launch.
Within the meantime, InsideEVs is because of drive the G580 with EQ Know-how subsequent week. We’ll let you already know if this battery-powered beast can reside as much as the legend or not.
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