Mercedes G580 EQ : Very surprised, but truly not disappointed

Electrifying the G-Class once felt almost unthinkable. For more than forty years, this steel cube has stood for raw robustness, unapologetic luxury and a certain taste for mechanical excess. Yet in 2025, Mercedes dares to turn it into an electric 4×4.

From the first few kilometres, it becomes clear that the myth hasn’t been betrayed. The G580 EQ keeps its character, but wraps it in a completely different driving experience. Quieter, more immediate, more modern.

The iconic cube, subtly reinterpreted

At a glance, nothing changes. The sharp edges, the visible hinges, the old-school bonnet — the G580 looks almost identical to its combustion-powered siblings. That’s intentional. Mercedes didn’t want to disrupt the icon.

Look closer and you’ll notice a few discreet tweaks: a redesigned bonnet, optimised A-pillars, a subtle roof spoiler and small vents in the rear wings to ease airflow.

The grille can even become a glossy black illuminated panel, making its electric nature unmistakable. A modern touch on a silhouette that still looks like a luxury safe on wheels.

A cabin that blends height, luxury and technology

Climbing aboard remains a little ritual. You pull yourself up using the side step, shut the metallic door — which still sounds like a bank vault — and settle into one of the highest driving positions on the market.

Inside, everything feels robust yet premium. Two 12.3-inch screens, a smooth MBUX interface, the “transparent bonnet” off-road view, heated or ventilated seats… It’s a cocoon, but perched two metres above the ground.

In the rear seats, space is generous and the bench is comfortable, even if the centre seat is firmer. The boot remains practical despite the battery under the floor, offering enough room for family trips or bulky gear.

A colossal battery and four motors to move a cathedral…

The G580 EQ uses a huge 116-kWh battery pack integrated into the ladder frame and protected by a reinforced carbon and aluminium shield. It feeds four electric motors — one per wheel — for a combined output of around 600 hp and more than 1,100 Nm of torque.

On the road, acceleration is immediate and surprisingly strong for a vehicle weighing more than three tonnes. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes less than five seconds, in near silence. Mercedes offers an artificial V8-like sound, but you quickly switch it off to enjoy the calm of electric driving.

The weight is always present, though. The suspension lets bumps through, and the boxy shape generates wind noise at speed. This isn’t a plush luxury SUV disguised as a 4×4 — it’s still a genuine G-Class.

Off-road, it’s as capable as ever

It’s off the beaten path that the electric G truly shines. Thanks to the four motors, mechanical differentials are no longer needed. Everything is managed electronically, wheel by wheel. In Rock mode, you simply press the throttle and the car extracts itself from obstacles effortlessly.

It can wade through 85 cm of water, climb steep slopes and manage traction with a level of precision impossible for traditional drivetrains. Its off-road capabilities feel even stronger than before.

And then there’s the “G Turn”, which lets the vehicle pivot almost on the spot by spinning the wheels on each side in opposite directions. Part party trick, part genuinely useful tool in tight forest paths — but impossible not to smile when it happens.

The “G-Steering” function reduces the turning circle by adjusting torque to the inner and outer wheels. A valuable help when manoeuvring between rocks or trees.

Consumption and range: the price of moving a giant

A three-tonne brick doesn’t suddenly become efficient because it’s electric. Even with a massive battery, consumption remains high. On motorways, it rises quickly, and real-world range rarely exceeds 400 km.

AC charging remains slow at 11 kW, but DC fast-charging reaches 200 kW, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in around 30 minutes. Enough for long trips, provided you plan ahead.

Verdict: more modern, not more reasonable

The G580 EQ isn’t trying to be rational. It never was, and it never will be. But it achieves something rare: modernising a myth without stripping away its identity.

You get unprecedented silence, monumental torque, advanced technology and off-road capabilities that are stronger than ever. On the other hand, the weight, consumption and a few practical compromises highlight the limits of electrifying such a mastodon.

What we liked

• Outstanding off-road abilities
• Instant torque from four motors
• The premium, commanding driving position
• Exclusive features (G-Turn, G-Steering, transparent bonnet view)
• Exceptional build quality

What we disliked

• Enormous weight
• Very high energy consumption
• Noticeable wind and tyre noise at speed
• No usable tow rating with a standard licence
• Compromises regarding spare wheel and cable storage

An electric G-Class once seemed impossible. Today it exists — and it looks exactly as it should: a legend embracing the future without losing its soul.

http://www.mercedes-benz.be