I’ve always admired the Mercedes G-Class from afar. Its iconic boxy design, military origins, and undeniable road presence give it an aura very few SUVs can match. But when Mercedes announced an all-electric version—called the G580 with EQ Technology—I was skeptical. Could an EV possibly deliver the character, capability, and charisma that define the G-Wagen?

After spending a week driving the G580 across city streets, highways, and muddy, mountainous trails, I have my answer. Spoiler alert: not only does it live up to its legacy—it pushes the G-Class into an entirely new realm.

First Impressions of Mercedes-Benz G580: Familiar, Yet Futuristically Refined

When I first laid eyes on the G580, I had to double-check that it wasn’t just another G550. From a distance, it’s unmistakably a G-Wagen. The squared-off body, upright windshield, exposed door hinges, and slab-sided panels are all there. But look closer, and you notice the subtle cues.

The biggest visual change is the rear cargo bin, replacing the traditional spare tire. It houses the charging cable but can be swapped back to a spare if you prefer. There’s a sleeker grille design for better aerodynamics, and slight refinements to reduce drag—all without compromising the G-Class’s iconic appearance.

In short: it’s still the G-Wagen you know, just smarter and cleaner in the details.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz G580 Cabin: Rugged Meets Refined

The interior of the G580 instantly felt like home, but with a futuristic twist. Mercedes has done a great job of keeping the G-Class’s utilitarian charm intact while layering it with cutting-edge tech.

You’re greeted by the familiar grab handle on the dash, squared-off air vents, and upright seating position, which gives you a king-of-the-road feeling. But then your eyes wander to the dual digital displays spanning the dash—one for the driver and one for infotainment—and it hits you: this is no old-school truck.

The build quality is impeccable. I experienced Nappa leather seats, wood trim, and ambient lighting that made nighttime driving a visual treat. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats added to the sense of luxury. And despite the EV architecture, interior dimensions remain spacious for both front and rear passengers.

The Drive of Mercedes-Benz G580: A Silent Beast with Surprising Agility

The moment I pressed the start button and the G580 came to life in eerie silence, I knew this would be a different experience.

With 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque delivered via four individual electric motors (one per wheel), the G580 is an absolute torque monster. Unlike a gas-powered G, which builds power over time, the G580 delivers it all instantly. Flooring it from a standstill is nothing short of exhilarating. It catapults this nearly 7,000-pound SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds—and trust me, it feels every bit as quick.

But it’s not just about speed. What really impressed me was how the G580 handled. Thanks to the low center of gravity (courtesy of a 116 kWh battery pack in the chassis) and the independent motor control, the SUV feels planted in corners and stable at high speeds. Body roll is still there—it’s a G-Wagen after all—but it’s far more controlled than I expected.

Performance Highlights

Here’s a breakdown of the key performance specs that stood out during my week with the G580:

Feature	Specification
Power Output	579 hp
Torque	859 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Quad-Motor AWD
0–100 km/h	4.7 seconds
Battery Capacity	116 kWh
Estimated EPA Range	384 km / 239 miles
Fast Charging Capability	Up to 200 kW
Suspension	Independent w/ adaptive damping

Off-Roading: Mercedes-Benz G580 The New King of the Trail?

Let’s be honest—the G-Class was born to conquer terrain, not racetracks. So how does an electric version fare when the pavement ends?

I took the G580 off-road in the French countryside, and it was here that the car truly blew my mind. The quad-motor setup allows torque vectoring on a level that mechanical differentials simply can’t match. It doesn’t need front, center, or rear lockers. Instead, it delivers precise torque to each wheel, instantly and independently.

Climbing over slippery rocks, traversing rutted trails, and crawling through water became a ballet of precision rather than a brute force affair. It’s calm, calculated, and incredibly capable.

Then there’s the party trick—G-Turn. Yes, the car can literally rotate on its axis like a tank. Press a button, choose your direction, keep the steering straight, and floor it. The G580 pirouettes gracefully, and while it’s more fun than functional for most, it showcases the insane potential of electric powertrains.

Oh, and the wading depth? Up to 33.5 inches—even better than the gas G-Wagen. Mercedes tested the system under extreme flex and temperature shifts, ensuring that it’s waterproof and trail-ready.

Range and Charging: Manageable for an Adventure Lifestyle

Let’s talk about the numbers. The G580’s 116 kWh battery offers a 239-mile (384 km) EPA-rated range. In real-world mixed driving, I averaged around 350–370 km on a full charge, which is respectable given the size and weight of the vehicle.

Of course, range drops significantly under heavy off-road use or spirited driving, so I found myself planning more carefully for longer trips.

Charging is relatively straightforward:

• DC fast charging up to 200 kW means 10–80% takes around 30–35 minutes.
  
• At home, I used an 11 kW wall box and got a full charge overnight.
  

The takeaway? As long as you’re not attempting an overland trip through the Sahara, the range is more than enough for weekend adventures or daily commuting.

Range vs Charging Overview

To better illustrate how the G580 fits into real-life usage, here’s a quick comparison table:

Charging Type	Time	Added Range
DC Fast (200 kW)	~30–35 minutes	Up to 300 km (80% charge)
AC Wall Box (11 kW)	~10–12 hours	Full charge overnight
Public AC Charger (22 kW)	~6–7 hours	Full charge (~370 km)
Standard Plug (3.7 kW)	~30 hours	Emergency use only

Everyday Comfort with Mercedes-Benz G580: Surprisingly Smooth for a Giant

Back on urban roads, the G580 shocked me again—this time with its ride comfort. The independent suspension and smart damping system make the drive smooth, even over potholes and speed bumps.

Yes, it’s still tall and wide, and yes, the wind noise is noticeable at high speeds due to its shape. But the overall cabin quietness—thanks to the lack of engine noise—makes up for it. Driving through the city in virtual silence felt oddly luxurious and peaceful.

Manoeuvring in tight parking spaces? It’s not a compact car, but the 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and active steering assist make it surprisingly manageable.

Technology and Features: G-Wagen Meets Silicon Valley

The G580 is loaded with tech. Aside from the MBUX dual-screen setup (which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), you get:

• Augmented reality navigation
  
• Voice commands that actually work
  
• Over-the-air updates
  
• Burmeister premium sound system
  
• Adaptive cruise control
  
• Active lane keeping
  
• Traffic sign assist
  
• Off-road driving modes with real-time terrain analysis
  

Mercedes has also introduced a new digital off-road interface, showing incline, torque distribution, and battery temps—all in real time. It feels more like a luxury tank than an SUV.

Storage and Practicality: A Few Compromises of Mercedes-Benz G580

Despite the improvements, the G580 does come with a few trade-offs.

The flat underbody makes for excellent ground clearance, but it raises the cabin floor, slightly reducing headroom and cargo space. The battery eats into what would normally be underfloor storage.

The cargo area is fine for day-to-day use and road trips, but if you’re moving large items, you’ll wish for a bit more flexibility. The charging box in the back adds to the visual bulk, although you can spec a traditional spare tire instead.

Still, with the rear seats folded flat, there’s plenty of room for gear, luggage, or dogs—trust me, my Labrador loved it.

Price and Value of Mercedes-Benz G580: You Knew This Was Coming

Here’s where things get real: the G580 doesn’t come cheap. Starting at around €142,000 in Europe and likely north of $150,000 in the U.S., it’s one of the most expensive EVs in its class.

But let’s be honest—this isn’t a car you buy with practicality as the top priority. It’s a statement piece, a luxury fortress on wheels, and now, a technological marvel.

Compared to other high-end electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X Plaid, or BMW iX M60, the G580 brings something unique: heritage, character, and off-road pedigree.

Should You Buy the G580?

If you’re someone who:

• Loves the G-Wagen’s timeless design
  
• Wants cutting-edge EV technology
  
• Enjoys off-roading (or just likes the idea of it)
  
• Doesn’t mind the premium price tag
  

Then yes—the G580 is worth it.

What amazed me was that nothing about this car feels like a compromise. Mercedes didn’t water down the G-Class to make it electric. They elevated it.

It still climbs rocks. It still wades through rivers. It still commands attention. But now it does all that without a drop of fuel.

Would I Buy It?

Without hesitation.

The G580 isn’t just another electric SUV—it’s a reinvention of an icon. It proves that electrification doesn’t have to erase personality, capability, or legacy. It can enhance it.

For me, driving the G580 was more than just a test. It was a realization that the future of cars doesn’t have to be soulless or clinical. It can still be thrilling, bold, and unapologetically unique.

And in that sense, the G580 isn’t just the future of the G-Wagen—it’s the future of the automotive experience.