Recognized formally because the G 580 with EQ Expertise, the brand new G stuffs a battery pack and 4 electrical motors into the inner combustion model’s present chassis moderately than ranging from scratch. The electrical G-Wagen additionally receives slight stylistic revisions, principally within the identify of aero.
However even when electrification represents the logical subsequent step for a traditionally established navy car that transitioned right into a luxurious commuter over the previous decade-plus, the brand new G offered an actual take a look at for Mercedes R&D. The suspension required the largest change, particularly for the stable rear axle. Two electrical motors merely couldn’t match within the reside axle, so Mercedes adopted a hilariously outdated de Dion tube setup as an alternative.
The ensuing car comes with a sky-high price ticket, minimal vary, and sudden character. But, over every week of testing in Los Angeles and the close by deserts, I rapidly found that this new G is undoubtedly the perfect but.
In brief: Electrical energy fits the G-Wagen surprisingly effectively, for higher and for worse. Don’t anticipate maxed-out electrical vary, avant-garde tech, and even improved ergonomics. As a substitute, the G 580 in EV kind will get the job executed, on the town and off highway, higher than any G that got here beforehand.
Electrical energy caters completely to metropolis life in a G
Spectacular torque and traction off-roading
Lastly, a touchscreeen!
Some suspension shuddering throughout gradual cruising
Cost cable “Design Box” replaces spare tire
Minimal decisions in 2025’s “First Edition” spec
Michael Van Runkle
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 With EQ Expertise Overview
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Metropolis Life within the G-EQ
My first impressions whereas driving the electrical G-Wagen round West L.A. left me pretty dissatisfied. The upright driving posture, cramped inside, piano black plastic, and a trackpad much like a 2015 Lexus all missed the mark.
Plus, on a primary drive to the grocery retailer, I began to note an odd suspension and steering shudder. At decrease speeds, simply cruising, the de Dion rear suspension appears to wrestle with the practically 7,000-pound curb weight.
The scenario obtained me fascinated about Mercedes-Benz’s decision-making whereas growing the brand new G. A lot in order that after I obtained dwelling, earlier than placing the groceries within the fridge, I pulled out a tire stress gauge to verify I didn’t have a flat. The tires seemed good, however the de Dion tube solely continued to construct because the theme of all the G-EQ expertise.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
De Dion Rear Suspension
In brief, as a result of the electrical G has a motor for every wheel, the gasoline G’s stable rear axle merely wanted alternative. However Mercedes needed to retain the articulation and confidence of a solid-rear-axle car with the de Dion tube, which fairly actually bridges the hole between independent-suspension wheel hubs. I’m fairly positive the latest automotive I’d pushed with a de Dion tube beforehand was a 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6.
However a GTV6 weighed lower than 3,000 kilos within the Nineteen Eighties, and the electrical G-Wagen suggestions the scales at greater than double that quantity. Throw in a set of 20-inch AMG wheels shod in range-friendly Falken tires, and the setup clearly will get overwhelmed. Even adjustable dampers can solely accomplish that a lot, because the inflexible connection causes highway imperfections to reverberate via the cockpit.
Not less than whereas accelerating, braking, or cornering on asphalt, the G’s weight shifts sufficient onto one tire or one other to cease the feeling. And I rapidly realized that pushing exhausting reveals the place the electrical G-Wagen shines. On a day after I was operating late for a gathering, I completely ripped via site visitors at a tempo no gasoline G may presumably match.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Electrified Efficiency
The 579-horsepower ranking won’t sound too spectacular for a 7,000-pound car with me inside. However the 859 pound-feet of torque got here on instantaneously with the smallest nudge of my proper foot.
Mercedes claims a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, however I’d swear this truck can do higher. In contrast, the G 63 with a beefy twin-turbo V8 would possibly make good noises, however borders on obnoxiously loud. And in most conditions, the lazy torque supply at low revs virtually lugs the engine.
Off-Roading With out a Spare Tire
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
After all, I wanted to check the G 580 with EQ Expertise off highway, too. However after I pulled as much as Rowher Flats to run my typical route, I checked the wheels first. The precise wheel design doesn’t match a compressor nozzle, so I made a decision to not air down.
That bummed me out a bit, particularly due to the nifty optimistic and adverse terminals simply accessible within the frunk. But additionally, I anxious about traction within the dust, in addition to the prospect of getting a flat tire with no spare.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
As a substitute of the spare tire, the little “Design Box” on the G’s barn-door tailgate homes a charging cable. Nice for metropolis life, positive, however not out right here!
I beforehand drove a Hummer EV SUV on the identical path, additionally with no spare. Not less than the G weighs greater than a ton much less, so I introduced a Yankum rope simply in case. However at the back of my thoughts, I questioned what rig may presumably yank a 7,000-pound EV out of a sketchy scenario.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Off-Street Prowess
After which, out of left area, the electrical G-Wagen delivered the only most spectacular off-roading efficiency I’ve ever skilled — with out exaggeration or hyperbole.
I had simply pushed a Ranger Raptor up the identical hill a few week beforehand, and an Ineos Grenadier the week earlier than that. However at a particular impediment the place the Raptor wanted each entrance and rear diffs locked, all 4 BFG K03 tires aired down, and each final ounce of my ability and braveness, this electrical SUV with a faux stable rear axle and absolutely inflated metropolis tires simply inched up the hill with out sliding greater than the width of my hand.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Utilizing the “Off-Road Cockpit” display screen, I saved an anxious eye on my tire pressures the entire time. I additionally switched into the “Low Range” mode, which Mercedes claims makes use of bodily gear reductions for the electrical motors.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Within the seat of my pants, low vary felt extra much like lowered throttle response. However the de Dion tube did the trick and the discrete management of quad-motor traction blew my thoughts. I saved attempting to pose the truck with a wheel off the bottom for pics, and the articulation merely prevented me from doing so!
All on-street tires absolutely aired up is an important element. With a set of legit all-terrains, I consider the G would possibly do even higher. After all, we’re not speaking about dune charging or spraying roostertails or leaping this heavy EV.
As a substitute, we’re speaking in regards to the pure functionality of getting via when the going will get powerful. This explains why Benz believed the de Dion suspension was the right answer to the issue created by sticking with the ladder body and unique physique.
G-Flip Enjoyable
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Lastly, I goofed off with the “G-Turn” and “G-Steering” modes, distinctive options that permit the electrical G spin in place or drag a rear tire to tighten up the turning radius. Spinning like a high, grinning like a baby, I felt foolish sufficient. However then I spotted this may be the silliest strategy to blow a tire, so I pulled again out onto a canyon highway and determined to tear up the tires whereas headed dwelling.
Quickly sufficient, with the suspension in Sport mode, the Falkens began screaming. The steering firmed up, too, and its “throttle” response elevated, as effectively. I pushed far more durable than a giant, boxy, 7,000-pound body-on-frame EV has any proper to go.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Perhaps mounting the batteries within the chassis helps preserve the middle of gravity decrease. Perhaps EV torque vectoring helps on asphalt, too. Both approach, the cornering, with simply hints of AWD countersteer required, once more simply eclipsed any earlier G.
No Automobile Is Good
However it doesn’t matter what the Mercedes and G-Wagen fanboys will scream, the electrical G nonetheless has shortcomings.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
For an off-roader, the electrical wires and plugs that management the adaptive shock dampers positive experience fairly low.
The cramped inside nonetheless lacks area — a bummer since electrical powertrains usually enable for such improved packaging.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
The rear seat screens will possible make anybody over the age of three years previous claustrophobic.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
And, the G-Wagen lastly will get an infotainment touchscreen, so why is there nonetheless a trackpad taking on area on the middle console? As a substitute, Mercedes may have gone with extra cupholders or extra bodily switchgear for the four-wheel-drive controls.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
Why not begin from scratch and construct an EV with a skateboard battery format and extra inside quantity that merely appears like a G-Wagen? Plus, with the aero of a brick, the G solely manages a spread estimate of 239 miles. That’s a lot for commuting in Agoura, however barely half of the real-world vary I skilled in a Silverado EV.
Nonetheless, the onboard vary estimate proved fairly correct as I powered via the battery with regen saved on the max settings through the steering wheel paddle shifters. However, the DC fast-charging price of 200 kW leaves one thing on the desk, too.
And don’t get me began on the dearth of a frunk.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
2025 G 580 With EQ Tech Overview: Conclusions
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
The G 580 with EQ Expertise may need a ridiculously lengthy identify, however I can confidently name it the perfect G-Wagen ever. The inside ergonomics nonetheless suck, the dearth of a spare tire is senseless, and pricing as examined over $192,000 exams the bounds of sanity. However for metropolis commuting or off-roading alike, this G merely will get the job executed. I wonder if most drivers will even discover the distinctive execs and cons of the de Dion suspension.
(Photograph/Michael Van Runkle)
I can also’t wait to strive an electrical G-Wagen with actual knobby tires, and even simply smaller wheels. However, for 2025, Mercedes will solely promote the First Version spec with minimal choices apart from coloration schemes. So anyone who needs to customise such a extremely anticipated car might want to wait till mannequin 12 months 2026 G-Wagens begin delivery.
