Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled an electric version of one of its most iconic models, the G-Wagen. It’s dubbed the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology and the good news is that it looks almost identical to the gas-powered G-Wagen, since on the outside the changes are minimal. On the outside the biggest changes are the slightly raised hood and flared rear wheel arches.
The G580 is powered by four individually controlled electric motors located near the wheels. Each motor has 145 horsepower, but combined they have an output of 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. Under the skin the G 580 is based on the same platform as the gas-powered versions, which means that it has a ladder frame and solid rear axle. One thing that it doesn’t have are front, center and rear differentials, since the amount of power given to each wheel is supplied by the individual electric motors.
There’s 9.8 inches of ground clearance and it has a 32-degree approach angle, 30.7-degree departure angle and 20.3-degree breakover angle. It can also wade deeper than the other G-Wagen models at 33.5 inches.
To power all four of those electric motors, the G580 features a 116.0-kWh battery, but Mercedes hasn’t announced the official EPA estimated range. Expect it to be somewhere around 240-250 miles. It can charge up to 11 kW using a Level 2 charger or up to 200 kW using a DC fast-charger. It will take 32 minutes to charge it from 10-80 percent using a DC fast charger. Lastly you’ll be able to charge it using Tesla’s Supercharger network, since an NACS adapter will be available.
Although it features an electric powertrain, don’t think that the G 580 will be any less capable when off-roading. On cool EV first is a Low Range reduction gear ratio (2:1) that can be selected at speeds up to 53 mph.
For 2025 model year, the electric G-Class is exclusively available in the U.S. in the Edition One special edition. The pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S. but expect it to be priced around $180,000.