​​Autoblog Reviews the G 580 With EQ Tech​

In his review of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 EQ Tech, Autoblog Editor Nathan Adlan is quick to point out that it has a very long name for a model most everyone will think of as “Electric G-Wagon”. He spent some time with this fully electric version of the most rectilinear and off-road-capable Mercedes-Benz SUV on the appropriate turf of Beverly Hills before taking it on a 200+ mile trip down to San Diego. Mercedes-Benz of Plano gives his impressions.

From the outside, the G 580 EQ shows little difference from the internal combustion G-Class, except for a mostly nonperforated “grille” with an LED-trimmed surround. The T-square styling remains, and the turn signals are mounted on the fenders, last seen on Volkswagen Beetles from a few generations ago. The interior features the same Mercedes-Benz-inspired upright utility design with high-end materials throughout.  

So, what sets this apart from a conventional G-Wagon, if such a thing exists, is that the Inline-6 or V8 engine and transmission have been replaced by an electric motor at each wheel, along with a 116-kWh battery housed in a twist-resistant casing beneath the cabin floor, which is protected from the terrain by a 1-inch composite plate. The motors combine for 579 horsepower, which, with some rounding, brings true meaning to the numeric part of its name. It also produces 859 lb-ft of torque, more than twice the 413 lb-ft of torque produced by the G 550.  

With this level of torque instantly available at any time, the vehicle doesn’t require a traditional transmission. However, a two-speed transmission is provided for each motor to facilitate slow off-road driving. Thanks to the G-Wagon’s renowned off-road capable chassis and the ability to operate each motor independently, it’s safe to say there’s no place on the deer lease the G 580 EQ can’t reach.

No G-Wagon is lightweight, and the large battery makes the electric version weigh 6,746 pounds, which is about 1,200 pounds more than the G 550. Still, all that torque pushed the G 580 from stop to 60 in 4.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver, which is more than one second faster than the G 550 they tested (5.3 sec) and closer to the AMG® G 63’s 3.9-second time. 

Also, no vehicle as tall as a G-Wagon is expected to be a canyon carver, but all that weight at just slightly above the wheel centerline keeps the body steady as the lateral Gs increase. “Passing power is instant, brakes are strong, and despite the weight, handling remains composed. Even on Malibu’s canyon roads, it leaned but never lost its composure.” 

The highway ride shows that all the decades of refinement engineered into the G-Class doesn’t change just because it is pushed by electrons. “On my 200+ mile trip to San Diego, I was comfortable and calm. It’s an oasis of pleasure once you activate the massaging seats, and the Burmester stereo is simply outstanding. “I could get used to this,” I caught myself thinking more than once.” Adlan points out that his previous tester was an Aston Martin DBX, so his reaction isn’t from testing his first luxury SUV. 

Almost 7,000 pounds, and the aerodynamics of a brick does take a toll on range. The vehicle is rated at about 240 miles, though that will vary with use. It can, however, charge at a rate of 200kW from a fast DC charger, which can fill the battery’s state of charge from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes.  

The G 580’s price is clearly in the ‘if-you-have-to-ask’ starting point of $163,200*, which is just under $10K more than the slower and louder G 550. When considering Plano’s gas and electricity rates, it costs about a third as much to operate, and drivetrain maintenance is minimal, limited to tire rotations and washer fluid refills. The G 580 with EQ Tech is essentially the ultimate go-anywhere Mercedes-Benz. 

If you have been considering a Mercedes G-Class, the G 580 with EQ Tech is undoubtedly a must for a test drive. You will find plenty to choose from, and even more gas-powered counterparts to compare, in the vast inventory at Mercedes-Benz of Plano. 

* Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages, and accessories. Options, model availability, and actual Dealer price may vary. See Dealer for details, costs, and terms.