The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an icon. It is the most aspirational vehicle ever created, sporting optimal agility and capability that goes beyond measure.
However, one may be surprised that it now comes in a battery-electric version. The G 580 with EQ Technology replaces its famed internal combustion driveline for a fully electric system. This system is fed by a 116-kilowatt-hour battery pack, fueling a drive system that puts down 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque. Plus, there is an electric motor at each wheel.
Car and Driver took a G 580 to compare it with the G 550. The latter is the internal combustion version of our G-Class, powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.
The comparison might seem unfair. The electric G-Class clearly has more power than the internal combustion version. What Car and Driver found was that the G 580 weighed more than the G 550 by 1,208 pounds, yet the electric G-Class outpaced the gas-fueled version in a 0-60 MPH sprint in 4.1 seconds vs. 5.0 seconds. In the quarter-mile run, Car and Driver clocked the G 580 at 12.6 seconds at 108 MPH versus the G 550’s time of 13.6 seconds at 101 MPH.
That comparison continued in the skidpad and brake tests. The G 580 recorded 0.80 g on the wet pad, while the G 550 scored 0.63 g. In 70-0 MPH brake tests, the G 580 stopped in 162 feet compared to the G 550’s 165 feet. In fact, the weight-to-power ratio on the G 580 was 11.9, while the G 550 has a 12.9 rating.
What do these numbers mean to you? It is not every day that you would take a G-Class out on a drag strip or a skidpad. In everyday driving, the instant torque of the G 580 will help in passing on the highway and going up hills. It also means that it will stop confidently when our North Texas weather turns wetter than one would like.
What you’ll really like about both G-Class models is the exterior design. The stance is upright, inviting you to take on terrain beyond the city streets of the Metroplex. Excellent visibility up front helps with outward vision. Inside, you get a lot of headroom, which is perfect for taller occupants. That, along with the expected uncommon luxury that you enjoy from a Mercedes-Benz.
Each G-Class offers a high level of intuitive technology. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience—MBUX—offers optimal interactivity between you and your G-Class. The latest suite of driver assistance features is second to none. Together, this makes the G-Cass an uncommon vehicle that truly outclasses every other vehicle with its capability.
In summary, Car and Driver stated, "If you take anything away from this comparison, it’s that the G 580 EV is a legitimate contender, on-road and off.” We couldn’t agree more – although we love all G-Class models.
When it comes to picking the right G-Class for you, it’s really your choice. Contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Plano, and we can show you the differences and similarities between the G 550 and G 580.
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