Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ – Large and On Charge

The Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ is a different take on the brand’s crown jewel, the evergreen Gelandewagen.

There are some cars that seem timeless. Included on this small list are the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang and the subject of this review, the famed Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen. Or simply G-wagen, as most people refer to it. The latter has been in production since 1979 and has built a reputation for being a go-anywhere, do-anything off-roader.

Mercedes has been proactive when it comes to pushing the electrification of its range. The legendary G-wagen is one of the latest battery powered derivatives of offer from the Tri-star. In fact, the 600 000th G-wagen just rolled off the production line and it was the same as the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ we had on review. More on its electrified powertrain in a bit.

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Styling

In its 46 years the Gelandewagen’s general shape has remained unchanged. It has retained the same boxy appearance, lines drawn with a ruler rather than smooth curves. Thankfully, Mercedes’ designers did not stray too far from that well known shape for the battery powered version. This means that the large SUV is instantly recognisable wherever it goes. Not a single onlooker realised that it needed to be recharged instead of refueled.

There are, however, a few visual cues, if you look closely. The most obvious change is the closed off grille, as there is no radiator to feed with fresh air. Other changes include a higher bonnet line and a different alloy wheel design. Those few changes aside you’d be hard pressed to tell this electron-eater apart from siblings.

The same holds true for the cabin, which has a very similar feel to the AMG G-wagen. There are a few subtle changes here as well. Click the ‘start’ button and you’ll notice the lack of a rev-counter. There are also a few model-specific buttons on the facia. Even when ‘running’ there is no real noise coming from the engine room, just some piped-in audio through the car’s many speakers. A weird low hum starts the moment you unlock the door.

Click here to check out a really cool Mercedes Ponton bakkie restomod.

Powertrain

The lack of noise is down to the company’s latest EQ technology. The Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ has one electric motor per wheel. Each produces 108 kW. As a result the four motors offer total system outputs of 432 kW and a massive 1 164 N.m of torque. Those figures make it even more powerful than the twin-turbocharged AMG G63. In addition each motor has its own reduction (low-range) gearset.

Mercedes’ press material states that the G580 has a fully charged range of 473 km from a 116 kWh battery pack. Fully charged the range meter didn’t show much more than 350 km. Maybe that was a function of us enjoying the instant torque whenever we could. The G580 is said to blast from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds. While its top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

We mentioned the weird, low hum from the car when it is unlocked. The G580 has soundbar under the bonnet that creates a ‘digital V8’ soundtrack. The company refers to it as G-roar, but its more of a burble and can be turned off if desired. The fake engine noises didn’t seem to bother anyone we took for a drive, in fact, many were convinced it was a petrol-fed V8 under the bonnet and didn’t care when it told them it wasn’t.

Ride and Handling

The Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ feels very much like other G-wagens we’ve driven. It offers a commanding seating position and view of the road ahead. Those dark alloys, shod with plump footwear provide a generally acceptable ride, with its bias set towards gravel and off-road travels.

The G580 weighs in excess of three tons, and it feels it, too. There is plenty of body lean and, even with the fancy electronics, cannot hide from its mass. Something you are acutely aware of when you rush towards a corner and climb on the brake pedal. It may have plenty of power, but this isn’t a car that should be hustled.

Getting Dirty

Of course, the G-wagen is as much about its off-road abilities as its on-road presence. The independent motors allow for precise metering out of torque to each wheel. That monstrous torque output, available from virtually zero ‘revs’, and long-travel throttle pedal make just about about any obstacle a breeze to overcome. We found this out as we ventured off-road during our review.

You’ve probably seen the G580’s G-turn party trick, where the wheels on one side spin in the opposite direction to the wheels on the other. As a result the car can turn on the spot. It’s a handy showcase of the tech application of an EV, but in reality few people, if anyone, will ever find an occasion to use it. Far more useful is the G-steer function. This brakes the inside rear wheel while speeding up the outer to help the car steer around really tight obstacles.

Summary

Though the G-Wagen has evolved since its debut in 1979, its continued success can be attributed to its ability to hold onto its roots. The SUV’s silhouette has remained essentially unchanged for nearly 50 years, making it instantly recognisable, as has its ability to venture pretty much anywhere vehicles can.

In fact, this Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ, with its massive torque output and individual wheel motors could be the most capable of the family. That no one pegged it was battery powered, until we told them, means that Mercedes was smart not to make it stand out. This electrified version has all the traits of its ICE siblings… save for the limited travelling range. Electrification has taken nothing away from its persona.

Model: Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ
Price: R3 823 457
Engine: four electric motors
Transmission: automatic, AWD
Max power: 432 kW
Max torque: 1 164 N.m
Top speed: 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4,7 sec
Fuel consumption: