2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 With EQ Technology: The Clumsily Named Electric G-Wagen

It was apparent that Mercedes-Benz’s emerging electric lineup would run into some naming-convention barriers as soon as the EQS launched. Which EQS, the sedan or SUV, you ask? Things are weirder now. Even though Mercedes doesn’t use the G-Class designation for any cars, they’re not calling the electric G-Wagen the EQG. Instead, it’s the G580 with EQ Technology.

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But while that name obfuscates the drivetrain technology, rest assured that this G-Class is as much an electric vehicle as anything else Stuttgart sells today. A 116-kilowatt-hour battery nestles into the existing G-Class’s ladder frame and is replenished either with an 11-kilowatt AC charger or a DC fast charger that can accept up to 200 kW. On a DC source, the G580 should charge from 10% to 80% in about 32 minutes. Mercedes isn’t quoting a range for the electric G-Wagen yet, but based on the pack size and an expected curb weight well beyond 6,000 pounds, it should land somewhere around 270 miles.

Potent Motors

When the G580 with EQ Technology is using navigation, its route planning will take into account available charging stations, charging capacity and payment compatibility, as well as environmental factors like topography, temperature and projected speed. On longer trips, it may suggest two shorter charging stops instead of one long one when the net result will be a shorter total trip.

Four electric motors, one mounted to the frame at each wheel, combine to produce 579 horsepower and 859 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes claims the electric G-Class will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and top out at 112 mph. A two-speed transmission is located on each axle, endowing the electric G with a genuine low range — something we are surprised to learn that a vehicle with this much torque needs, but a significant enough engineering challenge that it seems safe to presume it does.

Adjustable adaptive dampers are standard. True to G-Class form, the G580 retains a degree of off-road capability owners are unlikely to exercise. It rides on an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle like the G-Wagens we know and love, but the latter has been completely redesigned around the electric motors.

Electric Tricks

In addition to low range and virtual differential locks that, unlike the gas-powered Gs, don’t need to be engaged by driver, the G580 EQ’s electric motors enable some other trick off-road tech. G-Turn, which turns the wheels on the right and left sides of the SUV in different directions, improves maneuverability in tight quarters and allows the vehicle to rotate in place like a tank; Mercedes limits the function to two complete rotations. G-Steering is a less impactful application of the same basic function that works at speeds up to 15 mph to tighten turns when off-roading, and off-road crawl control, which is a low-speed off-road cruise control, is also included.

An inch-thick armor plate protects the battery from damage while off-roading and weighs 127 pounds alone. Mercedes says the G580 can climb a 100% grade (45 degrees); traverse a 35-degree side slope; and has approach, departure and breakover angles of 32, 30.7 and 20.3 degrees, respectively. It has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, and without having to worry about the internal combustion engine sucking in water, its maximum fording depth increases 5.9 inches, to 33.5.

Subtle Differences

If bystanders don’t witness the G580’s silent arrival or departure, it’ll take a sharp eye to identify it as an EV. The center of the hood is raised slightly, and cutouts in the flared fenders smooth air flow around the wheels. Unique A-pillar trim does the same around the windshield, and the roof trim forms a subtle spoiler. The single most noticeable exterior change is that the G’s signature rear-mounted spare tire is gone, replaced by a rectangular Design Box for storing charging cables and accessories like tools and snow chains.

All 2025 G580s with EQ Technology will be in the Edition One launch trim, which will be available in five colors. Exclusive to the Edition One are puddle lamps that project “Stronger Than Time” onto the ground. Inside, the Edition One is upholstered in silver and black Nappa leather, with tinted carbon-fiber trim and teal-blue lighting, accents and stitching. A dashcam is available, as is a rear-seat entertainment system featuring a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens integrated into the front seatbacks.

All Loaded Up

AMG Line 20-inch 10-spoke wheels and running boards are standard. A Night Package will be optional on later G580 with EQ Technology models but is standard on the Edition One; it includes black wheels, tinted turn-signal housings and black exterior badging. The Edition One also includes the G-Roar “sound experience.” What Mercedes calls “Aura” sound is the aural equivalent of welcome and walk-away lighting. G-Roar also makes unique sounds for when opening or closing the doors and switching the vehicle on and off.

Other standard equipment includes keyless entry and starting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, wireless phone charging and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. The G-Wagen’s Offroad Cockpit carries over from the gas-powered version and displays relevant information like angle of ascent or descent and side slope, as well as altitude and a compass. Offroad Cockpit also includes a “transparent hood,” which uses the 360-degree camera system’s forward-facing lens to show the driver what is immediately in front of the vehicle and below the hoodline. The available Exclusive Interior Package Plus features quilted leather and massaging seats with active bolsters for increased lateral support.

Standard safety equipment on the 2025 G580 with EQ Technology includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, navigation-supported adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, blind spot monitors, automated parking, a 360-degree camera system and a driver attention monitor.

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• Which Cars Have Heated Windshields?
• Which SUVs Can Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds?

Availability and Pricing

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology should go on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch and is expected to start around $150,000.

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