Review – Mercedes-Benz G 580, the electric G-Class (2025)
How powerful is the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology?
The G 580 has four electric motors, combining for 432 kW (587 hp) and 1,164 Nm of torque. That makes for stunning 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.7 seconds. This is certainly a handsome performance considering the vehicle weight. The top speed is capped at 180 km/h. Thanks to its four independent engines, the G 580 can maintain grip on virtually any terrain. Mercedes has added features such as G-Turn (where the car can turn on the spot like a tank) and G-Steering (a shorter turning radius offroad). The G-Turn is especially fun on loose surfaces. On dry asphalt, your tires wear extremely fast.
How big is the range and how fast can you charge?
The G 580 features a hefty 116 kWh (net 107.8 kWh) battery pack. Mercedes gives an exact WLTP range of 455 kilometers, but you won’t get that in practice. Given the high energy consumption – we noted 32 kWh on average per 100 kilometers – you should rather count on about 300 kilometers in practice. Fast charging is possible with up to 200 kW DC, which takes 32 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. At home or at a public AC charge point, charging is possible with 11 kW, which makes a full charge take 11.77 hours.
How does the electric G-Class drive?
On the road, you immediately notice the classic G-Class seating position: high, with a good overview of traffic. The steering is more direct than in previous G-Class models. Because of the heavy battery pack in the center of the car, this G EV also has a nice low center of gravity. That benefits handling. Still, weight is an important factor. At 3,085 kg, the G 580 is extremely heavy. And you feel that while driving and while braking. Wind sensitivity also remains a problem, especially on highways. So hands on the wheel.
How practical is the electric G-Class?
Its dimensions have remained largely the same: 4,624 mm long, 2,187 mm wide and 1,986 mm high. The wheelbase of 2,890 mm makes for a spacious cabin. Luggage space is generous at 620 liters, but the side-opening tailgate requires a lot of space, making parking difficult. Which brings us to another problem: With a width of 2,187 mm (1,913 mm with mirrors folded) and a turning circle of 13.6 meters, maneuvering around town is not its strong point. But did you expect anything else? No, you buy this car mainly as a statement or because it is a design icon.
Is the electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 a real G-Class?
Yes, and no. The excellent off-road characteristics are retained, and the four engines and clever software may even make it better off-road than its gasoline brother. At the same time, the huge weight and lack of a roaring V8 make it feel a little less “mechanical” and raw. For the traditional G-Class enthusiast, the lack of engine noise in particular will be a miss. But looking at performance, luxury and technology, this is without a doubt a worthy addition to the lineup. As an Edition One, though, count on a price of around 200,000 euros. The “normal” G 580 comes from 150,000 euros.
Advantages:
- Ample luggage space
- Good visibility due to high seating position
- Still a capable off-road vehicle
- Impressively powerful
- Unprecedented grip thanks to four-motor drive
- Quieter than the gasoline version
- Lower center of gravity
- Reasonably fast charge times for such a large battery pack
- Capable of fast charging up to 200 kW DC
Disadvantages:
- Parking is a challenge due to size
- Tailgate needs a lot of space when opened
- High energy consumption lowers effective radius of action
- Full charging via AC takes a long time
- Less character due to silence and weight
- Very wind sensitive, especially on the highway
- Seats lack lateral support in sportier driving
