Spare a thought for the engineering staff tasked with growing the primary ever electric-powered G-Wagen – the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Know-how.
The G 580 combines one of many three-pointed star’s most iconic and worthwhile automobiles with cutting-edge powertrain expertise that has but to win overwhelming acceptance from most shoppers. It was an thought that would have simply gone very mistaken.
With that in thoughts, the G 580 growth staff approached the duty with one key thought, says Manuel Urstöger, the engineer with general duty for the G 580’s battery electrical powertrain. “The G should be a G. That was what was most vital to us.”
The electrical G had to have the ability to climb steep slopes, tiptoe over huge boulders, plough by means of mud, storm sand dunes, and wade by means of deep water. In brief, it had to have the ability to go wherever an everyday G might go, with no compromise.
The G 580 – we’ll dispense with the remainder of the clunky title from right here on in, as even Mercedes insiders admit house owners will simply name it the ‘G 580’ – appears to be like just about like some other of the present G-Wagen (aka G-Class) fashions.
The usual grille is identical as that on the not too long ago refreshed G 450d diesel and G 500 petrol fashions, however a extra aerodynamic black panel grille with an LED mild body is out there as an choice.
Look intently and also you’ll discover a number of element adjustments. The bonnet has been reprofiled to clear the EV powertrain {hardware}. Vents within the flares over the rear wheel arches assist create air curtains across the rear wheels.
Different aero methods embrace smoother cladding across the A-pillars, in addition to a small spoiler between the seam and prime of the windshield and the forefront of the roof.
These options have been each developed for the electric-powered G-Wagen, however adopted on the facelifted inner combustion engine fashions.
How does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class towards equally sized automobiles.
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How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class value?
Because the G 580 will not be anticipated to reach in Australia till late this yr or early 2025, Mercedes-Benz Australia has but to announce pricing.
Nevertheless, in Germany the G 580 prices 24.6 per cent lower than the refreshed AMG G 63, which signifies an Australian drive-away worth of round $290,000.
The G 580 First Version, a extremely optioned mannequin that might be obtainable solely within the first yr, will doubtless value about $390,000 – however, we’re simply making an informed guess
What’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Class like on the within?
The G 580’s inside is similar to that of the interior combustion engine G-Class.
Meaning it’s outfitted with the most recent era of the MBUX digital structure with a dual-display unit incorporating digital cluster an infotainment show stretching throughout 50 per cent of the sprint.
The digital sprint is totally configurable, and the show on the centre of the sprint is now a touchscreen.
Normal gear contains leather-trimmed seats and open-pore walnut on the sprint and doorways, plus heated and cooled cupholders and a wi-fi smartphone charging pad. Choices embrace a rear seat leisure package deal with two 11.6-inch touchscreen shows.
One distinction between the G 580’s inside and people of the interior combustion engine G-Class fashions is seen on the centre of the sprint, between the 2 air vents above the centre console.
As an alternative of the three buttons that lock the centre, rear, and entrance differentials, the G 580 has a button to have interaction low vary, flanked by buttons with a graphic of the G flanked by arrows.
These are the primary clues the G 580 is essentially the most radically totally different G within the 45-year historical past of a car initially designed within the mid-70s to be pretty much as good on the highway as a Vary Rover, and as powerful and succesful off it as a Toyota LandCruiser.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The G 580 is powered by 4 108kW e-motors that ship a complete system output of 432kW and a thumping 1164Nm of torque.
Powering the motors is a two-tier, 216-cell lithium-ion battery with a useable capability of 116kWh. The battery will settle for cost charges of as much as 200kW on a quick charger, which means it may be taken from a ten per cent state of cost to 80 per cent in 32 minutes.
As a result of the G 580 needed to appear like an everyday G-Class, all that powertrain {hardware} needed to match inside the identical bodily envelope because the ICE fashions. The very fact the G-Class is constructed on separate chassis proved a key enabler.
The e-motors are ingeniously packaged, the pair on the entrance and the pair on the rear every sharing a standard water-cooled housing that additionally contains the inverter {hardware} and a separate two-speed transmission for every motor.
In easy phrases, every e-motor sits above its transmission and outputs drive to the wheels. The e-motor on the right-hand facet of the housing drives the left-hand wheel, and vice-versa.
The 2-speed transmissions give the G 580 a real mechanical low vary, with a 2:1 ratio in contrast with the 1:1 of the excessive vary. Why go to all that complexity, and add value? Functionality and sturdiness, says Manuel Urstöger.
“Electrical motors don’t wish to be stored at low rpm, as they generate numerous warmth,” he says. The low-range gear allows the G 580’s e-motors, that are additionally internally oil cooled and rev to 14,400rpm, to spin quicker at low car speeds, holding them even cooler and prolonging their life.
To make sure it will possibly the survive the punishment of maximum off-roading – regardless that G Class engineers ruefully admit 99 per cent of shoppers by no means take their automobiles off-road – the battery is enclosed in an ultra-stiff, torsion-resistant casing that can be waterproof, permitting the G 580 to wade by means of 850mm of water – 150mm greater than inner combustion engine fashions can handle and not using a snorkel.
The battery casing is additional protected by a 25mm thick carbon-composite skid plate hooked up to the body by 50 metal screws. The skid plate alone weighs 57kg, however Manuel Urstöger says a metal skid plate providing related ranges of safety would have weighed 3 times as a lot.
How does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class drive?
Mercedes-Benz claims the G 580 will zoom from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds on the best way an electronically restricted prime velocity of 180km/h.
Although the G 580 can’t match the 220km/h prime velocity of the AMG G 63, it’s – on paper – barely half a second slower from 0 to 100km/h than AMG’s madcap off-roader. On the highway, that hole feels even smaller.
That’s as a result of the four-motor electrical G-Class catapults ahead the second you punch the accelerator from a standing begin, weapons-grade torque and astonishing traction momentarily compensating for the truth that, at 2995kg, the G 580 weighs a hefty 445kg greater than its thundering V8-powered sibling.
That further mass, mixed with much less aggressive wheels and tyres, and the very fact the G 580 doesn’t have the trick new Energetic Trip Management suspension of the facelifted AMG G 63, means the electrical G isn’t as fast by means of the twisties because the AMG model.
However there’s not a lot in it.
The G 580 provides three on-road drive modes: Consolation, Sport, and Particular person. Consolation is the default drive mode, which additionally units the adjustable regen to ‘D-‘ – the second highest degree.
In Sport mode the G 580’s powertrain administration system delivers way more speedy response to accelerator inputs, stiffer suspension, and heavier steering. It additionally allows torque vectoring throughout the entrance axle to assist get the massive off-roader into and out of corners.
This, and the instant-on response from the powertrain, makes the G 580 really feel remarkably agile for a car of its measurement and mass.
Sport mode amps up the quantity of what Mercedes calls G Roar, a synthetic soundscape performed by means of the audio system that rises and falls with highway velocity within the on-road driving modes.
We usually don’t like such gimmicks on EVs, preferring to show them off and waft alongside in silence, however the G Roar’s muted G 63 rumble was surprisingly partaking.
The scale and form of a small barn, the G 580 isn’t going to slide by means of the air.
However with the non-obligatory aero grille and on the usual 18-inch wheels, the assorted aero tweaks have resulted in a drag co-efficient of 0.44 – a 17 per cent enchancment over the pre-facelift G 63.
Wind noise is surprisingly low, as is tyre noise. The G 580 is nearly luxurious automotive quiet.
Like the opposite G Class fashions, the G 580 has a multi-link impartial entrance axle, and a non-independent axle on the rear for max articulation in excessive off-road situations.
Having an e-motor energy every wheel is easy with an all-independent suspension setup; however combining e-motors with a non-independent rear axle required some lateral pondering.
The answer is an engineering idea 130 years previous: the De Dion axle.
The De Dion design encompasses a inflexible tube connecting the wheel hubs. So it behaves like a stable axle, however the drive to every wheel is by way of separate half-shafts with common joints on both finish. That enables the e-motor housing on the rear of the G 580 to be bolted securely to the chassis.
The G 580’s floor clearance is 250mm, with the 2890mm wheelbase giving it a breakover angle of 20.3 levels. Strategy angle is 32 levels and departure angle is 30.7 levels. By means of comparability, the common G-Class has an strategy angle of 30.9 levels, a departure angle of 29.9 levels and a breakover angle of 23.5 levels.
We got the chance to check the G 580’s off-road capabilities on trails close to Perpignan within the south of France. It’s rocky and steep terrain, the kind of stuff that would simply cease a Toyota LandCruiser, Land Rover Defender, or Jeep Wrangler, and had been made more difficult throughout our session by days of soaking rain – however the G 580 ate it up.
Two off-road drive modes can be found. Path optimises the drive prepare for gravel roads or tracks. Rock units the powertrain up for hard-core off-roading and lets you choose low vary.
Low vary is chosen by way of pushing the central of the three buttons on the sprint, and permits drivers to activate an clever crawl perform, a kind of ultra-low velocity cruise management.
Sluggish crawl restricts velocity to 2km/h on degree floor or downhill; variable crawl ups it to between 5km/h and 6km/h and permits the driving force to extend the velocity as much as 15km/h on 10 to twenty per cent downhill slopes; quick crawl provides a most of 8km/h on degree floor or whereas touring uphill. High velocity in low vary is 85km/h.
Switching between the crawl velocity settings is finished by clicking the steering wheel paddles, and the driving force can override the system at any time with the accelerator or brake.
The trick – and that is arduous for those who’re an skilled off-roader – is to maintain your ft away from the pedals more often than not. The G 580’s 4 e-motors permit such quick and ultra-precise management of the torque at every wheel independently, that the automotive’s mind is healthier than yours in relation to discovering traction.
On the steepest climbs the G 580 would nearly come to a halt, like a free solo climber pondering their subsequent transfer. And in a way, that’s precisely what was taking place – the e-motor driving every wheel was gently ramping up its torque output proper to the restrict of adhesion.
In fact, whereas every e-motor is working independently, they’re additionally working in unison to maintain the Mercedes shifting.
Consequently, the G 580 has higher traction within the tough stuff than any inner combustion engine off-roader, even ones with three lockable diffs just like the common G-Class.
What’s extra, the software program means the four-motor setup delivers all some great benefits of lockable diffs, with out the disadvantages – in different phrases, you get most traction and are nonetheless capable of steer round corners.
On downhill sections the G 580 feels smoother and extra progressive than any inner combustion engine off-roader with a hill descent management system. That’s as a result of the velocity is managed by utilizing the e-motors to instantly management the torque at every wheel, and never by making use of the brakes.
“E-motors are a lot quicker to react than brakes when coordinating themselves,” says G-Class chief engineer Fabian Schossau.
The identical applies even once you use the brake pedal your self. As in most EVs, braking as much as 0.3g is finished fully by way of regen. On a downhill off-road part all braking is subsequently executed by means of the e-motors, all working collectively to verify traction is at all times maintained.
The power to individually management every wheel has enabled the G 580’s huge occasion trick, the G Flip. In Rock mode low vary together with your foot on the brake, press the G Flip button,
Then, maintain both the left- or right-hand paddle on the steering wheel, relying on which approach you need the G 580 to spin – the entrance wheels should be pointing straight forward. Then come off the brake and mash the accelerator.
With the wheels on one facet being spun in the other way to these on the opposite, the massive Mercedes will rotate as much as 720 levels round its vertical axis. Transfer the steering wheel, contact the brake, launch the accelerator or the paddle, and the G 580 will cease spinning immediately.
The G Flip’s real-word use is questionable: “There was numerous dialogue as as to whether it was a gimmick,” Urstöger acknowledges, “however we determined it added to the potential.”
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G Flip -
Extra clearly helpful is G Steering perform, which locks both the right- or left-hand rear wheel to successfully shorten the G 580’s turning radius and get it round tight corners.
Once more, it’s solely obtainable in Rock mode and low vary, however as soon as activated will keep operational at speeds as much as 25km/h.
The decrease breakover angle meant G 580 did thump onto the under-battery safety plate a few occasions on obstacles over which the diesel-powered G 450d we drove was capable of tiptoe. “Don’t fear,” stated Fabian Schossau, “it gained’t break. We’ve tried.”
The digital locking diff impact of the powertrain’s on the spot torque vectoring meant the G 580’s steering didn’t have the great mechanical really feel of the G 450d’s.
We ponder whether the electrical G’s not inconsiderable mass would depart in susceptible to being caught on its easy underbelly in tender, deep mud. However make no mistake: The G 580 is a breathtakingly sensible hardcore off-roader.
What we didn’t anticipate was to search out it to be so jaw-droppingly quick and agile when being pushed flat-out alongside a rally stage in Path mode and excessive vary.
Our driver, G-Class teacher Michael Weykopf, had the G 580 dancing like a 3.0-tonne WRC automotive sideways into corners, taking air over the jumps, and rocketing alongside rocky straights at Dakar-busting velocity.
Even from the passenger seat, you might really feel Weykopf had such exact management over energy and torque and traction that he might just about place the G 580 the place he wished when he wished.
It rammed dwelling the purpose there most likely isn’t a manufacturing 4WD on the planet with the all-round functionality of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 (with EQ Know-how).
What do you get?
Because the G-Class is one among Mercedes-Benz’s costlier fashions, gear ranges are in S-Class territory.
Normal options on the G 580 embrace:
- Burmester 3D Encompass Sound System
- ‘Clear Bonnet’ digicam expertise
- Keyless-Go
- Off-Highway Cockpit show
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather-based
- Heated and cooled cupholders
- 11kW on-board AC charger
- 18in alloy wheels
- Multibeam LED headlights
- Energy entrance seats with reminiscence perform
- Heated armrests for driver and entrance passenger
- Augmented actuality navigation
- Wi-fi smartphone charging
Choices embrace:
- AMG Line Bundle
- Evening Line Bundle
- Black panel grille
- 20in alloy wheels
- Multi-function sports activities steering wheel
- Selection of exterior spare wheel or storage field or plain door
For the primary yr, Mercedes will provide an Version One model of the G 580 that bundles collectively a few of the hottest choices, together with the AMG Line and Evening packages.
The Version One might be obtainable in 5 colors: South Sea Blue Magno, Moonlight White Magno, Moonlight White Metallic, Arabian Gray, and Obsidian Black Metallic. Distinctive styling particulars embrace a blue trim strip insert within the exterior protecting moulding and blue brake calipers.
The Version One’s inside is trimmed in Silver Pearl and Black Nappa leather-based with blue carbon-fibre trim parts and blue stitching.
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class secure?
The G 580 comes normal with the Mercedes-Benz’s arsenal of passive and lively security options – although the new-generation G-Class is at present unrated by ANCAP and Euro NCAP.
Normal security options embrace:
- Energetic Distance Help
- Energetic Steering Help
- Energetic Brake Help
- Energetic Emergency Cease Help
- Energetic Lane Protecting
- Energetic Blind Spot Help
- 360-degree digicam
- Site visitors Signal Help
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class value to run?
Like different Mercedes-Benz automobiles, the G 580 might be coated by a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee right here in Australia.
Service intervals are 12 months or 25,000km (whichever comes first), with service plans masking three, 4 and five-year phrases.
Mercedes-Benz claims a G 580 on 18-inch highway tires and fitted with the non-obligatory Black Panel grille achieves a variety of 473km beneath the WLTP electrical car take a look at protocol.
That implies an vitality consumption price of 24.5kWh/100km. Assuming a median electrical energy value of $0.30 per kWh, which means G 580 will use at the very least $7.35 price of electrical energy each 100km.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G 580 is an completely extraordinary machine.
There are few inner combustion-engined automobiles that may match its mixture of on highway efficiency and off-road functionality. When it comes to electrical automobiles, it’s in a category of its personal.
And better of all, it’s nonetheless a correct G-Wagen.
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