As thrilling as it’s to see how electrical know-how redefines automotive transportation, it’s simply as thrilling to see the way it alters what we have already got. Within the aftermarket, EV-converted restomods are shortly changing into massive enterprise. However direct from producers, there’s nice potential in electrifying legacy badges by seamlessly mixing previous design with new know-how.
Working example is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Know-how, higher generally known as the EV Geländewagen (which is German for all-terrain car), or G-Wagen. Beginning at $162,650, the G580 stays true to its unique design method but in addition makes use of EV know-how to bolster its off-road prowess and total attraction as a each day luxurious SUV.
If it weren’t for swapping its spare tire provider for a smaller storage field that accommodates a charging cable, you may need hassle distinguishing the G580 from its gas-powered G550 and AMG G 63 siblings. Relaxation assured, issues are fairly totally different beneath. As a substitute of inner combustion engine energy and drivetrain, every wheel has its personal permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor and two-speed transmission, netting a mixed output of 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque.
The G580 stays true to its unique design method.
Offering energy to those items is a 116 kWh battery pack, located in the course of the chassis and guarded by a thick sheet of carbon composite materials. It’s waterproof, too, and allows the G580 to roll by means of a water depth of 33.5 inches — practically six greater than the 550 and 63. Onboard charging is rated at 9.6 kW, and DC Quick Charging tops out at 200 kW, permitting it to cost from 10 to 80 p.c in as little as 32 minutes.
Vary is rated at 238 miles, which can sound low, but it surely’s comprehensible for one thing so heavy, tall, and sporting a really un-aerodynamic form. I noticed as a lot as 200 miles in blended driving that was totally on highways.
What individuals both are likely to overlook or just don’t know is that the G-Wagen has at all times been tremendously succesful off-road. The brand new G580 doesn’t stray from this method, but it surely goes one step additional by mixing its EV powertrain with typical off-roader chassis design. The result’s a harmonious mix of previous and new know-how.
Adaptive dampers and standard coil springs sit at a set experience and are tied to its body-on-frame chassis through a double-wishbone setup up entrance, a stable rear axle out entrance. This enables for as a lot as 9.8 inches of floor clearance, plus 32-degree strategy, 30.7-degree departure, and 20.3-degree breakover angles.
My testbed was the Rowher Flats Off-Freeway Automobile space in California. I initially had some reservations concerning the Falken summer season avenue tires, however they had been shortly dispelled: this factor was spectacular in the way it took on a very good number of ascents and descents, and at some menacing angles. A giant good thing about EV powertrains is that traction management is immensely exact attributable to fewer parts working to maximise grip. The mighty G barely slipped a tire throughout superb and tough gravel, small and enormous rocks, and each different type of terra firma on this a part of the nation.
The G-Wagen has at all times been tremendously succesful off-road.
I engaged its low vary, which synthesizes a traditional low gear set by enabling a gear discount on every motor for extra prompt torque, however I don’t suppose it was vital. One specific path routinely possessed as much as 44 levels of pitch, up and down, however the boxy Benz merely didn’t care. Then, once I tried to max out rear axle articulation over some sophisticated, rutted options on one specific downhill part, within the service of eye-catching images, I used to be left with a boring scene of all tires touching the bottom in assured confidence.
Lastly, I needed to strive one of many G580’s most intriguing social gathering methods: G turns. It is a setting that permits it to spin 180 levels in place, and it’s simply as entertaining behind the wheel as it’s to observe. There’s a use case, reminiscent of when it’s important to change course and there’s no room for a multipoint flip — nonetheless, the final space round it have to be completely flat. It’s undoubtedly slim in its utility, however who cares? It’s enjoyable as hell.
As soon as I returned to paved civilization, the G-Wagen assumed its extra frequent identification as a snug cruising SUV with nice total visibility. Regardless of tipping the dimensions at 6,746 lbs, this factor boogies in a straight line and can attain 60 mph in beneath 5 seconds. Having such joie de vivre in a slim, stilted bundle might sound alarming at first, but it surely really demonstrated stable athleticism on twisty roads.
I’ve by no means needed an EV to depreciate quicker
Except somebody isn’t eager on its appears to be like or the unfavorable connotations the badge usually carries, there isn’t a lot to dislike concerning the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580. It’s massively enjoyable off-road, snug round city, blisteringly quick, and has a commanding view of the highway that makes it an incredible in-town runabout. Its vary isn’t the best, however I wouldn’t say it’s a serious difficulty, both, except one had been crafted right into a devoted overlanding rig.
Regardless of its steep value, Mercedes has give you one thing fairly particular within the G580.
Images by Peter Nelson / The Verge
