Mercedes reinvents an icon - electric G 580 arrives with power and panache

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, perhaps better known as the G-Wagen, is renowned for its uncompromising luxury and off-road prowess. Now, Mercedes is shaking up this automotive legend with the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology. This electric powerhouse boasts jaw-dropping performance figures, off-road wizardry, and a new name to reflect its unique technological character.

Gone is the roaring internal combustion engine, replaced by four electric motors (one for each wheel), working in harmony to produce a staggering 580 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. This eclipses even the mighty, gas-powered AMG G 63, making the G 580 with EQ Technology the most powerful G-Class to date. Expect a thrilling 0-62 mph sprint of 4.7 seconds.

While its on-road performance will undoubtedly raise eyebrows, the electric G-Wagen is designed to go where the pavement ends. Thanks to its advanced electric drivetrain, it boasts capabilities that would put a mountain goat to shame. With a dedicated Crawl mode and two-speed gear reduction, this G-Class promises to conquer the gnarliest trails. Clever features like G-Turn, which allows the truck to spin in place with the twist of a paddle, and G-Steering, for tighter turning, transform this boxy brute into a surprisingly agile off-roader.

Worried about damaging that expensive battery while rock crawling? Fear not. Mercedes has armored the 116 kWh (good for 294 miles WLTP range) unit in a carbon-reinforced skid plate designed to withstand the rigors of off-road abuse. This, along with the increased ground clearance allow for impressive stats like a 33.5 inches wading depth, beating the ICE version.

Unlike other Mercedes' EQ lineup members, the electrified G-Wagen retains its classic, instantly recognizable boxy design. Subtle tweaks, like a revised grille and aerodynamic improvements, help it achieve a lower-than-expected 0.44 drag coefficient – not bad for a vehicle resembling a particularly luxurious brick. The interior will be familiar to G-Class enthusiasts, with a sprinkle of techy touches setting the electric version apart.

Mercedes has yet to disclose US pricing for the G 580 with EQ Technology, but in Europe the new G starts at €142,621.50 exactly (nearly $152,500). The Edition One, which we see here in the photos, starts at an even steeper €192,524.15 - that's over $205,000 and a serious premium over its combustion-powered counterparts.

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