Mercedes-Benz G580 review

There is hardly a person in this world that doesn’t instantly recognise the iconic boxy shape of the Mercedes G-Class. What started off as a military offroader has gradually turned into a global icon, conquering every inch of tarmac and many square miles away from it.

Table of Contents:

• Exterior
• Interior
• Storage & practicalities
• Driving experience
• Ride comfort
• Tech features
• Cabin noise
• Acceleration and braking
• Consumption
• Charging speed
• Competition
• Verdict

What started off with little diesel and petrol engines in the G-Class for offroad duty, recently turned into a testing bed for AMG to flex its capabilities. Ever since the beginning of the 2000s, the Mercedes G-Wagon has been known for its V8 rumble and incredible power and torque figures.

Now, for the first time ever, Mercedes offers the G-Class as a fully electric vehicle. This may seem like a weird decision at first but Mercedes has historically trialed all sorts of powertrains, technologies and solutions into the G. This is done to both showcase what’s currently possible but to also test the waters for technology to make its way down the rest of Mercedes’ lineup.

The electric G-Wagon doesn’t mean the end of the petrol one, but is rather an addition to the lineup to diversify the portfolio.

Today, we’re reviewing the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology. It has four motors - one on each wheel, accounting for a total power output of 587 hp and 859 lb-ft. A huge 116 kWh battery should account for sufficient range and the shared exterior with the ICE model ensures there are no complaints on the cosmetic side.

Mercedes G 580 EQ 2024 -

• Dimensions: 182 inches x 75.3 inches x 78.2 inches, 113.8 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrain tested: G580 EQ - AWD 432 kW (587 hp), 859 lb-ft, 116 kWh usable battery capacity
• Charging: 200 kW CCS
• Range: 291 miles WLTP
• Weight: 6,801 lb unladen, 7,716 lb gross
• Other features: G-Turn, G-Steering, MBUX, OTA updates.

Exterior

The styling of the G-Class needs no introduction. The almost comically boxy silhouette is instantly recognizable. Not so much a vehicle as a statement on wheels and every owner knows it.

The styling has changed minimally over the years and has just been slightly modernized so you can tell the new models apart.

The flat surfaces, rough lines and hard edges exude toughness. Whether you’re a businessman, mobster, celebrity or a tech guru, the G-Class means you'll instantly make an impression. You’re a serious person with serious intentions and serious disposable income.

A style that cannot be replicated!

Obviously, if you are not very keen on drawing attention this will actually be a drawback. The Mercedes G just won't let you go unnoticed - some will say you are a douchebag, others that you are the coolest person in town, but everyone will have a comment.

A lot of people feared the electric G will feature sleeker styling and lose that rugged aura, but Mercedes made it very clear the G580 is no different on the outside than the current petrol versions. There are some subtle changes but the general shape and design remains the same.

For example, if you want to optimize aero efficiency slightly, you can get a smooth grille cover as the EV powertrain doesn’t require that much cooling. Ours came with the traditional slatted grille.

The cooling inlets on each side of the registration plate are somewhat different compared to ICE models, but you'd need to look closely to spot the differences.

The tall hood, snagged blinkers and prominent Mercedes badge are all in their usual places and look as well as in any other G-Wagon of this generation.

The difference with the ICE models is minimal.

The side profile is also identical to the other G-Wagons. The windshield is almost vertical, the wheel arches stick out prominently and the door hinges can be seen from space. This is what made the G-Class cool and continues to do so almost 50 years later.

As mentioned the chrome side step on the G don't drop as you open the door and are not practical for getting in like in many other SUVs.

To highlight the G-Wagon's off-roading credentials Mercedes puts special Schockl-proved logos inside the doors - the offroading equivalent of a Nurburgring track layout.

Traditionally tough even on the side.

The decorative black bars on the sides of the G580 we tested had blue accents that are unique for the electric version. If you don’t like them, you can opt for other items like the coordinates of the Schockl off-road test track.

You can get rid of the blue accents if you wish.

Behind the three square windows on the side is a massive vertical vent that is used to release pressure and not allow vacuum to be created by closing the doors. When the car is parked but the A/C is on - a unique feature indeed.

For the first time Mercedes provides keyless entry for the G-Class. Starting 2025, finally the option is available for all models in the lineup. Still, the iconic closing sound and feeling is not gone, keeping that solid feeling.

The wheels of the G580 are 20-inch for the luxury and AMG lines like our test vehicle. You can opt for 18-inch more off-road-focused ones, but they are only available for the base model.

A small vent appears on each side of the rear fenders. It should improve aero efficiency and further distinguish the electric G from the ICE variants.

Some distinct features on the side.

From the rear the G-Class maintains the boxy outlook. Our test car was equipped with a regular spare tire mounted on the trunk door. Alternatively you can pick a smaller storage bag for your charging cables. However, it looks awkward and doesn’t really help that much so we would avoid it.

Interior

The G-Wagon finally let go off its military interior with the generation introduced in 2018. The current cabin is modern, luxurious and practical.

Inside, the material and build quality is of the highest standard, much better than most recent Mercedes models. The leather is soft, plastic use is minimal and the metal and carbon parts feel amazing to touch. No compromises were made in the creation of this G-Wagon.

As you climb inside the very highly sitting cabin of the G580, you enter a cozy cabin with black Alcantara roof lining and nice blue stitching, available only for the G580 to reference its electric powertrain.

You then grab the steering wheel, which all current Mercedes models use and sit on the comfortable seats. The upper spokes control the driver’s display and the middle one. The lower ones are for the cruise control and the stereo. Sadly, there is still no "next track" button to quickly change your songs or stations and instead you need to go through several menus.

The driver sits comfortably inside.

The steering wheel gets paddle shifters but instead of gears they control the recuperation levels. The G580 is capable of one-pedal driving, which is a massive bonus if you plan to use it as a daily driver in congested cities.

You close the door with the familiar bang and find out it’s very comfortable to rest your arm on when cruising. The buttons on it are solid and have a nice heft when being used.

The doors are solid and well laid-out.

The driver's display is the wonderful unit shared with a number of other Mercedes models. It is highly configurable and can display most of the information the center one can. Sadly, there is still no CarPlay Ultra integration like the CLA we recently tested but that should be added via an OTA update.

Due to the shape of the windscreen, a head-up display is not available on the G-Class.

The center display is not as good as Mercedes' latest advancements but is still highly capable. And it looks much better integrated into the design of the dashboard. It can be controlled via its own touchscreen, from the steering wheel or using a touchpad in the center console and all options work well.

In front of the passenger seat you can see a huge grab handle, carried over from the G-Wagon's off-roading and military days but updated for the modern era by using carbon fibre and soft leather with blue stitching.

Right in the center of the dashboard, surrounded by two giant air vents, are the off-road controls. In the ICE versions this is where you find the differential locks but since the G580 is an EV it has no such stuff. Instead, from here you activate low range and the two unique off-road regimes we'll cover in more detail later on.

A lot of options are scattered on the dashboard.

Underneath them is a row of buttons, controlling the air conditioning. You still get an infotainment menu with deeper settings, but the most important ones options are accessible through these physical buttons that offer awesome feedback when pressing.

The center console starts off with a big pocket, containing a wireless charger, charging ports and two huge heated and cooled cup holders.

Useful features between the front passengers.

Arguably, the center console’s best feature is the trackpad, which can be used to control the multimedia.

Surrounding the trackpad, there are buttons for different frequently used functions. To the left you get a button that turns on your camera whenever you need it, a car icon that opens the vehicle settings and a customizable star button.

To the right you can find the standard navigation and radio buttons, but also an EQ button, which opens the settings of the electric powertrain, charging options and other data.

The armrest opens to reveal a huge storage space, as well as some additional charge ports.

You can get a sunroof but not a full panoramic one, which is true for all G-Wagon models.

Clever packaging opens up a lot of storage space inside the cabin.

You don't get that many niceties at the back. Still, you do get separate air conditioning controls and heated seats, which is the bare minimum given the price point.

The rear seats don't get many luxurious features.

The middle seat folds down to reveal two big cupholders and you can splurge on the optional entertainment screens for the rear passengers if you budget allows it.

One clever trick is the storage solution for the first aid kit and tire pump. They are mounted underneath the rear seats and therefore rob no storage space anywhere else.

Hidden out of sight.

In terms of space, the G580 offers a lot for the rear passengers. Even NBA players will be satisfied with the headroom, whereas legroom is a tad less impressive but still plentiful. Our reviewer stands at 1.95 m (6’4”) and fits with lots of space to spare.

Commendable seating space in the back.

Storage & practicalities

Even though the G580 is not a long vehicle, stretching to the reasonable 4.62 m (182 inches), it has a massive trunk and can carry plenty of luggage. With all seats in place, the cargo volume is 19.6 ft³, which is similar to what most SUVs offer. What is different is that due to the boxy shape and tall body, the entirety of that volume can be used up efficiently.

If you opt for the spare tire to be mounted on the rear door instead of the charging cables, you have to carry them inside at all times, which is a bit of an issue as there is no storage compartment for them underneath the main trunk floor. They can anchored in place with hooks but still roam around in corners and rob off some storage space.

You also don’t get a small storage pocket on the rear door, which many SUVs with rear mounted spare tires do.

The trunk is massive and easily accessible.

With the rear seats folded is when the G580 is a true practicality champion. You get up to 70.3 ft³ of storage, all of them usable thanks to the boxy body. Just be careful with the weight - since the G580 already weighs up over 3 tonnes, the payload is limited to just over 882 lb.

In the front you will sadly find no frunk (front trunk) because Mercedes hasn’t figured out a way to incorporate one and instead you’ll find the motors and other mechanical bits.

No frunk but a massive trunk.

Driving experience

The Mercedes-Benz G580 introduces one of the most interesting party tricks ever fitted to a production vehicle: the G-Turn. Enabled by its quad-motor electric drivetrain, the G-Class can rotate virtually on the spot, pivoting around its own axis in a maneuver reminiscent of a military tank. From the outside, it’s a jaw-dropping spectacle - an upright, box-fendered icon spinning with shocking precision.

From the driver's seat, the experience is even more visceral, blending the familiar sensation of a drift with an abrupt, almost surreal intensity that underscores just how radically the G-Class has evolved in the electric era. Theoretically, it should be used solely for offroad purposes to make extremely sharp turns, but we all know that it will be used by owners as a way to show off.

Far more relevant in everyday use is the low-range G-steering function, which allows the front wheels to turn individually to dramatically reduce the turning radius. In tight urban spaces or narrow off-road trails, it makes the G-Class feel unexpectedly agile for a vehicle of its size. And when discretion isn’t a priority, the same system can transform an empty parking lot into a stage for effortless, perfectly round donuts, the front tires paying the inevitable price for such theatrics.

Otherwise, the G580 with EQ technology drives like any other G-Wagon from the current generation. It is even heavier and leans even more into corners, which boosts the familiar (but not neccessarily pleasant) sensation of a military vehicle.

It feels substantial and heavy in all conditions but on rough terrain that breathes in confidence. The G580 tackles all obstacles with immense confidence and as long as you don’t mind the hefty price should you cause any damage, it can serve as a remarkable offroader.

The significantly increased weight of the G580 thanks to the batteries can only ever be felt on slippery and inclined surfaces, where the tires simply give up in their fight against the laws of physics. Off the pavement you can easily cruise without ever truly appreciating the roughness of the terrain underneath.

This translates to comfortable suspension settings on the road as well, making the G580 a perfect urban cruiser. The electric G580 even gets a simulated V8 engine rumbling to make you forget you’re in an electric vehicle.

Even though it is similarly powerful, the G580 is no AMG product and shouldn't be treated as one. Mercedes made it quick but comfortable, rather than an outright sports car.

The G-Class is compact in size despite its brute looks and easily fits in tight parking spots. We love how the G580 drives in all conditions except on the highway. There it gets way too noisy inside and unstable at higher speeds.

You also have to account for the astronomical energy consumption at highway speeds, meaning you have to stop frequently despite the large battery. The same also applies for the petrol and diesel versions so don’t think that long range and G-Class can ever fit into the same sentence!

An amazing boost to everyday practicality is the quick disengagement of driver aids in the G580. Every time you start the car there is a little popup in the top left corner, which you press to deactivate the speed warning assistant.

If you want to dig deeper into the assistants and disable more of them, you can use the drop-down preset menu, from where you can decide which ones will stay on. Also in the same menu, you can have presets for functions you frequently use.

Another assistant that no other G-Class had seen before last year is the lane keeping. It doesn’t fully steer the G580 and keep it in the lane but vibrates when it senses you’re leaving it without signaling. It is a mandatory safety measure now, so you can disable it if you want but thankfully it isn’t intrusive at all.

All assistants are easy to disable.

Ride comfort

The G580 sits on a truck platform and as such, it drives better than any of its rivals. However, if you compare it to luxury SUVs it still has room for improvement. It glides over speed bumps and entirely eliminates small irregularities at lower speeds. At higher speeds, the short wheelbase starts to show and if you go over a pothole, the whole body shakes, requiring heavy output from the driver but remains comfortable for the passengers.

Weight plays a significant role in the perception of comfort in the G580. In normal driving conditions, it remains unnoticed but when off-roading you feel like you’re close to creating a hole underneath you and disappearing falling through it. Gravity cannot be neglected and you should always keep that in mind, especially on slippery surfaces. Otherwise, the G580 is very comfortable on all terrains and is pleasurable to ride in.

Tech features

Even though the G-Class has never been a technology pioneer, it has always incorporated the best of what is currently available. The G580 makes no exception. It uses the old gauge cluster and center screens but utilizes the newest software and infotainment capabilities. There are hardly any technological gimmicks (besides the G-Turn and G-Steering) and inside you’ll find tried and tested on-board technology, which fits the ethos of the G-Class.

Starting off in the driver’s display, it can be customized however you want it. It has several different styles you can choose from, as well as multiple individual readouts you can change independently. It is a truly masterful combination of technology and style and only the integration of CarPlay Ultra would’ve made it better.

Befitting of an off-roader, you get off-road displays for both displays upfront, allowing you to monitor all kinds of data while tackling the forest pathways. Some of them might seem tacky but ultimately add on to the experience and provide you with even more bragging rights than owning the G580 itself does.

You can also pair the screens to show maps and navigation simultaneously to make sure you’re never lost. It is more important to say that the navigation can think of charging stops along your route and calculates them with great precision, even checking for availability.

Both displays can show the same information if you wish.

In the main screen you get shortcuts to several menus and quick access to some frequently used apps.

For what is essentially a vehicle with a very limited run on a single charge, it is important that there is a screen, which informs you how to save on battery by adjusting your driving style or turning off certain assists.

If you install the MercedesMe app on your smartphone and connect your G580, you’ll get access to multiple apps and online features. Sadly, we couldn’t do that as the vehicle was limited in that regard but you can get multiple streaming platforms, audiobooks and even browse the internet from the comfort of your vehicle.

Useful menus.

The off-road displays we mentioned earlier can be configured to show different data but also project an image of what is underneath the car to make sure you clear obstacles without damaging the underside of your G580.

We mentioned you can adjust the A/C from the screen, but more excitingly you can adjust your massage settings from the screen and turn on “Energizing comfort” to make sure the atmosphere inside perfectly matches your mood at the moment and completely relaxes you.

You get much more features with MercedesMe.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work great and connect instantly. The display size isn’t huge but leaves no room for complaints either.

The simulated V8 engine rumbling sound we mentioned before can be turned on or off from the infotainment and is called the G-Roar. It pumps artificial sounds inside while accelerating, whereas on the outside a menacing sound is being played to inform pedestrians about your arrival.

When you enter the G580 at night, a huge G is being projected on the ground with a label “stronger than time”. It looks tacky and can even be slightly embarrassing. On the inside it just projects the letter G on the infotainment on a sunset background, which is quite more refined.

Other features.

Cabin noise

The G580 is as mixed as it gets when it comes to noise inside. At low speeds, in the city, it is very well insulated and keeps ambient sounds to a minimum. It is a nice cabin to spend time in, especially paired with the crisp Burmester sound system, you can enjoy every ride to the fullest.

However, once you go above around 50 mph the poor aerodynamics start showing their part and noise levels rise to unheard of levels. The G580 starts tuning in all kinds of wind noises from the outside and is yet much quieter inside than any other G-Class.

Compared to rivals like the Cybertruck and Kia EV9, which also have similar boxy styling, the G-Wagon is by far the worst in that category.

Sound level tests are carried out with a specialized sound level meter placed in the car's cupholders. The test is conducted with air conditioning and radio off and while maintaining a steady speed.

Acceleration and braking

Even though AMG decided not to interfere with the G580, it remains a quick vehicle from a standstill with a 0 - 62 mph of just 4.67 seconds, which is almost identical to the manufacturer claimed time of 4.7 seconds. The acceleration is not brutal in any way and feels more linear, much like powerful oldschool luxury sedans used to effortlessly accelerate without making a fuss about it.

It is a pleasant experience accelerating from any speed with the G580 and only the maximum speed of just 112 mph is disappointing. We know high speeds aren’t the G-Wagon’s forte but that top speed is laughable for a vehicle with 587 hp.

Braking is once again impressive with just 40 m (131’3”) for a complete stop from 62 mph. This number isn’t as impressive on its own but when given the total weight of over 3 tonnes, the winter tires and the slightly dusty road surface, the achievement of the G580 becomes impressive.

Moreover, we conducted 3 stops and all of them had the exact same results. The brake pedal feeling is smooth and you can hardly ever tell when the transition from regen to normal braking happens. We applaud Mercedes for taking the extra time calibrating the brake system so well.

Acceleration and deceleration are measured with a RaceBox device inside the car. Testing is done with a single person inside the car, with air conditioning and traction control off.

Consumption

You would be better off if you never ever look at the consumption gauge of the Mercedes G580 ever and just follow your remaining range. It is so wildly inefficient that despite having a huge 116 kWh battery pack, it can travel the same distance as a Mini Cooper SE with half the battery and equally bad aerodynamics. This is due to a lot of factors: weight, aerodynamics, powerful but inefficient motors and high rolling resistance. For our detailed thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz G580’s efficiency, check out our dedicated range test article.

We measure consumption by driving at constant speeds on an identical test route during the day. Testing is conducted with air conditioning, all safety systems and radio on. The data comes from the vehicle's board computer. Specific testing parameters such as ambient temperature are mentioned in the text on a case by case basis.

We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the Mercedes-Benz G580’s range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.

Charging speed

The G580 compensates for its lack of range with quick charging times. It can charge with 200 kW from 10 to 80% in 32 minutes. Our charging test was conducted at temperatures around 32°F and the maximum charging power we achieved was a little over 160 kW. The battery was preconditioned but it is possible the charger was capped at a lower rate.

Competition

The G-Wagon has always had multiple competitors and yet has always been the benchmark in the segment without really shining with anything particularly great. It has made a name for itself and as long as the next generation improves over the predecessor and isn’t terrible in any measure, it will continue being the benchmark for a multipurpose SUV that fits both housewives, dictators, sports stars, influencers and gangsters with equal success.

The first and closest competitor of the Mercedes G580 is the Tesla Cybertruck. Both vehicles are boxy, heavy, show off excess and have mixed public perceptions. Choosing between the two is a matter of a lifestyle choice, more than a rational one as they are both an emotional purchase rather than an informed one.

A close competitor of the Mercedes G580 is the BMW iX. It is also a German status symbol vehicle with ostentatious styling, seats five and is heavy on the wallet. However, it lacks that historical value and loyal clientele that the G-Wagon fosters. Both vehicles can be similar in many ways but the intangible superiority remains the G580’s biggest asset.

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast 2023 - • BMW iX M70 xDrive 2025 -

Verdict

The G-Class needs no introduction, even when it gets electric for the first time ever. The name is simply bigger than anything you might throw at it and the powertrain is just a powertrain in the case where everything else remains vastly untouched. The G580 is a wonderful vehicle like any other G-Class variant currently on sale and the customers know that.

The G-Wagon doesn’t shine with anything in particular, nor is it the best in any measurable category. However, it perfectly captures the desires of the public and was capable of becoming an icon thanks to that. It solidifies its place in history by incorporating the modern with the proven, oldschool looks with new technology, solid interior with gimmicky features and that itself makes the G-Class unique.

It starts a trend and doesn’t follow it. All of its competitors desperately try to shine with something outstanding, while the G sits quietly, offering just enough to satisfy your every need and nothing more.

If you don’t mind the low range on a single charge, missing engine rumble and the high price tag, then you should go out and try out the Mercedes G580 for yourself. It is in no way, shape or form a sensible purchase or a rational one, but for many customers it is the correct one and that is what matters the most.

Pros

• Brutalist styling.
• Smaller in size than it appears.
• Easy to disable driver aids.
• Comfortable ride.
• Great material and build quality.
• Finally has keyless entry.
• Tremendously capable off-road.
• G-Turn and G-Steering.
• Presence on the road.
• Highly configurable driver’s display.

Cons

• Low range despite the massive battery.
• Unstable at high speeds.
• Too heavy for a passenger vehicle.
• Incapable of towing due to excessive body weight.
• No storage space for charging cables and smaller objects (as equipped).
• No battery size or powertrains options.
• High price.