The all-electric version of the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class has just launched, and the company promises that it will have even better off-road performance than the gas model. It’s called the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, which is a heck of a name.
But it can climb a 100% grade, has stability on side slopes up to 35 degrees, and can ford water 5.9 inches deeper than a G 550 or G 63, making it one heck of an off-road capable SUV. It offers everything the gas G does without the huge gas-guzzling V8 under the hood.
4 Motors, Infinite Flexibility
The electric G has four motors, one for each wheel, and they’re all individually controlled. The motors aren’t mounted in the wheels, but they aren’t far away. They’re integrated into the frame and driven via short axle shafts, which should improve durability and ruggedness versus in-wheel motors.
Each electric motor delivers 145 horsepower, which Benz says combines to make 579 horsepower and a whopping 859 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 happens in just 4.6 seconds.
But the G isn’t just about acceleration; it’s about off-roading. The four electric motors allow what Benz calls “virtual differential locks.” This lets the SUV apply torque very precisely to each wheel, changing the amount of torque in fractions of a second for the best traction possible.
The system allows for the traction of a locked diff. But, because the wheels aren’t actually linked, Benz says you don’t lose steering maneuverability the way you would with a traditional locker.
It still has a real low-range function. too. A 2:1 reduction gear multiplies torque for low-speed rock crawling.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 Batteries & Charging
Underneath the G 580 is a 116kWh battery. The pack has two levels of cells to help keep size down. They’re integrated into the frame to lower the center of gravity and improve stiffness. The battery case is “torsion resistant” so it won’t crack or let in water or dirt in.
It can also charge at up to 200 kW, for 10-80% charge in around 32 minutes. No word on range yet, however.
Off-Road Goodies
The electric G has impressive underbody protection. Mercedes-Benz said that the new skid plate is made from an “intelligent material mix that includes carbon.” It’s not clear what exactly the material is, but it’s not steel or aluminum. It is a full inch thick, weighs 127 pounds, and is attached to the frame with 50 fasteners. Benz said a comparable steel plate would be around three times heavier.
Key off-road metrics include being able to climb a 100-degree grade and traverse a 45-degree side slope. The G 580 also has 9.8 inches of ground clearance and can ford 33.5 inches of water. The approach angle is 32 degrees, departure 30.7, and it has a 20.3-inch breakover angle. All of that is to say, it is designed to tackle off-road obstacles with ease.
Electric Benefits
Electric G means new, exclusive off-road features, including G-Turn, that lets the G-Class rotate on its axis. The vehicle spins two motors forward and two backward to do a sort of tank turn. It can do two full rotations to either show off or get away from an obstacle without having to back up.
Less extreme control of the motors adds power to the wheels on the outside of the turn to reduce the turning circle. The feature is called G-Steering and works at up to 15 mph.
The G’s software lets it crawl at a speed as slow as 1 mph on hills. It also has a variable-speed crawl mode.
There are plenty of off-road assists for the cabin, too. The Offroad Cockpit display shows dashboard tiles with key off-road information. It includes a transparent hood that lets you see “through” the nose of the SUV for cresting hills or maneuvering around tight obstacles.
G-Roar Makes It Sound Like Gas
Then there are the eclectic electric features — like the G-Roar feature, which is meant to make the electric G sound sort of like a gas one.
It has an always-on (even when the vehicle isn’t running) “aura” sound, and there are event sounds to accompany things like toggling the ignition or closing the doors. The feature is, at least, an option.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 Arrives in Special-Edition Trim
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 will launch in the U.S. with a special Edition One model. It comes with a choice of five paint finishes and a number of special edition-specific trim pieces. It’s loaded, with AMG and Night Packages standard, Nappa leather, and everything a G-Class buyer would expect.
There is no word yet on availability or pricing. However, we expect it to hit the market later this year and will not be inexpensive.
