Mercedes G 580 EQ Review: Is the Electric G-Class Worth It?

Before getting behind the wheel of the G 580 EQ, I pondered a straightforward question: does an electric G-Class still make sense? The G-Class is an icon, born in 1979 and originally commissioned by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to equip his troops with 20,000 units ordered. However, the Islamic Revolution disrupted these plans before any deliveries could be made, with the Argentine army ultimately rescuing the model by purchasing 800 units. Since then, the G-Class has evolved into one of the most desirable and recognizable 4x4s globally. So, when Mercedes announced its electrification, skepticism arose. Is this merely a marketing gimmick, slapping a battery onto an icon to ride the electric wave without genuine commitment?

The answer is no, it’s not just a marketing ploy. However, this conclusion comes with several nuances.

The G 580 EQ tested was equipped with the AMG Line trim, featuring a stunning emerald green metallic finish, the Dark Chrome MANUFAKTUR package, and a luxurious espresso/black Nappa leather interior. The price tag? A staggering €185,801. Is this cost justified?

Design That Maintains Continuity

The first thing that strikes you as you approach the G 580 EQ is that Mercedes has opted not to revolutionize the design. There’s no significant stylistic break to mark the transition to electric; this is a wise choice. The angular silhouette remains intact, the round door handles are present, and the indicator lights on the fenders are still there. It unmistakably feels like a G-Class, which is reassuring.

However, there are subtle cues that differentiate it from its combustion counterpart for those familiar with the model. The roof above the windshield is slightly more inclined, the hood is a bit less flat, and notably, the exhaust outlets have disappeared from the sides. It’s understated, elegant, and a fitting approach.

The emerald green metallic finish (no extra charge) deserves special mention. It’s an incredible color for this vehicle, combining beauty, class, and sportiness. This blend works perfectly with the G-Class’s boxy proportions. If you’re undecided about the color, look no further.

The Dark Chrome MANUFAKTUR package, priced at €4,200, adorns the grille, stars, and spare wheel cover in dark-tinted chrome. Personally, I prefer traditional chrome, but the combination of this package with the green hue is quite elegant. The standard 20-inch AMG wheels in gloss black and natural finish are perfect for this vehicle's size. One might even consider 22-inch wheels, though that would come at the expense of range.

The welcome animations as you approach the vehicle—“Welcome home” and “Leaving home” on the grille—feel somewhat gimmicky. They are enjoyable once but quickly fade from memory. They do not define the vehicle’s appeal.

An Interior That Feels Familiar

Entering the G 580 EQ for the first time offers a unique experience. There’s no disorientation, as the interior mirrors that of a traditional combustion G-Class. At this price point, that’s precisely what one expects.

The cabin is both robust and luxurious. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, both in the front and rear. Leather is abundant, complemented by quality metals and well-crafted plastics. Attention to detail is evident throughout. The Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos (standard) is simply stunning, featuring 18 speakers and 760 watts of amplification, transforming the cabin into a concert hall. This is automotive luxury, palpable in every inch of the interior.

The espresso/black Nappa leather (€1,150) in this version contrasts beautifully with the exterior green. While I would have preferred a warmer, more distinctive tobacco-colored leather, the current combination is still quite successful. The AMG carbon decorative inserts (€4,200) are genuinely beautiful, enhancing the high-end feel of the entire space.

The sound of the doors closing is reassuringly present. This solid metallic thud has been a hallmark of the G-Class for years. It remains intact in this electric model, alleviating concerns that it might have disappeared.

A charming detail: the passenger grab handles remain, just like in the combustion G. This might seem amusing at first, but it’s essential to remember that the G 580 EQ is capable of serious off-roading. Thus, they are entirely appropriate in this vehicle.

Space in the rear is generous, accommodating three adults comfortably without feeling cramped, and the headroom is ample. The 555-liter trunk is practical and well-utilized for everyday needs, although the high loading threshold can make lifting heavy items cumbersome.

Technology That’s Good, But Not Cutting-Edge

In terms of technology, the G 580 EQ is well-equipped. However, this is where the model begins to show its age. With nearly 18 months on the market, that’s an eternity in the fast-paced automotive industry. Some technological choices that seemed solid at launch are now beginning to feel outdated.

The MBUX interface is adequate, functioning smoothly and meeting everyday needs. I recently tested the new electric CLA, and its next-generation interface is clearly superior. The COCKPIT OFFROAD and “transparent hood” features are excellently executed, providing a virtual view beneath the front of the vehicle through the 360° camera. While I didn’t find it necessary in normal conditions, it proved invaluable during a shoot in the snow with YouTuber TheiCollection, showcasing its practicality in off-road scenarios.

The G-ROAR, an artificial driving sound inspired by the thermal V8 from the G family, is quite well done. It convincingly mimics the V8, with a notable difference between Comfort mode, where it's subdued, and Sport mode, where it becomes more pronounced. My only critique is that it could be louder to enhance the driving experience.

The Electric Intelligence navigation system intelligently plans charging stops by considering topography, traffic, and weather, providing reassurance. However, the new CLA has surpassed the G 580 EQ in this aspect.

On the other hand, the driving aids are among the best on the market. The DISTRONIC system is well-calibrated, lane-keeping assistance is precise without being intrusive, and the vehicle changes lanes smoothly and naturally as soon as the turn signal is activated. This attention to detail significantly enhances daily driving.

Charging is where the G 580 EQ shows the most limitations due to its architecture. It operates on a 400-volt onboard network, with a maximum DC charging rate of 210 kW, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in about 29 minutes. While this is decent, given the 117 kWh battery capacity and the vehicle's consumption, an 800-volt architecture would have been preferable to compensate. This is a genuine weakness of the electric G-Class, and there’s hope that future iterations will address this.

A Surprising Driving Experience for a Three-Ton Vehicle

What surprised me most about the G 580 EQ was its driving experience. Weighing in at 3,085 kg, one might expect it to feel heavy and cumbersome, but the reality is quite the opposite.

Behind the wheel, the weight is noticeable when pushing the car harder, causing it to lean slightly in corners. However, the way it masks its mass is genuinely impressive. The 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds is a significant contributor to this: with 587 hp (432 kW) and a maximum torque of 1,164 Nm, delivered instantaneously from the first millimeter of the pedal, the G 580 EQ exhibits surprisingly lively characteristics for its size. The first time you really press the accelerator, it’s a genuine surprise.

The road behavior is both comfortable and capable of being dynamic. While it’s not a sports car, it’s fun and genuinely capable, encouraging a spirited driving experience. On the highway at 130 km/h, despite its brick-like dimensions, it’s relatively quiet. Double glazing helps significantly, and the aerodynamic adjustments made to the roof and front hood effectively guide airflow, minimizing road noise.

In urban settings, the G 580 EQ proves surprisingly pleasant to drive. The size is indeed imposing, but the vehicle's cubic shape offers a distinct advantage: you can precisely see where the body ends, easily gauge the corners, and maneuver the G-Class with more confidence than a more rounded SUV. You adapt quickly. Additionally, the steering wheel paddles for adjusting the energy recovery level significantly enhance the driving experience. Transitioning from light to stronger regeneration depending on the situation—especially in dense traffic—allows for nearly one-pedal driving, making it both relaxing and efficient. These paddles may seem trivial, but they become indispensable in daily urban driving.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t test the off-road capabilities during this specific review. However, during a previous shoot with TheiCollection in the snow, I witnessed the vehicle's true potential. Having four independent motors, one for each wheel, radically changes the game. Torque vectoring allows for impressive off-road maneuverability, making the G-Class electric genuinely enjoyable in rough terrains. This is quite paradoxical considering the luxury of the interior and the €185,000 price tag.

Real-world range, however, complicates matters. On the highway, exceeding 250 kilometers will be challenging, with consumption often surpassing 40 kWh/100 km. This is significant, but not surprising given the three-ton weight and maritime container-like aerodynamics. Buyers at this price point are well aware of what they are purchasing. The real issue, as mentioned earlier, is the need for faster charging to offset this high consumption.

The moment I realized the size of this vehicle? I found myself behind a Volvo XC90 on a two-lane road. The XC90 is not the smallest SUV on the market, yet I felt dwarfed by the G 580 EQ, emphasizing its imposing presence on the road.