The time has finally come for the G-Class to embrace electrification, hasn’t it? If there was a car that could stand the test of time while offering a great mix of old-school charm and modern abilities, the G-Class would be it. The next step towards modernity also meant the introduction of an all-electric model in the range, and with the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580, the German carmaker has done its bit to ensure the car, formerly known as the G-Wagen (short for Gelandewagen), can continue to be a part of the modern line up while being much cleaner to run. Is that it, though, or is there more than what meets the eye? We take the all-new electric G for a spin to find out more.
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The arrival of this model also marks a distinct change from the norm. Mercedes-Benz usually names its all-electric cars under the EQ sub-brand, whereas in this case, the all-electric G-Class is called the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. It is a bit of a long name but clearly, Mercedes-Benz wants to create a distinction here. That doesn’t happen with the way the G 580 looks because unless you looked closely, there’s very little chance you’ll be able to differentiate it from the ‘standard’ G. Having said that, it’s still a pretty striking design. The overall shape might be similar to the G-Class of the past, but it’s definitely more aerodynamic — for instance, its outside rear-view mirrors are made smaller to reduce drag and noise. The boxy design is complemented by large wheel arches, circular headlights, angular lines on the bodywork and the signature grille design at the front. The all-electric powertrain might not have any distinct noise, so you’ll need to rely on the small badges to identify the car. Also, what’s flanked by the headlights may look like a grille but in true electric-car fashion, it isn’t a grille.
You open the immeasurably solid-feeling doors to get into the cabin — to be pleasantly surprised by how modern and tech-laden the interior is. It’s a mix of everything that looks and feels from 2025 with some neat throwback bits that wouldn’t have looked futuristic even a decade ago. The cabin is dominated by the new MBUX infotainment unit — comprising a digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen panel. There’s the presence of premium materials throughout, the fit is second to none and bits like the solid grab handles make living with the G-Class easy. There’s also a Burmester sound system and an undying feeling that this is the plushest G-Class cabin — as far as standard models go. In terms of practicality, the G 580 could do with a bit more legroom for the rear passengers but thanks to its boxy design, there’s no shortage of headroom — or character.
Electric luxury: The cabin is dominated by the new MBUX unit — comprising a digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen panel. The Burmester sound system makes you feel like you’re in the plushest G-Class cabin
| Photo Credit: Photos by Neel Kirloskar/Shreyansh Chatterjee
The G 580 is powered by a 116 kWh battery pack, which sits under the floor. It is connected to four electric motors (one on each wheel), and the combined power output is rated at 579 bhp and 118.69 kg-m. Not only do those numbers put it neck and neck with the highly revered AMG version but also turn the G 580 with EQ Technology a force to be reckoned with when it comes to acceleration. How does 0-100 km/h in a claimed time of just 4.7 seconds sound to you?
If you’re somehow not impressed by its ability to pick up speed as quickly as a super-sedan, the G 580 can also pirouette on its axis just like a tank. This isn’t just to showboat but is rather a very helpful trick when going off the road especially when there’s not enough space to make a complete U-turn. Furthering the car’s off-road cred are its specs: The angle of approach is a solid 32 degrees, the departure angle is 30.7 degrees and the ramp breakover angle is claimed to be 20.3 degrees. All that combined makes the G 580 an extremely promising car for those who don’t take off-road lightly.
The aforementioned tank turn is easy to activate too. It gives you the option to turn the G 580 by 180 degrees or do a full 360. The driver needs to select the car’s Trail Mode, enable Low Range, switch to Neutral to active full low range, hold the paddle shifter and step on the accelerator. The steering needs to be straight for the feature to activate. You do all this and the all-electric G-Class will do the rest for you.
Legacy continues
For moments when you’re not enjoying the G 580’s party trick, it doesn’t disappoint with its on-road manners either. The refinement is commendable but at the same time, it’s exciting to drive too. The lack of engine noise won’t seem like too much of an issue if you’ve experienced a quick electric car, and the resulting cabin is as serene as possible. It needs to be said that the synthesised engine noise seems a touch out of place here. While the steering still feels numb, the G-Class corners well. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps, ensuring that every drive isn’t just exhilarating but also comfortable. The presence of a motor on each wheel turns the G 580 into a mountain goat with the kind of control and traction it offers off the road. The visibility is also top-notch, thanks to its high driving position and the presence of indicators mounted atop the bodywork, making it extremely easy to position the car in traffic.
In addition to the confident drive and the abundance of power, the G 580 also excels in being an efficient form of transport, especially considering that it is, after all, a big and a heavy SUV. The WLTP-certified range on a full charge is 473 km, which makes the G 580’s range better than that of the G-Class AMG. It’s going to be pretty easy on the pocket too: we found out that a full charge on a public fast charger costs ₹2,100 while on the other hand, it’ll need you to put ₹10,000+ to fill the G 63’s capacious fuel tank (100 litres). Not that it’ll be the sole decision driving someone to buy the G 580, but it definitely highlights the advantages of an electric platform, even in a car that’s so old-school cool.
Priced ₹3 crore, ex-showroom, the G 580 with EQ Technology might lack the roaring V8 but its overall performance is similar. It brings to the table some new features (the tank turn is impressive, to say the least), and running the car is bound to be inexpensive. All this while retaining great looks, bucket loads of charm both on the outside and inside, and the classy appeal of owning a G-Wagen. The fact that you’ll be able to enjoy this without any tailpipe emissions is a big deal; offering the right mix of timeless motoring and modern amenities, the G 580 is well aware of that.
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