As thrilling as it’s to see how electrical know-how redefines automotive transportation, it’s simply as thrilling to see the way it alters what we have already got. Within the aftermarket, EV-converted restomods are shortly changing into huge enterprise. However direct from producers, there’s nice potential in electrifying legacy badges by seamlessly mixing outdated design with new know-how.
Working example is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Know-how, higher referred to as the EV Geländewagen (which is German for all-terrain automobile), or G-Wagen. Beginning at $162,650, the G580 stays true to its unique design formulation but in addition makes use of EV know-how to bolster its off-road prowess and general attraction as a day by day luxurious SUV.
If it weren’t for swapping its spare tire provider for a smaller storage field that incorporates a charging cable, you may need bother distinguishing the G580 from its gas-powered G550 and AMG G 63 siblings. Relaxation assured, issues are fairly completely different beneath. As an alternative of inside combustion engine energy and drivetrain, every wheel has its personal permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor and two-speed transmission, netting a mixed output of 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque.
The G580 stays true to its unique design formulation.
Offering energy to those models is a 116 kWh battery pack, located in the course of the chassis and guarded by a thick sheet of carbon composite materials. It’s waterproof, too, and allows the G580 to roll via a water depth of 33.5 inches — practically six greater than the 550 and 63. Onboard charging is rated at 9.6 kW, and DC Quick Charging tops out at 200 kW, permitting it to cost from 10 to 80 p.c in as little as 32 minutes.
Vary is rated at 238 miles, which can sound low, however it’s comprehensible for one thing so heavy, tall, and sporting a really un-aerodynamic form. I noticed as a lot as 200 miles in blended driving that was totally on highways.
What individuals both are likely to overlook or just don’t know is that the G-Wagen has at all times been tremendously succesful off-road. The brand new G580 doesn’t stray from this formulation, however it goes one step additional by mixing its EV powertrain with typical off-roader chassis design. The result’s a harmonious mix of outdated and new know-how.
Adaptive dampers and standard coil springs sit at a hard and fast trip and are tied to its body-on-frame chassis by way of a double-wishbone setup up entrance, a strong rear axle out entrance. This permits for as a lot as 9.8 inches of floor clearance, plus 32-degree method, 30.7-degree departure, and 20.3-degree breakover angles.
My testbed was the Rowher Flats Off-Freeway Automobile space in California. I initially had some reservations in regards to the Falken summer time avenue tires, however they have been shortly dispelled: this factor was spectacular in the way it took on an excellent number of ascents and descents, and at some menacing angles. A giant advantage of EV powertrains is that traction management is immensely exact as a consequence of fewer elements working to maximise grip. The mighty G barely slipped a tire throughout positive and tough gravel, small and enormous rocks, and each different type of terra firma on this a part of the nation.
The G-Wagen has at all times been tremendously succesful off-road.
I engaged its low vary, which synthesizes a standard low gear set by enabling a gear discount on every motor for extra immediate torque, however I don’t assume it was needed. One specific path routinely possessed as much as 44 levels of pitch, up and down, however the boxy Benz merely didn’t care. Then, once I tried to max out rear axle articulation over some difficult, rutted options on one specific downhill part, within the service of eye-catching images, I used to be left with a boring scene of all tires touching the bottom in assured confidence.
Lastly, I needed to strive one of many G580’s most intriguing celebration methods: G turns. It is a setting that permits it to spin 180 levels in place, and it’s simply as entertaining behind the wheel as it’s to look at. There’s a use case, akin to when it’s important to change path and there’s no room for a multipoint flip — nevertheless, the overall space round it have to be completely flat. It’s positively slim in its utility, however who cares? It’s enjoyable as hell.
As soon as I returned to paved civilization, the G-Wagen assumed its extra widespread id as a snug cruising SUV with nice general visibility. Regardless of tipping the size at 6,746 lbs, this factor boogies in a straight line and can attain 60 mph in beneath 5 seconds. Having such joie de vivre in a slim, stilted package deal might sound alarming at first, however it truly demonstrated strong athleticism on twisty roads.
I’ve by no means needed an EV to depreciate sooner
Except somebody isn’t eager on its appears to be like or the detrimental connotations the badge typically carries, there isn’t a lot to dislike in regards to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580. It’s massively enjoyable off-road, snug round city, blisteringly quick, and has a commanding view of the street that makes it an amazing in-town runabout. Its vary isn’t the best, however I wouldn’t say it’s a significant challenge, both, except one have been crafted right into a devoted overlanding rig.
Regardless of its steep value, Mercedes has give you one thing fairly particular within the G580.
Pictures by Peter Nelson / The Verge
