The LEGEND electrified: Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ review

The South African

2 days ago

It's entirely fair to say the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ is not what we were expecting. Based on the brand's other EQ electric cars we've reviewed, we had a radically futuristic vehicle in mind. And frankly, we were concerned about how electrification would gel with the legendary G-Class off-roader.
You see, there's always been something profoundly moving about sliding behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. It's all the little details that matter. The clickity-clack of the doors, the bolt-upright windshield, the pitch, roll and yaw as you coerce the body-on-frame chassis. All of these things are what makes a G-Wagon. The Edition One gets all the available extras for R4 million. That's still cheaper than if you specced them all yourself on a regular G-Class. Image: Ray Leathern
However, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ is a G-Wagon that's been future-proofed. As you approach the vehicle there's a unique hum from its pre-cooling fans. It sounds more like a maniacal digeridoo in the Australian outback and it is a strange first introduction. Then again, the three electric motors waiting to unleash their fury do need special treatment.
So, let's talk numbers, because they do tell a compelling story. The Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ packs a 116-kWh battery feeding three electric motors. Collectively these produce 432 kW (580 horsepower as per the naming convention) and a whopping 1 164 Nm of torque. Weight wise, yes, the electric G is a hefty old hector – weighing in at 3 085 kg, which is 445 kg more than an equivalent G63 AMG. What goes fast and silently, must also be recharged, often for quite a few hours. Image: Ray Leathern
Despite its three-tonnes, zero to 100 km/h sprints are dispatched in a mere 4.7 seconds. Range-wise, Mercedes-Benz claims around 450 km, although after a recharge to full, the real-world figure was closer to 375 km. As far as recharging goes, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ can accept a maximum charge of 200 kW. Which would enable 80% replenishment in just 30 minutes.
Of course, nowhere in South Africa offers such ferocious power. So, you will need to exercise patience when using a typical 11 kW AC home charger, which will take 11 hours. Moreover, we attempted to recharge at a 40 kW DC public charger, only to find it was operating at no more than 20 kW. Another lengthy wait ensued. Misguided G-Wagon diehards might not like to hear it, but the G580 EQ is a worthy addition to the G-Class range. Image: Ray Leathern
Nevertheless, charging aside, what really leaves its mark is how utterly familiar the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ feels. This isn't some radical departure from G-Wagon orthodoxy, but rather an evolution that honors decades of rich heritage. We've been lucky enough to drive all kinds of G-Wagons over the decades. We've conquered Mount Schockl in Austria, wheels spinning on loose gravel as we clawed our way up impossible gradients, and then ate schnitzels to celebrate.
There's the spartan Professional version that we criss-crossed South African with. Its bare-bones interior and mechanical simplicity is still one of our absolute favourite G-Wagons ever. And of course, a series of glittering, high-powered AMG variants over the years are more Hollywood Rodeo Drive than Tankwa Karoo. Each iteration writes a unique chapter but is imbued with the same bullet-proof DNA. Besides a bit of blue lighting, the G580's interior is identical to that of a regular G-Class. Image: File
Now, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ reaches for an entirely new world. And yet, the cabin and controls are blissfully familiar. If you've driven a G-Wagon in the last century, you'll feel immediately at home. The user experience remains refreshingly analog despite the high-tech underpinnings. There's no need to decipher cryptic menus. Engage Drive, point the wheel where you want to go, and the G580 simply goes. Just as before, three differential locks and low-range transfer case remain (electric, of course) operated via similar buttons on the facia.
Even its approach and departure angles are unchanged. There's 850 mm of wading depth, 250 mm of ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 32 and 30.7 degrees, respectively. Crucially, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ's battery pack sits low in the chassis, protected by a 26 mm carbon plate. This fundamentally alters the vehicle's center of gravity … for the better! Where conventional G-Wagons are top-heavy, prone to the body roll, pitch and yaw, the electric G580 does none of that. Its lateral stability and immediacy when changing direction is truly remarkable. Cleverly, that's not the spare-wheel compartment but where you store your charging cables. Image: Ray Leathern
For existing G-Wagon owners/fans, as radical as it may be, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ actually represents continuity rather than revolution. It delivers the same commanding presence, go-anywhere capability and luxury appointments, but with all the refinement that comes from electric propulsion. And it is this seamless, surprising integration that is the G580's greatest achievement. In an era when electrification often means a radical departure, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ has retained everything that made it great while adding a new raft of benefits. Trust us, if you're already part of the G-Wagon family, the G580 will slip into your life perfectly seamlessly. It's the same vehicle you know and love, just more capable than ever before. Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Edition One
Battery: 116 kWh
116 kWh Transmission: Three electric motors and 2-spd auto
Three electric motors and 2-spd auto Power: 432 kW
432 kW Torque: 1 164 Nm
1 164 Nm 0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
4.7 seconds (claimed) Consumption: 33 kWh/100 km (tested)
33 kWh/100 km (tested) Price: R4 647 456
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