Latest news with #electricGClass
Auto Express
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology 2025 review: ambitious but flawed
Mercedes' attempt to make an all-electric G-Class has been largely successful. It has the presence, the quality and the performance – whether that's on or off road – to honour the legendary model. With poor efficiency, average on-road refinement and a high price tag, it remains a difficult car to recommend and while impressive, the EV powertrain can't match the character of the V8 model. Advertisement - Article continues below The Mercedes G-Class is a true icon, with unmistakable looks mixed with real off-road ability, helping it to secure half a million sales throughout its 45-year history. During that time the G-Class has transitioned into something of a fashion accessory for the rich and famous, but now we're welcoming the biggest change to the model yet, with the first all-electric version. It initially seemed like the electric G-Class was going to be called 'EQG', following on from Mercedes' other EQ-branded EVs, although a recent nomenclature strategy change switched it to the far more clunky 'G 580 with EQ Technology'. Having driven one in the UK for a week or so, we noticed most people referred to it as the 'electric G-Class', which is what we'll do here. While the electric G-Class might have an entirely different powertrain to the internal combustion-engined model, what it does share is astronomical pricing. The diesel G-Class will set you back just over £140,000 with the hot V8-powered G 63 coming in just under £190,000. The electric G-Class splits the two, at £154,870, and comes in just one trim level: the G 580 with EQ-Technology AMG Line Premium Plus. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View G Class View G Class View G Class View G Class Another element the electric G-Class shares with its petrol and diesel counterparts is styling. This is in keeping with Mercedes' statement of 'G-Class first, EV later', so the characterful boxy proportions are retained, along with plenty of details that mark the retro-styled G-Class out from more contemporary-looking luxury SUVs. Advertisement - Article continues below Given there's no big engine requiring cooling air behind that bluff front end, the grille has been blanked off to improve aerodynamic efficiency, along with a subtly tweaked front bumper, air vents in the wheelarches and a raised bonnet. All electric G-Classes get 20-inch wheels as standard and at the back there's a squared-off shell for the charging cables, but you can specify a spare wheel case for a more traditional G-Class look, although this hinders rear visibility a little more. Even with those aerodynamic measures, the electric G-Class is not exactly efficient – another trait it shares with the fossil fuel-burning models. Despite a colossal 116kWh battery, there's a maximum range of 280 miles (just 14 miles more than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric). Regularly tap into the 579bhp produced via the four electric motors on each corner and you'll struggle to see north of 200 miles between top-ups. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Unless you're quite tall, you'll have to use the side steps to jump into that elevated cabin and once you're up there, you're met with a truly exceptional interior. While the electric G-Class might be at the upper end of Mercedes' model line-up, it uses a twin 12.3-inch screen layout on the dash, rather than the cinematic 'Hyperscreen' or new 'Superscreen' set-up with their much larger displays. Given the angular, more rugged design language of the G-Class, we think this is the correct decision and the MBUX infotainment itself remains a joy to use. Advertisement - Article continues below To make sure there's no mistaking you're in anything other than a G-Class, there's plenty of character from the upright windscreen, passenger grab-handle, prominent bonnet lights and commanding driving position. While the swathes of carbon-fibre surfacing might not to be everyone's taste, there's no denying the G-Class is seriously well screwed-together inside. However, some frustrating elements from other Mercedes models are present, such as the fiddly haptic buttons on the steering wheel and sometimes unresponsive mouse pad on the centre console. Despite the electric G-Class's significant size, the retro design (just like the ICE versions) hinders practicality. The cabin feels cosier than you'd expect in the front and legroom is rather tight in the rear, given the car's size. The boot capacity is quoted at 620 litres, 20 down on the petrol and diesel versions, thanks to a floor that's slightly higher. But it's still a massive loading area that has a vast opening thanks to that side-hinged rear door. The electric model certainly has the look and feel of the regular G-Class nailed down and despite the difference in powertrain, Mercedes has worked hard to give its EV a similar driving experience to its siblings. Weight is even greater than the V8 model – being 445kg heavier, at 3,085kg – although it doesn't really feel any more lumbering and heavy than the combustion-engined cars. Quick inputs on the fairly vague steering will upset the G-Class' balance, but body roll is kept in check to a respectable degree, and the big Mercedes doesn't baulk too much under hard braking and acceleration either. Ride quality is good, thanks to bespoke coil springs and adaptive damping set up to control the extra weight – a Range Rover or even a BMW iX will filter out bumps and rough roads more successfully, however. Around town the electric G-Class does feel its size and weight, with the occasional jarring over potholes and the not-insignificant 13.6-metre turning circle. Thankfully, visibility is wonderful and the retro lights on the bonnet mean you can position the big Merc on the road easily. Mercedes had to take measures to refine the electric G-Class with plastic coverings around the A-pillars and above the windscreen. But it's not quite worked out, because the silent powertrain actually gives more prominence to tyre roar and wind noise in particular, thanks to that flat windscreen. Model: Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology Price: £154,870 Powertrain: 4x electric motors, 116kWh battery Power/torque: 579bhp/1,164Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.7 seconds Top speed: 112mph Range: 280 miles Max charging: 200kW 10-80% in 32 minutes Size (L/W/H): 4,873/2,187/1,969mm On sale: Now Interested in a Mercedes G-Class? Compare prices for this luxurious SUVs and its rivals with our Find A Car service... Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact … New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time'
Motor 1
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Mercedes Exec Admits Electric G-Class Is a 'Complete Flop': Report
Much like the four-cylinder AMG C63, Mercedes had high hopes for the electric G-Class. The company naively believed customers would seamlessly switch to the EV version, assuming the power of the Geländewagen brand would offset the downsides of electrification. However, a new report paints a grim picture of how the market has responded to the G580 with EQ Technology. According to German business newspaper Handelsblatt (subscription required) , Mercedes executives have brutally admitted that the electric G-Class is a commercial failure. One executive, who understandably wished to remain anonymous, stated: 'The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop.' Another manager quoted by the reputable publication said: 'It's a niche model; the sales volume is very low.' Handelsblatt examined the numbers and found that only 1,450 units had been sold by the end of April, nearly a year after the model's launch. In contrast, the regular G-Class with gasoline and diesel engines achieved about 9,700 sales, making it almost seven times more popular than its EV counterpart. Despite the disappointing figures, a Mercedes spokesperson claimed the luxury brand is 'on target with our sales figures,' but declined to provide further details. Another executive from the three-pointed star was more candid, admitting: 'People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders.' Motor1 has reached out to Mercedes for comment and will update the story once we hear back. Meanwhile, why is the electric G-Class a tough sell? Several factors come to mind. First, it's substantially more expensive than the six-cylinder gas and diesel versions. The European model has a maximum payload of just 415 kilograms (915 pounds) and lacks a towbar option, making it far less practical than the ICE model. The latter has a decades-long reputation as a go-anywhere, do-anything off-roader. 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric Review 35 It also weighs a hefty 3,085 kilograms in Europe and nearly the same 6,746 pounds in the United States. Range is another weak point, though not unexpected, given the vehicle's substantial curb weight. The G580 with EQ Technology is rated at 473 kilometers (294 miles) on the WLTP cycle, but its EPA-certified range is significantly lower at just 239 miles (385 kilometers). Handelsblatt also reports that the low demand is forcing Mercedes to rethink its plans for the so-called 'Little G.' While the downsized version is still expected later this decade, it may not be an EV-only model as originally intended. Rumors suggest the smaller G could offer combustion engines to broaden its appeal. According to a company manager, an ICE variant is currently being 'examined,' while an engineer noted that the added R&D costs would be 'manageable.' The Little G is apparently still on track for a 2027 release as an EV, but it's increasingly likely that a gas version will follow, presumably with some form of hybridization baked in. G Minus The ICE: The Electric G-Wagon Is Comedy: Video Review The Electric G-Class Is Better Than the Gas Version Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Handelsblatt Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
