2024 Mercedes-Benz G 580 116 KWh AWD (587 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G 580 represented the most significant change in the model’s history since it was the first without the classic three physical differential locks and with an all-electric drivetrain.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the EQG concept car in 2021, envisioning a possible electric G-Class. It was a clear statement from the German automaker that even its famous off-road vehicle would follow that electron-powered path. Fast forward three years, and in the spring of 2024, the car manufacturer unveiled the production version of the SUV, albeit it wasn’t called EQG anymore, but G 580 with EQ Technology. Regardless of the name, the rugged 4×4 vehicle tried to impress with its abilities and preserved most of the characteristics that made it famous. In addition, it packed a luxurious cabin and mind-blowing technology to help it overtake its ICE-powered siblings in an off-road contest.

While most EVs on the market showed up with black panels instead of classic grilles, the G 580 came with a real one. Even though it didn’t have as many slats as those installed on the rest of the G-Class range, it still featured three slim and wide openings to cool the electronics behind it. Another specific aspect of the G 580 EV was the light stripe that surrounded the grille. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker placed fake scoops on the sides, which looked similar to those placed on its Mercedes-AMG G63 sibling.

Mercedes-Benz tried to enhance the car’s aerodynamics as much as possible without ruining the overall look of the rugged vehicle. As a result, the hood was adorned by a power bulge placed in the middle, and the A-pillars featured plastic trims that diverted air around the cabin. Furthermore, above the windshield, the rain gutter was covered by a slim body-colored spoiler. From its profile, the squared-looking shape of the five-door G-Class was similar to the rest of the range. Its bulky grab handles for the doors featured similar big buttons, but at least they featured a keyless entry system, which was unavailable for the rest of the G-Class range. Out back, on the side-hinged rear door, the automaker installed a small box where customers could store the charging cable. As an option, they could get a spare wheel instead.

Inside, the luxurious cabin featured a dual-screen setup placed atop the dashboard, where the TFT that fronted the driver was for the instrument panel, while the touchscreen installed atop the center stack was for the MBUX infotainment system. The automaker didn’t install the well-known buttons that locked the differentials. Between the driver and their side passenger, Mercedes-Benz put a wide center console adorned with carbon-fiber inserts, which housed the touchpad and the buttons for the infotainment unit. There were no significant interior differences between the G 580 and the rest of the range.

But the true magic happened underneath the car’s bodywork. Like its siblings, it was a body-on-frame construction. The 116 kWh battery pack was integrated into the car’s frame, well protected against elements, including carbon fiber shields. Mercedes-Benz installed four motors, one for each wheel, albeit these were not integrated into the wheels’ hubs but closer to the center. That was easier to do for the front wheels, which were supported by an independent suspension, but it was more challenging for the rear one, which was a solid axle. Mercedes-Benz engineers worked hard to develop a system that mimicked the behavior of locking differentials, which helped the heavy vehicle handle well while off-roading. Furthermore, it could wade through 85 cm (33 inches) of water, which was more than what its ICE-powered siblings could. To help it perform better, the automaker used low-range gearing for all four wheels so the SUV could climb better at lower speeds.