Who’s the electrical G Wagen — the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology — for? Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but it will be expensive. Range hasn’t been announced yet, however it gets 294 miles on the European test cycle and meaning the EPA will likely rate it at around 250. It doesn’t look appreciably different than the combustion and hybrid versions either, but because it seems, that is all by design.
In accordance with Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Scheibe, it should be a G Wagon first, irrespective of what the powertrain is. Which means its off-road capability and iconic shape take priority. Scheibe says Mercedes could have made it more aerodynamic by changing the form, but then it would not be a G Wagon.
Visually, the major differences between the electrical G-Class and others are its illuminated grille frame, taller hoodline, and minor changes to enhance aerodynamics — barely altered A-pillar trim, a small roof spoiler, and air curtains on the rear fender flares. Inside, controls for EV-exclusive tricks like spinning the automotive in place are situated where the diff lock buttons must be. That is it.
Scheibe admits that there could also be EVs that speed up faster or charge quicker, however the G-Class must maintain its four-wheeling ability. In Europe, vehicles weighing greater than 3500 kg (7,716 kilos) can’t be driven with a normal passenger automotive driver’s license. Mercedes walked right as much as that line with a curb weight of seven,716, including a carbon fiber composite, 127-pound underbelly plate that shields the battery pack from rocks. Working backwards from there, the battery size was determined by constraints of mass and the range was limited by its shape. Mercedes is not even attempting to match the Hummer EV’s 381-mile range. For full specs, click here.
It might not matter anyway. Mercedes maintains that the G-Class is a automotive for all. German carpenters who buy diesel-engined ones as work trucks lie on one end of the spectrum. Nonetheless, on the alternative end are the life-style buyers, and that is where the cash is. There is a reason why Mercedes decided to launch the electrical G within the Hills of Beverly. A fast drive through the world and you will see that the G-Class is a more abundant SUV than the Chevy Trax. None of them have a speck of mud of them, naturally.
Mercedes believes that almost all electric G Wagons might be the second or third automotive within the household, so maximal range is not as essential. G Wagon owners aren’t counting on it for his or her sole mode of transportation. For prolonged road trips, these owners may have other options.
Down the road, which may change. The corporate is investing in Mercedes-run or Mercedes-partnered charging networks the U.S. and China. They’ve already began in Europe. Mercedes realized that the network is not expanding rapidly enough in places their customers need to go. For instance, Scheibe cited the planned network along the autobahns from major German cities to Austria, a well-liked skiing destination.
The intended customer base of the G 580 with EQ Technology explains its star- and influencer-studded reveal. The automotive appeared on a lake shrouded in fog pumped out by dry ice machines, after which Travis Scott climbed on top of the automotive for a mini concert. Various classic G Wagons were on display as well, including an original 1979 model with Puch badges and one which was owned, we were told, by Kendall Jenner.
Puch is now Magna Steyr, the corporate that operates and builds the G-Class in Graz, Austria, mostly by hand. One Mercedes representative explained that there is just one robot in the whole factory. This permits for numerous customization, in case you would like your G-Class to be neon yellow, but additionally flexibility.
That flexibility will come in useful because the whims of the EV market grow and ebb. Mercedes will have the option, to an extent, adjust the ratio of ICE and electric G Wagons they’re constructing. Sure, the hand-built process is just a little slower, but the corporate sees that as a bonus. They like keeping supply just a little low and demand high.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
