Choosing the Geländewagen is an easy proposition, if you have the cash. There are few vehicles that deliver the prestige that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class delivers.
As much as the G-Wagen is a status symbol, so is an electric vehicle (EV). The new Mercedes-Benz G 580 all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a clear demonstration of the company's devotion to battery-electric vehicle (BEV) power alongside their commitment to delivering other powertrains that the customer is asking for – all electrified.
Along with the G 580, the new-generation G-Class lineup includes the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and Mercedes-AMG G 63. The latter are gasoline-powered mild-hybrid models, one with a six-cylinder engine and another with a V8 under the hood.
To the average passerby, the battery-electric G is simply a quieter G-Class daily driver than its brothers. It looks mostly the same, and does not wear special EQ badging.
There are some nods to its electric nature that are able to spied by keen eyes: a slightly raised hood and flared rear wheel arches with air pockets.
But, underneath the skin, the G 580 is actually very different. It's a fusion of decades of on- and off-road engineering combined with new-age electronics and equipment.
Powering the G 580 is a 116-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that is housed in a torsion-resistant casing to protect it from the elements. That power choice allows G to have more fording capability than its gasoline-powered brethren.
The SUV can charge at a rate of up to 200 kilowatts and go from a 10- to 80-percent state of charge in as little as 32 minutes under ideal charging conditions.
Wheels can maneuver independently using four electric motors that are integrated into the frame and offer up 579 horsepower and 879 pound-feet of torque for use, combined.
That makes the SUV go from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph.
The frame is reinforced and pairs with an independent double wishbone front suspension and a newly-developed solid rear axle. Virtual differential locks allow for intelligent torque vectoring.
The independent nature of the motors allows for unique functions, including G-Turn, the ability for the SUV to do what is commonly known as a 360-degree "tank turn".
G-Steering functionality enables a smaller turning circle, which is ideal for trail driving.
The electric G is capable of fording up to 33.5 inches of water – 5.9 inches more than the G 550 and AMG G 63.
Mercedes says that the G 580 can climb up to a 100 percent grade on "suitable surfaces" and offers "high stability" on lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees.
The SUV's G-Roar sound experience delivers a G-Class-specific driving sound while the vehicle is propelled down the road.
The SUV's centrally located infotainment screen (12.3 inches twinned with a 12.3-inch driver information display) is able to function as an off-roading cockpit, complete with a "transparent hood" function that utilizes cameras to show a clear picture of the terrain ahead with visibility unimpaired by the vehicle's front end.
It also includes the MBUX infotainment system, a Nappa leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System and 64-color ambient lighting.
American drivers can enjoy the G-Wagen in the Edition One version for the 2025 model year. That version comes equipped with AMG Line and Night Packages as standard. Those include 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss black and tinted exterior lighting, G logo exterior door handle buttons, silver-colored running boards, a Manufaktur Silver Pearl/Black Nappa leather interior color scheme and blue color details in the cabin.
Mercedes has integrated the latest driver safety and assistance systems to the SUV. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane centering technology, active braking assist, emergency stopping assist, active lane keeping assist, active blind spot monitoring, driver fatigue monitoring, active parking assist, accident noise distress prevention, traffic sign assist and a 360-degree camera view.
Pricing for the model, expected to be available for purchase in limited quantities later this year, was not disclosed at debut.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
