Mercedes-Benz Electric G Wagen Redefines Off-Road Capabilities

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric Model
Set to Debut in Beijing This Month
Features 360-Degree Rotation

Mercedes-Benz will unveil its G-Class electric vehicle at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. Previously known as EQG, the vehicle will debut on April 24th at the 2024 Auto China (Motor Show) and be sold as G580 with EQ technology by the end of this year.

The G850 features a sealed case to protect the vehicle’s battery under extreme off-road driving conditions. In addition to the G580, Mercedes-Benz plans to unveil a new plug-in hybrid version of the AMG GT Coupe and an upgraded EQS sedan at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz’s Ninth Electric Car Model
Offers a Maximum Range of 220 miles

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class electric G580 is the ninth electric car model from Mercedes-Benz. Since 1979, the G-Class has been a mainstay of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the G580 has opened a new chapter for off-roader electric vehicles. The G580 was first unveiled in concept form at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, featuring a quad motor powertrain befitting the G-Class’s reputation. This means the vehicle can rotate in place, similar to BYD’s Yangwang U8.

The G580 consumes 62–2.2 kWh of energy per mile (approximately 1 mile), offering a range of
roughly 200-220 miles. Furthermore, the G580 will lead Mercedes-Benz’s new sub-brand ‘G (Geländewagen),’ and G brand President Emmerich Schiller described the G580 as an “unparalleled combination of luxury and off-road capabilities for electric vehicles.”

Electric Drive System Composed of Four Electric Motors
Capable of 360-Degree Rotation with G-Turn Function

The G580, based on the latest version of the G-Class, is set to be produced at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, using a modified steel ladder frame chassis used in internal combustion engine models. Prototype photos of the G580 show the vehicle maintains the iconic square exterior style consistent with other G-Class models. The new front bumper design, blank-off grille, standard body panels, and small but distinctive details are also characteristic of the G580.

The G580’s technology centers on a new electric drive system composed of four motors. This drive system can supply power to each wheel individually. Each electric motor can move the wheels individually through a mechanical 2-speed gearbox, providing both high and low gearing. By pressing a button on the dashboard, the G-Turn function enables the vehicle to make a 360-degree turn by setting one electric motor to move forward and the other to move in reverse.

Equipped with On-Road, Off-Road Driving Modes
Three Locking Differentials are available.

The G580 offers traditional on-road driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) along with three off-road modes (Trail, Rock, Sand), and the four electric motors can use the three locking differentials(one for each axle, one for the transfer case) of the G-Class’s internal combustion engine models to improve off-road performance.

The newly equipped electric motors in the G580 are connected to a 100kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor and rear seats. This battery uses cell technology previewed in the EQXX concept car and is said to be more energy-dense and efficient, yet smaller and lighter, than the batteries used in the EQE and EQS SUVs. Emmerich Schiller stated, “From the outset, we concluded that the electric model of the G-Class should be as good on-road and off-road as the internal combustion engine models,” expressing strong confidence in the G580’s performance.