As thrilling as it’s to see how electrical know-how redefines automotive transportation, it’s simply as thrilling to see the way it alters what we have already got. Within the aftermarket, EV-converted restomods are shortly changing into huge enterprise. However direct from producers, there’s nice potential in electrifying legacy badges by seamlessly mixing previous design with new know-how.
Working example is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Know-how, higher generally known as the EV Geländewagen (which is German for all-terrain automobile), or G-Wagen. Beginning at $162,650, the G580 stays true to its authentic design method but additionally makes use of EV know-how to bolster its off-road prowess and total attraction as a day by day luxurious SUV.
If it weren’t for swapping its spare tire service for a smaller storage field that incorporates a charging cable, you may need bother distinguishing the G580 from its gas-powered G550 and AMG G 63 siblings. Relaxation assured, issues are fairly totally different beneath. As a substitute of inner combustion engine energy and drivetrain, every wheel has its personal permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor and two-speed transmission, netting a mixed output of 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque.
The G580 stays true to its authentic design method.
Offering energy to those models is a 116 kWh battery pack, located in the midst of the chassis and guarded by a thick sheet of carbon composite materials. It’s waterproof, too, and permits the G580 to roll by means of a water depth of 33.5 inches — almost six greater than the 550 and 63. Onboard charging is rated at 9.6 kW, and DC Quick Charging tops out at 200 kW, permitting it to cost from 10 to 80 p.c in as little as 32 minutes.
Vary is rated at 238 miles, which can sound low, but it surely’s comprehensible for one thing so heavy, tall, and sporting a really un-aerodynamic form. I noticed as a lot as 200 miles in blended driving that was totally on highways.
What individuals both are inclined to neglect or just don’t know is that the G-Wagen has all the time been tremendously succesful off-road. The brand new G580 doesn’t stray from this method, but it surely goes one step additional by mixing its EV powertrain with standard off-roader chassis design. The result’s a harmonious mix of previous and new know-how.
Adaptive dampers and standard coil springs sit at a set experience and are tied to its body-on-frame chassis through a double-wishbone setup up entrance, a strong rear axle out entrance. This permits for as a lot as 9.8 inches of floor clearance, plus 32-degree method, 30.7-degree departure, and 20.3-degree breakover angles.
My testbed was the Rowher Flats Off-Freeway Car space in California. I initially had some reservations concerning the Falken summer time avenue tires, however they had been shortly dispelled: this factor was spectacular in the way it took on a superb number of ascents and descents, and at some menacing angles. A giant advantage of EV powertrains is that traction management is immensely exact because of fewer elements working to maximise grip. The mighty G barely slipped a tire throughout positive and tough gravel, small and enormous rocks, and each different type of terra firma on this a part of the nation.
The G-Wagen has all the time been tremendously succesful off-road.
I engaged its low vary, which synthesizes a standard low gear set by enabling a gear discount on every motor for extra on the spot torque, however I don’t suppose it was needed. One explicit path routinely possessed as much as 44 levels of pitch, up and down, however the boxy Benz merely didn’t care. Then, after I tried to max out rear axle articulation over some difficult, rutted options on one explicit downhill part, within the service of eye-catching pictures, I used to be left with a boring scene of all tires touching the bottom in assured confidence.
Lastly, I needed to attempt one of many G580’s most intriguing celebration tips: G turns. This can be a setting that enables it to spin 180 levels in place, and it’s simply as entertaining behind the wheel as it’s to observe. There’s a use case, similar to when it’s a must to change route and there’s no room for a multipoint flip — nonetheless, the final space round it should be completely flat. It’s undoubtedly slender in its software, however who cares? It’s enjoyable as hell.
As soon as I returned to paved civilization, the G-Wagen assumed its extra widespread identification as a snug cruising SUV with nice total visibility. Regardless of tipping the size at 6,746 lbs, this factor boogies in a straight line and can attain 60 mph in underneath 5 seconds. Having such joie de vivre in a slender, stilted bundle could sound alarming at first, but it surely truly demonstrated strong athleticism on twisty roads.
I’ve by no means wished an EV to depreciate quicker
Until somebody isn’t eager on its seems or the damaging connotations the badge typically carries, there isn’t a lot to dislike concerning the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580. It’s massively enjoyable off-road, snug round city, blisteringly quick, and has a commanding view of the street that makes it an important in-town runabout. Its vary isn’t the best, however I wouldn’t say it’s a significant problem, both, except one had been crafted right into a devoted overlanding rig.
Regardless of its steep worth, Mercedes has give you one thing fairly particular within the G580.
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