Mercedes-Benz has long threatened fans of the G-Class with the appearance of its electric version: the concept car was shown three years ago. In order to better prepare the conservative public for such a transformation, a PR campaign was launched and a series was filmed funny short films, in which the classic G-Class is “examined” by an electric rookie. To further sweeten the pill, the company even abandoned the proposed EQG index. The production electric all-terrain vehicle presented now is called Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology.
It differs visually from the recently updated fuel versions only by a black insert instead of a radiator grille. It is not blind, it still has several slots, and the edging is LED. Instead of a spare tire, an optional “backpack” appeared at the stern for a charging cable, snow chains and other equipment weighing no more than 10 kg. To improve aerodynamics, a slightly raised hood, a modified spoiler at the rear and additional fenders in the rear wheel arches appeared. As a result, the aerodynamic drag coefficient Cd decreased from 0.48 to 0.44.
The power plant includes four electric motors (one for each wheel) with a power of 147 hp. with individual two-stage gearboxes (they are responsible for the traditional “lowering”). The total output of the system is 588 hp. and 1164 Nm, which is even more than that of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 model with a twin-turbo eight (585 hp, 850 Nm). However, the AMG version is still faster in accelerating to 100 km/h: 4.3 s versus 4.7 s for the electric car. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h.
The problem is that the curb weight of the battery-powered G-Class reaches a monstrous 3085 kg, which is 600 kg more than the petrol G 500! The increase was mainly provided by the traction battery with a solid capacity of 116 kWh. Its full charge lasts for 470 km of range (according to the WLTP cycle), and for recharging you can use AC (11 kW) or DC (200 kW) terminals.
In full accordance with its promises, the electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology retains its remarkable off-road potential. The frame all-terrain vehicle still has a front independent double wishbone, but instead of a solid rear axle, it now has a De-Dion type suspension with swing axle shafts (electric motors are located on the frame). Springs are installed in a circle. Ground clearance – 250 mm, approach angle – 32 degrees, departure angle – 30.7 degrees. The fording depth is 850 mm, which is even greater than that of its gasoline counterparts.
Thanks to the presence of four electric motors, this G-class is devoid of differentials, although the imitation of their locks is preserved: in this case, the electronics simply synchronize the operation of the engines in the required order. Moreover, the lock activation buttons, familiar to the G-Class, located in the center of the front panel, now have different functionality. They are responsible for activating the lowering row, the G-Turn (tank turn on the spot) and G-Steering (reducing the turning radius by locking one of the wheels) functions.
There are no other major differences from the fuel versions in the interior. The Offroad Cockpit complex of electronic assistants for off-road driving retained the all-round camera system with the “transparent hood” function and acquired additional modes for displaying information about the state of the electric power plant.
Electric Gelikas will be produced at the same plant in Austria where all other versions are made. The starting price has already been announced in Germany: the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology costs at least 143 thousand euros there. Not that expensive, considering that for a petrol AMG G 63 they are asking from 189 thousand euros. At the start of sales, a welcome version of Edition One will be offered, which includes a lot of additional equipment, but increases the price of the electric car to 193 thousand euros.
