Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class unveiled, coming to Australia

24/04/2024 13:53

The first electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been unveiled ahead of Australian showroom arrivals expected by the end of this year.

The battery-powered G-Class was initially planned to be called EQG but will instead wear the G580 with EQ Technology name, as Mercedes-Benz moves away from EQ-focused names for its electric cars as it rolls out more and more models.

The G580 uses four electric motors – one on each wheel – and is claimed to be even more capable than the petrol and diesel G-Class off-road, as the speed of each wheel can be controlled individually.

It is the most powerful G-Class ever produced, with 432kW and 1164Nm – 2kW and a significant 314Nm more than the 4.0-litre V8 AMG version.

The regular G-Class is not a light car, but the weight of the batteries – about 530kg – pushes the electric version to 3085kg, so the claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds is slightly slower than the V8’s 4.3sec.

The electric G-Class uses a modified version of the petrol's ladder-frame chassis, with the battery pack modules packaged within the underpinnings so it can serve as a structural component of the vehicle, negating the need for additional stiffening.

The battery capacity is 116kWh – or about two Tesla Model 3s – but the G-Wagen's bluff body means driving range is a claimed 434-473km in European WLTP testing.

For context, a slippery Mercedes-Benz EQS luxury sedan with the same battery pack quotes more than 820km.

DC fast charging at up to 200kW is claimed – for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge time of 32 minutes, or the ability to add up to 170km of range in 15 minutes of charging – as well as 11kW AC home charging.

Each of the motors has its own two-speed transmission with low and high-range transmission, and allows for ‘virtual’ differential locks – through torque vectoring – in place of mechanical units.

The low-range mode activates a 2:1 reduction gear for off-road use in Rock mode – at speeds of up to 85km/h – while there is an off-road ‘cruise control’ function which maintains a desired speed of up to 25km/h on uphill or downhill surfaces, controllable using the steering-wheel paddles.

Mercedes-Benz claims a wading depth of 850mm – 150mm greater than petrol G-Class variants – plus ” at least” 250mm of ground clearance, and 32-degree approach, 20.3-degree breakover and 30.7-degree departure angles.

It is claimed to be capable of driving on sideways slopes with angles up to 35 degrees, and up 45-degree inclines.

The suspension in the G580 is double-wishbone independent front and rigid De Dion axle rear, aided by adaptive dampers shared with petrol and diesel versions.

Comfort, Sport, Individual, Trail and Rock drive modes are available, as well as 360-degree cameras with a ‘transparent bonnet’ function which displays obstacles directly in front of the vehicle that the driver cannot see over the bonnet.

Three electric-specific tech features are available: G-Steering, G-Turn and G-Roar.

G-Turn was previewed in teasers prior to the car’s unveiling, and uses the four motors – spinning the wheels on the left and right sides of the car in different directions on loose surfaces – to let the G580 ‘spin’ on the spot.

It is automatically cancelled after “two complete vehicle revolutions,” and is only available when the car is in low-range and Rock modes.

G-Steering uses “targeted control of the drive torque at the individual driven wheel” to allow “the vehicle [to turn] around the inside rear wheel,” cutting the turning circle on loose surfaces in low-range mode at speeds up to 25km/h.

Meanwhile G-Roar is a synthesised driving sound “inspired by the model family’s emotional V8 sounds,” which changes based on drive mode.

It also includes an “aura” that plays outside the car when it is unlocked and passengers approach, as well as “event” sounds played when closing the door after passengers get in, switching the vehicle on, and opening the door at the end of a journey.

The battery is protected with a 26mm-thick underbody panel made of “an intelligent material mix that includes carbon” – claimed to be stronger, and a third of the weight of a steel alternative – which weighs 57.6kg, and is attached to the ladder frame with more than 50 screws.

Distinguishing the G580 with EQ Technology from its petrol and diesel siblings is a new front grille panel with four slim horizontal louvres, available in black, with an illuminated surround.

There is also a "slightly raised" bonnet, 'air curtains' in the rear wheel-arch flares, new windscreen pillar cladding, a spoiler lip on the roof, and new aero-optimised 18-inch alloy wheels.

The drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.48 to 0.44Cd, according to UK publication Autocar.

Other changes include standard-fit adaptive LED headlights, silver EQ badges on the front wheel arches, and an optional rectangular storage box in place of the rear-mounted spare wheel, which can store charging cables, tools, or snow chains.

Inside, the electric G-Class features a pair of 12.3-inch screens running Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, plus open-pore natural walnut wood trim, a new-generation steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, and ambient lighting.

Buyers can option an AMG Line package with wheel-arch flares, 20-inch wheels and stainless steel highlights, an Exclusive Line interior with nappa leather upholstery and colour-contrasting stitching, as well as Superior Line interior and Night Package exterior packs.

Available at launch is an Edition One model, available in blue, black, white or grey with blue highlights, a black and body-coloured rear storage box, 20-inch wheels, and silver and black nappa leather upholstery.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology is due in local showrooms between October and December this year.

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