Geländewagen, Electrified: Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology

Electrification has crept like a static-filled blanket over the Mercedes shop floor, consuming just about every major model in a wide variety of segments in which the German automaker is present – although it must be said that, for now, there are plenty of gassers from which to select.

Most rightly predicted an electrified G would retain the popular boxy looks for which it is known. What we can’t fathom, however, is its official name: Why not simply EQG?

Surely there is a marketing group armed with focus group data deep in the bowels of Stuttgart who can answer that question with an appropriate level of PR bluster. What isn’t up for debate is that Mercedes seems bent on not sullying their most profitable of consonants. The electric G features a ladder frame design, selectable low range off-road gear reduction, an independent front suspension, and solid rear axle. Those electric motors are good for 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. A sprint from 0–60 mph is said to take 4.7 seconds.

A 116-kWh lithium-ion battery provides the juice but Merc isn’t yet spilling any tea about expected driving range on a full charge. The EQS 580 SUV, which the wind likely thinks is more aerodynamic, has a battery pack of roughly the same capacity and a suggested range of about 330 miles. Will the G crest three hundred? Or will its signature box-on-wheels shape scupper that goal? We shall see when Merc is good and ready – or when the feds officially rate it. In terms of charging, it can hoover up electricity at 200 kW from a sufficiently robust DC fast charger.

The electric G (we refuse to type out its ridiculously long full name) stands 182.0 inches long on a 113.8-inch wheelbase and is 78.2 inches tall. There is 19.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. This is in contrast to a 2024 gasoline-powered G which is 189.7 inches long on a 113.8-inch wheelbase and stands 77.5 inches tall. In that rig, there is 38.1 cubes of room with all seats in place. Maximum cargo capacity is about the same, suggesting there may be more space for people than gear in the electric G thanks to battery layout.

Its interior is broadly familiar, with upright surfaces and a pair of 12.4-inch screens for gauge and infotainment duty. New camera setting can permit a so-called transparent hood, a feature designed for off-road but one which will surely be used as a party trick outside the Nobu restaurant. And, yes, given the proper surface adhesion (or lack thereof), it should be able to spin in place as it did during that preview on the strip in Vegas. Specifically, Merc says the feature can be used “to rotate the vehicle on the spot on loose or unpaved surfaces.” Watch for the TikTok fail videos in short order.

Expect to find these things prowling around tony neighborhoods in the second half of this year.

[Images: Mercedes-Benz]

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