The automotive landscape is shifting toward electrification, but few vehicles carry the historical weight and cultural significance of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Often referred to as the “G-Wagon,” this boxy icon has transitioned from its 1970s military roots to become the ultimate status symbol of luxury.1 For 2025, Mercedes-Benz has officially debuted the most significant evolution of this model: the all-new, fully electric G 580 with EQ Technology.2 While its silhouette remains intentionally familiar, what lies beneath the steel skin is a technological marvel that introduces “party tricks” previously thought impossible for a vehicle of this size and stature.
The Revolutionary Quad-Motor Architecture
The most impressive feat of engineering in the new electric G-Class is its powertrain. Unlike many EVs that use one or two motors, the G 580 utilizes four individually controlled electric motors—one at each wheel.3 This setup allows for precise torque vectoring, providing the SUV with the ability to manage traction in ways a traditional combustion engine never could. By eliminating the need for mechanical differential locks, Mercedes has created a system that can simulate those locks digitally, reacting in milliseconds to changing terrain. This transition to electric power doesn’t just make the SUV quieter; it makes it arguably the most capable off-roader the brand has ever produced.
Unexpected Party Tricks: The G-Turn and G-Steering
Mercedes-Benz knew that to win over “G-Wagon” purists, the electric version needed something spectacular. Enter the “G-Turn.” Thanks to the quad-motor setup, the vehicle can spin its left-side wheels in one direction and its right-side wheels in the opposite, allowing the SUV to perform a 360-degree “tank turn” on the spot.4 This isn’t just for show; it is designed to help drivers navigate tight, dead-end trails where a traditional three-point turn is impossible. Additionally, the “G-Steering” feature significantly reduces the turning circle by braking the inside rear wheel, allowing the massive SUV to pivot around corners like a much smaller vehicle.
Key Specifications of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Powertrain | Quad-Motor (Individual Wheel Control) |
| Total Horsepower | 579 hp |
| Total Torque | 859 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH Time | Approx. 4.6 Seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 116 kWh |
| Maximum Fording Depth | 33.5 Inches (Higher than ICE G-Class) |
| Special Features | G-Turn, G-Steering, Transparent Hood |
A Masterclass in Off-Road Durability
Skeptics often worry that batteries and rugged trails don’t mix, but Mercedes has addressed this with extreme protection. The 116-kWh battery pack is encased in a torsion-resistant shell and shielded by a massive underbody skid plate made of a high-tech carbon-fiber composite.6 This plate is designed to protect the “heart” of the vehicle from jagged rocks and impacts while remaining lightweight. Interestingly, the electric G-Class can actually wade through deeper water than its gasoline-powered sibling because it lacks an air intake for an engine, allowing it to submerge up to 33.5 inches safely.
The Digital Experience and Transparent Hood
The interior of the 2025 G-Class hasn’t been left in the past. It now features the latest MBUX infotainment system, which includes a “Transparent Hood” feature. Using external cameras, the central display shows a virtual view of what is directly under the front of the vehicle—essentially making the engine bay “disappear” on the screen. This allows drivers to see rocks, ruts, or obstacles that would otherwise be hidden from the driver’s seat. Coupled with “G-ROAR,” an artificial sound experience that mimics the guttural growl of a V8, the electric G-Class manages to feel both futuristic and nostalgically familiar.
Merging Heritage with Future Sustainability
While the electric G-Class is the headline act, the entire 2025 SUV lineup from Mercedes-Benz highlights a commitment to hybrid and electric integration. The G-Wagon’s boxy aerodynamics have been subtly tweaked—notably around the A-pillars and the roof edge—to reduce wind noise and improve efficiency without ruining the iconic “brick” shape. It is a calculated move that ensures the most important SUV in the Mercedes portfolio remains relevant in an era of strict emissions standards, proves that luxury can be sustainable, and demonstrates that “electric” does not mean “soft.”
The debut of the G 580 with EQ Technology marks a turning point for the brand. It successfully preserves the rugged, go-anywhere spirit that has defined the G-Class for over four decades while introducing “party tricks” that make it more maneuverable and technologically advanced than ever before. For those who want the prestige of a Mercedes-Benz SUV but demand the latest in EV performance, the new G-Class stands alone as a masterpiece of modern automotive design.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the electric G-Class sound like a regular G-Wagon?
While it is naturally silent, Mercedes includes a “G-ROAR” feature that uses internal and external speakers to create a deep, synthetic engine sound that reacts to your acceleration.7
How does the G-Turn actually work?
The G-Turn is made possible by the four independent motors.8 By spinning the wheels on one side forward and the other side backward, the vehicle can rotate 360 degrees on its own axis.9
Is the electric version as good off-road as the V8 version?
In many ways, it is better. The instant torque from the electric motors and the higher fording depth allow it to tackle obstacles and water crossings that are challenging for traditional internal combustion engines.10
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
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