Image source: DesignboomThe Mercedes G-Class, renowned for its toughness and off-road capabilities, has begun a new chapter with the launch of the G580 with EQ Technology. This version symbolizes the shift from traditional combustion engines to a purely electric powertrain, which makes it the first G-Class with no cylinders at all. Instead, it has four motors, one for each wheel, which improves its off-road performance.
With EQ Technology, the G580 produces a powerful 1165 Nm of torque along with 579 bhp. According to Mercedes, this makes it even more capable off-road than its gas-powered counterparts, including the AMG G63. The electric motors’ quick torque delivery allows for fast acceleration—a reported 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 kmph.
Mercedes claims that the 116 kWh battery pack included in the G580 is sufficient for 400 kilometers. The G580 has extra underbody protection made up of carbon and other durable materials to protect its battery. With the capacity to charge at up to 200 kilowatts, it also has fast charging capabilities, meaning that a quick recharge from 10 to 80 percent may be completed in just 32 minutes.
The electric G’s features, which include a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches, the capacity to climb lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees, and several off-road functions including low-range mode, crawl function and torque vectoring for virtual differential locks, are likely to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Furthermore, it has adaptive adjustable dampers and a two-speed transmission for a comfortable ride on any terrain.
The electric G-Class has the same rough style and boxy shape, but it has some minor aerodynamic changes for better efficiency. With the addition of the “transparent hood” feature, which lets drivers look through the hood using the 360-degree camera system, the interior is almost similar to the standard G-Class.
