Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology

The G 580 is for the buyer who wants the upright, boxy G-Class with an electric drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz builds the G-Class by hand on a ladder frame in Graz, Austria, and the G 580 keeps that body, with four electric motors that work together for traction on rough ground. It sits next to the petrol G 550 and the AMG G 63.

Performance and price

Combined output is 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. These figures are for the whole drivetrain, since the four motors act together. The starting price in the United States is US$163,750 MSRP. Mercedes-Benz does not state an EPA range, battery size, charging power or warranty.

Inside

The cabin has four heated seats as standard, power front seats with three memory settings, and cooling and massage as options. Wireless charging is standard in the front console, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both work wirelessly. A Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with 18 speakers and 760 watts is included, with Dolby Atmos and sound personalization. Seven cabin trims range from woods to woven metal and carbon fibre, with MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather available, six styling packages and more than three dozen paint colours.

Safety and driver assistance

The safety section lists PRE-SAFE, which prepares the front-seat restraints in the seconds before an accident, and a new centre air bag between the front seats. A Surround View System and Active Parking Assist, which can park the vehicle hands-free, are named, along with Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Technology

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, MBUX, includes a voice assistant that responds to natural speech, with touch interfaces as an alternative. The Mercedes-Benz app works with iPhone, Apple Watch and Android phones.

Key facts

• Powertrain: battery-electric, four electric motors
• Output: 579 hp combined
• Torque: 859 lb-ft combined
• 0 to 60 mph: 4.6 seconds
• Price from (US): US$163,750 (MSRP)
• Audio: 760 W Burmester, 18 speakers