The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has long occupied a singular space in the automotive world – at once a symbol of luxury and ruggedness. With its boxy silhouette, oversized grille, and unmistakable presence, the G-Wagen became an icon by sticking to what worked. Now, Mercedes-Benz is trying to change that. Enter the G580: the first all-electric version of the legendary SUV, and a bold attempt by Mercedes-Benz to bring its most recognizable model into the electric age without compromising the essence that made it so coveted in the first place.
From the outside, the G580 still looks every bit the G-Wagen. Signature elements like the round headlights and squared-off body remain, offering familiarity with subtle updates. Aerodynamic tweaks to the front and hood are barely noticeable unless the EV is parked next to its combustion-engine counterpart. Even the front grille – now largely decorative due to reduced cooling needs – manages to give nod to its utilitarian roots, albeit with a slightly glossier finish. The most visible departure? A rear cargo box where the spare tire once lived, though buyers can still opt for the traditional look.
The design restraint is intentional. Rather than reinvent the G-Class entirely, Mercedes has chosen to evolve it – offering longtime fans a sense of continuity, even as the vehicle’s internals embrace a fully electric future. This approach may not win over those craving a radical rethink, but for many, preserving the silhouette is the point.
Inside, the G580 feels decidedly modern. The cabin blends ruggedness with refinement, borrowing heavily from the brand’s “EQ” lineup. Plush yet durable seating, spacious storage, and a digital dashboard with support for Apple CarPlay and Mercedes’ own infotainment system bring the G-Wagen firmly into the 2020s. It’s comfortable, connected, and unmistakably premium.
While its off-road potential is undiminished on paper – thanks to four electric motors, one at each wheel – the G580’s most headline-worthy capabilities may not be about conquering the wilderness. Features like G-Turn, which lets the vehicle spin on its own axis, and G-Steer, which aids tight maneuvers at low speeds, suggest a new kind of versatility. They’re technical marvels that feel as suited to urban parking garages as rocky trails.
On the road, the G580 delivers the instant torque and quiet acceleration EV drivers have come to expect, though its weight is hard to ignore. The regenerative braking system, a staple of modern EVs, doesn’t quite enable true one-pedal driving here, requiring a more traditional foot-on-the-brake experience. Still, once acclimated, the drive is smooth and composed.
The main limitation is the range. At 239 miles, it sits on the lower end of today’s EV spectrum – an expected tradeoff for its quad-motor configuration, which sacrifices efficiency for power and control. It’s a compromise likely to matter more to spec-sheet readers than the G-Class faithful, for whom daily range is rarely a concern.
And then there’s the price. Starting at $161,500, the G580 remains firmly in the realm of the affluent. But perhaps that’s part of its enduring appeal: a vehicle that, even when electrified, retains its luxury credentials.
You can find out more about the Mercedes-Benz G580 at mercedes-benz.com.
Photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
