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New battery-electric Mercedes-Benz G wagon

Mercedes-Benz is introducing the battery electric G wagon—the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. The electric Geländewagen features a robust ladder frame design, selectable LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction, independent front suspension and solid rear axle.

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A 116-kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the ladder frame ensures a low center of gravity. To protect it from water and dirt intrusion, it is housed in a torsion-resistant casing.

The all-new electric G-Class is the first series production vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Group with individual-wheel drive. The all-new electric G-Class is powered by four individually controlled electric motors located near the wheels.

The four motors are integrated in the ladder frame: two in each housing at the front and rear axles. The motors are driven via short axle shafts, meaning the rear electric motors can also be bolted to the chassis. Each electric motor produces 145 hp, which deliver a combined 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque. In conjunction with ESP and the central powertrain control (CPC), drive torque is intelligently distributed to optimize traction.

With its innovative drive concept, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. With peak torque from the electric motors available from a standstill, the all-electric G-Class excels with impressive power and exceptional control. This is especially advantageous on steep inclines and loose surfaces.

The all-new electric G-Class uses torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks. This technology makes it possible to precisely meter torque to each individual wheel.

The virtual differential locks enable fully variable torque distribution among the individual wheels for traction with maximum flexibility without negatively impacting cornering. The all-new electric G-Class thus remains agile and maneuverable at all times, including when the virtual differential locks are active. Control of the virtual differential locks is fully automatic, eliminating the need to manually engage them via switches in the off-road control center.

The innovative drive concept of the all-new electric G-Class enables unique functions for off-road driving: G-TURN, G-STEERING and the intelligent off-road crawl function.

At the heart of the all-new electric G-Class is the high-voltage battery with a 116-kWh usable capacity. The two-tiered lithium-ion battery with 216 cells is installed in twelve cell modules between three cooling levels. It is integrated into the steel ladder frame to ensure a low center of gravity and also makes the entire vehicle significantly more rigid. The battery is housed in a torsion-resistant casing to protect it from water and dirt intrusion during off-road driving.

Both AC and DC charging are possible due to an 11-kW on-board AC charger and a DC fast charging system with a charging capacity of up to 200 kW. With DC fast charging, the high voltage battery is able to charge from 10 to 80% SoC (State of Charge) in approximately 32 minutes.

The all-new electric G-Class includes three charging programs: “Standard,” “Work” and “Home.” Users can set parameters such as departure time, climate control and maximum charge level. The “Home” and “Work” charging programs can be activated automatically based on location, which switch on as soon as the vehicle is parked at a saved charging location. Drivers are notified via MBUX that the charging program is active.

The recuperative drive system in the G 580 with EQ Technology is able to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy when coasting and braking. Depending on the recuperation level selected, the electric motors function as generators and charge the high-voltage battery while driving. Recuperation when coasting starts as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. The driver can select five different levels of recuperation using the steering wheel shift paddles:

  • DAuto: the vehicle automatically adjusts the level of recuperation according to driving situation and traffic ahead. The ECO Assistant indicates in the driver display when the driver should take their foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle then selects the appropriate level of recuperation.

  • D+: no recuperation—the vehicle coasts freely.

  • D: normal recuperation

  • D-: strong recuperation with increased deceleration during coasting

  • D--: highest level of recuperation with maximum deceleration during coasting

Mercedes-Benz has developed a multi-stage high-voltage protection concept for its electric vehicles to prevent electric shocks and high-energy short circuits. It comprises eight essential elements for the safety of the battery and all components with a voltage level of more than 60 volts. This includes, for example, a self-monitoring high-voltage system that switches off automatically in the event of a serious collision.

The ECO Assistant analyzes navigation data along the expected route to help the driver adapt their driving style to maximize efficiency and recuperation. The system can recognize upcoming events such as a roundabout, sharp turn or change in speed limit, as well as traffic ahead. As the electric G-Class approaches an event, the ECO Assistant calculates the optimum speed. If an adjustment in driving style is necessary, it provides the driver with a visual prompt to lift off the accelerator pedal. The ideal recuperation level is automatically selected based on the driving situation.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route based on numerous factors, including charging stops. It calculates the energy required for journeys, taking into account topography, route, ambient temperature, speed as well as heating and cooling requirements. It also dynamically adapts to the traffic situation or changes in driving style. Drivers also have the option of customizing the planned route.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence also considers available charging stations, charging capacity and payment functions and calculates the estimated cost of a charging stop. The charging stops are planned with consideration for the overall travel time. Under certain circumstances, two short charging stops with a higher charging capacity can be more advantageous than charging once for a long period of time. In addition, Navigation with Electric Intelligence automatically adjusts the vehicle’s charging settings and optimizes them for fast charging along the route. Customers can add preferred charging stations to a route or exclude proposed charging stations. MBUX also displays whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging.

If there is a risk of not reaching the destination or a charging station with the selected settings, the active range monitoring function recommends activation of ECO driving functions. It also calculates the exact driving speed required to reach the next charging station or destination as planned. In the “Range” menu, drivers can switch off various energy consuming functions to help maximize range and activate the ECO driving functions to support a more efficient driving style.

For 2025 model year, the electric G-Class is exclusively available in the US in the EDITION ONE special edition, which features expanded standard equipment and unique design elements.

Comments

Davemart

That is a pretty modest battery for that size and weight of vehicle, in likely usage.

I would not fancy pushing it if it runs low, and don't even think about towing!

Nirmalkumar

A monster of a car , ev yet very inefficient and over powered and too costly. Cant they think of environment before such designs and 2.5 kms per kw efficiency?

electric-car-insider.com

Towing with an EV is often bashed but I think it is misunderstood.

For most recreational towing applications, 100 miles is plenty to get your boat or jet skies into the water, or your surplus gear/furniture/whatever into storage. When you can do it for a next to nothing fuel cost (assuming off-peak overnight charging) it changes the economics of fueling a heavy vehicle combo entirely.

If you tow 200 miles and have to stop mid-trip for 30 to 45 minutes, you have lunch and go on your way. No inconvenience at all.

My team routinely drives long distances towing a 28’ box trailer and 22’ Airstream with a Lightning and Cybertruck. Drive time is the same, total travel time is longer but you have better paced rest stops. When you’re towing a travel trailer, you have a kitchen, bathroom and bed with you. A 30, 45 or even 60 minute stop is not a hardship.

You just pace yourself differently. The fuel cost savings vs gasoline on a 400 mile trip is about $340.

Coast to coast in the US, it’s about $2,700 in fuel cost savings.

So on a trip to and from the opposite coast, it’s $5,400 cost savings. That’s a good incentive to not be in too much of a hurry.

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