2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Technology Review: The Electric G-Wagon Tested

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Technology For over four decades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagon, has been an undisputed icon. It’s the vehicle of choice for celebrities, executives, and adventurers who demand a statement of luxury and unparalleled off-road capability. In 2025, the legend enters its most radical chapter yet with the introduction of the first fully electric G-Wagon: the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology.

This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a ground-up re-engineering that replaces the thunderous V8 with a silent, yet immensely powerful, quad-motor electric powertrain. The big question on everyone’s mind is: Does the electric G-Wagon retain the soul and capability that made the original a legend? We spent a week with the 2025 G580 to find out.

Unmistakable Design: Evolution, Not Revolution

Mercedes-Benz wisely understood that you don’t mess with a classic. At first glance, the 2025 G580 is immediately recognizable as a G-Wagon, preserving the boxy, upright, and commanding silhouette that has defined it for generations.

However, subtle cues distinguish this electric model. The front fascia is smoother and more aerodynamic, featuring a unique grille with just two horizontal slats and an illuminated outline. It forgoes the standard brush guard, and distinctive black accents on the bumper signal its EV identity. The classic “frog-eye” turn signals remain on the fenders, and you’ll find discreet “EQ” badges on the front quarters.

Out back, the design is virtually identical to the refreshed gas models, with full-LED taillights. The most significant visual differentiator is the standard spare tire cover, which is a flat, square panel that houses the charging cable. An optional, traditional spare wheel is available for an extra $1,200, extending the overall length.

Exterior Dimensions

DimensionSpecification
Wheelbase113.8 inches
Overall Length (with spare)190 inches
Overall Length (without spare)182 inches
Ground Clearance9.8 inches
Water Fording33.5 inches

Powertrain and Performance: Brutal Electric Force

Forget the familiar rumble of a V8. The soul of the G580 now lies in its revolutionary electric powertrain. This is one of the rare production vehicles to feature a quad-motor setup, placing an individual electric motor at each wheel, similar to the Rivian R1T/R1S.

This configuration unlocks unprecedented control and staggering performance figures.

Powertrain Specifications

SpecificationDetails
ConfigurationQuad-Motor All-Wheel Drive
Total Horsepower579 hp
Total Torque859 lb-ft
Battery Capacity116 kWh (usable)
EPA Estimated Range239 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration~4.6 seconds
Top Speed112 mph (electronically limited)

The 859 lb-ft of torque is the most ever put in a G-Wagon, surpassing even the mighty G63 AMG. This translates to explosive off-the-line acceleration, pushing this nearly 7,000-pound behemoth from 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The power delivery is instant, seamless, and brutally effective.

A unique engineering marvel is the inclusion of a two-speed transmission for each motor. This complex setup is designed to optimize both high-speed cruising and low-speed, high-torque off-roading. The “Individual All-Wheel Drive” system can precisely manage the torque to each wheel, providing incredible traction in any condition.

Charging, Towing, and Practicality

The transition to electric power brings some key practical differences that potential buyers must consider.

Charging & Practicality

FeatureDetails
DC Fast Charging (Max)200 kW
10-80% Charge Time~32 minutes
Onboard L2 Charger9.6 kW
L2 Charge Time (0-100%)~13 hours
Towing CapacityNot Rated
Cargo Capacity~34 cu ft (reduced from gas models)

The 116 kWh battery supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kW, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in approximately 32 minutes. At home, the 9.6 kW onboard charger is adequate but not class-leading, taking about 13 hours for a full charge on a Level 2 station.

A significant compromise is the lack of a tow rating. Due to the integration of the large battery pack and thermal management concerns, Mercedes-Benz does not recommend towing with the G580, whereas its gas-powered siblings can tow up to 7,000 pounds.

Furthermore, cargo space behind the rear seats has been slightly reduced to around 34 cubic feet (a loss of about 4 cubic feet compared to gas models) due to the battery pack, and the load floor is not completely flat.

Interior: A Sanctuary of Modern Luxury

Step inside, and you are greeted by the G-Wagon’s signature blend of rugged utilitarianism and opulent luxury. The commanding driving position provides an excellent view of the road, and the build quality is exceptional. Our test vehicle featured the optional $8,000 Interior Plus Package, which added sumptuous diamond-quilted Espresso Brown Nappa leather on the seats, dashboard, and door panels.

The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive, offering heating, ventilation, and a multi-mode massage function for both driver and front passenger. The classic, satisfyingly tactile physical switches for the climate control and off-road functions remain, a welcome respite from an all-touchscreen interface.

The latest MBUX infotainment system is present, featuring a large central screen and a digital instrument cluster. It now includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a much-appreciated modern convenience. The steering wheel is the newer capacitive-touch style, which can be prone to fingerprints but feels premium in hand.

One beloved G-Wagon trademark that remains intact is the incredible “thunk” of the doors. The solid, bank-vault sound when closing the doors is a sensory experience that Mercedes has masterfully preserved, even in the electric version.

Off-Road Prowess: An EV with a Low Range

This is where the G580 truly defies expectations. One might assume electrification would soften its off-road prowess, but the opposite is true. The G580 is arguably more capable than its ancestors.

The quad-motor setup provides instant and precise torque vectoring, effectively working as the most advanced locking differentials imaginable. But the party piece is the G-TURN function (or “tank turn”). By activating low-range mode (yes, an EV with a low-range gearbox!), the G580 can spin its wheels on each side in opposite directions, allowing it to turn within its own length, a trick previously seen on vehicles like the Hummer EV.

The ground clearance is an impressive 9.8 inches, and the sealed underbody allows it to ford up to 33.5 inches of water—6 inches more than the gas model. The independent front suspension and solid rear axle provide a capable and durable platform for tackling the toughest terrain.

The Verdict: Who is the Electric G-Wagon For?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology is a monumental achievement. It successfully transplants the G-Wagon’s iconic design, indomitable off-road spirit, and opulent interior into a zero-emissions package. The quad-motor powertrain delivers staggering performance and introduces new levels of off-road control.

Buy the G580 if:

  • You want the G-Wagon’s iconic style and off-road capability with silent, instant electric power.
  • You are drawn to its cutting-edge technology, including the quad-motor system and unique G-TURN feature.
  • Towing is not a priority for you.
  • You value the luxurious interior and advanced tech features.
  • You primarily drive in urban environments with access to charging infrastructure.

Stick with a Gas G-Wagon if:

  • The sonorous roar of a V8 or V12 engine is a non-negotiable part of the G-Wagon experience for you.
  • You require a vehicle with a significant towing capacity.
  • You frequently take long road trips through areas with sparse DC fast-charging infrastructure.
  • You need maximum cargo space for your adventures.
  • The higher upfront cost of the electric model doesn’t align with your budget.

In conclusion, the 2025 G580 is not just a competent electric vehicle; it is a worthy successor to the G-Wagon throne. It proves that the soul of an icon isn’t defined by its engine note, but by its character, capability, and uncompromising presence. The electric revolution has arrived, and it’s still a brick-shaped box that can conquer the world.

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