Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen goes fully electric

 

Although the growth of SUV popularity could be said to have started from the mid-1990s when the passenger car-like SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V arrived in the market and created a new segment almost overnight, SUVs had actually been popularised in the late 1970s with what were then known as ‘dual-purpose 4×4 vehicles’.

Land Rover has the Range Rover which is regarded as the first premium SUV, and Mercedes-Benz developed a new model, initially for the military but which became popular with off-road enthusiasts as well. It was known as the Gelandewagen or G-Wagen and would endure for a long time to become an icon in the German carmaker’s range.

The slab-sided boxy design of the G-Wagen was typical of SUVs then, with toughness and all-terrain capability being of importance. Its design would become classic and epitomise the model to the extent that Mercedes-Benz designers just could not depart from it even when going into successive generations.

And the same applies to the new fully electric G-Wagen – the G580 with EQ Technology. Although concept models and design studies of electrified G-Wagens have been shown in the past, it is only now that a production model is finally a reality.

Based on the EQG concept of 2021, the electric G-Class remains true to the model’s character, retaining the familiar silhouette. Besides the iconic elements present (like the circular headlights), there are also a number of distinguishing features set the all-electric variant apart from the conventionally powered models.

These include a slightly raised bonnet and so-called air curtains in the rear wheelarch flares as well as the design box on the rear. In combination with new A-pillar cladding and a spoiler lip on the roof, they contribute to optimised aerodynamics.

The construction retains the traditional ladder-frame architecture that has served the ‘real’ SUVs. It is a heavy structure but has good load-carrying capability. Also retained is the combination of independent front suspension with double wishbones and a newly developed rigid rear axle.

It is in the powertrain where there is a major change with 4 individually-controlled motors located near the wheels. They are integrated into the ladder frame and develop a maximum total output of 432 kW (equivalent to 587 ps) and a maximum torque of 1,164 Nm.

This output, usually achieved only with big combustion engines, gives the G580 an acceleration capability claimed to be 4.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. However, the top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

A ‘G-ROAR’ sound experience (inspired by the model family’s emotional V8 sounds) includes a G-Class-specific driving sound, an ‘aura’ and various ‘event’ sounds.

As the electric motors can provide their maximum torque from a standstill, the vehicle excels with enormous pulling power and exceptional controllability. This proves advantageous both on steep inclines and loose surfaces. For additional capability, there is a selectable LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction system.

Additionally, torque vectoring is used to generate virtual differential locks. The virtual differential locks enable fully variable distribution of the drive torque among the individual wheels. The result is maximum traction with maximum flexibility without distortion when cornering. Control is fully automatic, which makes it even easier to use and increases driving safety, even in difficult conditions.

Powering the motors is a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, also integrated into the ladder frame for a low centre of gravity. With its usable capacity of 116 kWh, it provides sufficient energy for a range said to be up to 473 kms.

The battery pack is housed in a torsion-resistant casing and underbody protection made from an intelligent mix of materials including carbonfibre protects it from physical impact. Of course, it is also sealed against water and dust which would be expected when going off-road.

The functional cabin, like other G-Class models, features an OFFROAD COCKPIT with media displays which provide an overview of the most important relevant data for off-road driving as well as functions to support off-road driving. The content is displayed in various tiles, which can be changed using direction arrows.

There are also buttons for quick access to certain vehicle functions that are important for off-road driving. These include the artificial horizon, compass, altitude, steering angle and torque as well as tyre pressure and temperature.

In conjunction with the 360° camera, there is a ‘transparent bonnet’ function which enables a virtual view under the front of the vehicle. It’s not something new as some other SUVs also have it and it is certainly very useful when driving in rough terrain. Imagery from the front camera and both exterior mirror cameras show the ground right ahead of the front bumper so the driver can spot obstacles or holes that the bonnet would obscure.

Since 2023, G-Class customers have been able to experience an unforgettable day at the G-Class Experience Centre in Graz, Austria, when they collect their G580 from the MAGNA Steyr factory. This is followed by a detailed vehicle briefing and after that, they can drive their new vehicle on a 100,000 square metre site on a former airbase.

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