Mercedes-Benz G-Class G580 with EQ Technology Review

This is not the EQG.

Though first previewed to the world as the Concept EQG, Mercedes has decided to rework its naming conventions. Where its all-electric models were previously called EQ[insert model suffix here], that too was inherently slightly convoluted because you had things like the EQE Sedan and EQE SUV. And so this new all-electric G-Class is called the G580 with EQ Technology. Full name: Mercedes-Benz G-Class G580 with EQ Technology. Ugh, that's a mouthful.

But naming aside, this is quite simply the marque's iconic G-Class made all-electric.

The illuminated grille surround adds even more starkness to the iconic and unmissable look of the G-Class, further accentuating its imposing on-road presence

Hallmark presence

In the flesh, a G-Class is intimidating. It's huge, rides taller than most commercial vehicles, and its boxy design with round head lights is iconic. This new generation model retains all those hallmark visual traits, and for this electrified G580 adds even more bling with the illuminated grille surround.

Driving it around Singapore, it turns heads every single place you go. That's kind of the point of a G-Class, no? It helps that it's in this quite beautiful and model-exclusive South Seas Blue Magno paintwork, a [sharp inhale] $50,200 option. 

The cabin is a classy and appropriately luxurious affair, with the expected levels of modern digitalisation

You then open the hefty doors (they do shut with a very satisfying clunk) and have to climb into the vehicle. And I mean climb in quite the literal sense. It's such a tall vehicle that most average-sized Singaporeans will have to use the side running boards to step up and get in.

Inside, it's a relatively familiar space. There's most of the touches familiar from contemporary Mercedes models - lots of digital real estate, swathes of premium Nappa leather, fancy ambient lighting. Nice additional touches include the cup holders that have both cooling and heating functions, and a Burmeister 3D Surround Sound audio system. 

The cupholders have both a warming and cooling function - ideal for the weather these days that alternate between blazing heat and unceasing rainfall

Admittedly, the cabin setup isn't quite newest-age technology; notably you don't get the MBUX Super/Hyperscreen, so the interior setup does not perhaps have the same visual panache as other top-end Mercedes models.

Accommodation in the rear seats is less spacious than a typical SUV of this enormous size, but totally normal for a G-Class.

The all-electric G-Class uses a quad-motor setup that produces a combined 432kW and 1,164Nm of torque

Turn of electric pace

This all-electric G-Class is powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel. Power comes up to a healthy 432kW and 1,164Nm of torque. Big as those numbers may be, it's worth immediately noting that the car's weight is also quite a terrifyingly big number - 3,085kg. Luckily, all that instant electric torque means that you never really feel that heft. Beyond the 4.7 second century sprint, there's an immediacy of pickup at all speeds that makes this car less cumbersome to drive than you may expect.

It is fundamentally an off-roader (yes, and still built on a ladder frame), so on-road compromises are inevitable. The ride refinement at high speeds was never going to be amazing, but it's actually quite good for an off-roader. Body flex is well-maintained, road-noise is reasonably suppressed, and even the handling is generally quite competent. Again, it’s worth having to couch everything in the context of its off-roading bones - such cars were not designed primarily for on-road use, even if in reality they mostly only see tarmac. There's also the G-Roar function - a synthesised soundtrack that imitates a V8. I turned it off immediately. 

Independently-driven wheels means that the car can perform a G-Turn - spinning around on the spot to make your passengers dizzy

The unavoidable reality is the car's size. Less so the actual dimensions (at 1.9m tall and just under 2m wide it's actually not that huge), but more so the entirely boxy, super high-riding nature of it. Your outward visibility is just… different. Especially in tight space, you do feel the need to manoeuvre more gingerly.

To do that, you could, perhaps, opt to use the G-Steering function, which essentially allows the car to turn around its inside rear wheel. This can help negotiate super-tight turns. Actually logical and useful in an off-road setting, unlikely to see much practical use on public roads. Then there's the G-Turn, where the car spins on the spot. Completely pointless and immediately dizzying, a hilarious party trick. 

The car's 430km of range and maximum 200kW fast charing are somewhat average by today's standards

To the matter of range, the G580 has a very sizeable 116kWh battery. But with the sheer mass of the thing and basically non-existent aero efficiency, range is just okay. You'll probably manage around 430km on a full charge. The car's 11kW AC charging and 200kW maximum DC charging specs are also fairly average relative to today's EVs. 

The 620-litre boot will provide ample hauling capacity

Classy G

This is a strange one. Considering the G-Class's original militarised off-road roots, it going electric actually makes a good amount of mechanical sense. The quad-motor setup offers it new-found abilities that certainly can be handy off-road, notably with the ability to turn each tyre independently. And the instant electric torque does wonders to hide the car's immense size and weight. 

But the reality is that most, if not all, G-Classes won't see a lick of mud or sand. These are primarily showy on-road tanks that's more fashion statement than rock crawler. Whatever you may think of its off-roading roots, the G-Class has decidedly become a luxury vehicle (not unlike present-day Range Rovers). And at almost $800 grand, it'd better damn be.

And in that respect, I think electrification has mixed results. On one hand, yes it bumps up the sense of luxury and performance. With this new generation model the overall quality and refinement has also improved, let alone the technology and feature updates. (The second generation G-Class was launched back in 2018.)  It's a fundamentally improved G-Class. 

Despite its off-road roots and ample off-road capability, most G-Classes will. likely spent their lifetime strictly on tarmac

On the other hand, the actual electrification package, while certainly capable, is nothing particularly outstanding in today's context. Given it's pricing and top-end positioning, you wouldn't be faulted for perhaps wanting a little bit more from the car's range and charging capabilities. 

And there's one more thing to consider: With the G-Class, the AMG model is notably popular not perhaps necessarily for its power, but more the fact that it packs a V8 that makes a ton of noise. It further adds a "look at me!" element to an already undeniably "look at me!" car. Subtlety has never been the G-Class's desire, and electrification is by its very nature not-shouty. It's likely for this reason that petrol versions of the G-Class (and yes, the G63 model certainly) still exist, and by evidence of the sales figures in other markets doing better than this electric variant. 

Electric or not, the new G-Class continues to deliver on the very particular (and very expensive) flavour that a specific crowd demands - personality, presence and swag

Let's be real, though. The G-Class is a very specific sort of car with a very specific sort of audience - more people will ogle at it than people that can actually afford it, or want to drive it. 

For those that can and do, I do think the G580 is delightful in its own right. Electrification lends it a coolness of its own, even if it won't be for everybody. And regardless of whether its powered by gasoline or electrons, this new generation model delivers exactly all the ways its buyers want - it's a hugely imposing, instantly recognisable car that's a conversation starter everywhere you go. It's got that swag factor, and exactly what you want a G-Class to be. 

But which owner is going around saying: "I drive a G580 with EQ Technology". It really should have been called the EQG.