Latest news with #EQTechnology
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV could launch in Malaysia next week with public test drives at TRX from June 27
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Barely a week after the model made its first official public outing in our market, it appears that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV might be launched in Malaysia as soon as next week. This is following Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's (MBM) revelation on its social media channels that the first public test drive event for the G-Class EV in Malaysia is set to take place from 27 to 29 June. According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's website, the test drive event will take place from 27 to 29 June at the Raintree Plaza in The Exchange TRX. The website also noted that there will be five time slots available every day from 10 AM to 8 PM, although the event area itself will be open until 10 PM. The registration site for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV test drive event, as captured on 17 June 2025. The G-Class EV is not this model's official name. Instead, it is actually the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. When it was originally revealed in a concept form back in 2021, it was called the Concept EQG. However, the model was launched after Mercedes dropped the EQ prefix from its EV, which is how we ended up with the lengthy official name. For the sake of simplicity, we just call it the G-Class EV. From the outside, it is not hard to separate the G-Class EV from its gas-guzzling counterparts (G 550 / G 63) even though it still has the series' signature boxy design. Being a fully electric model, the G-Class EV has a different front grille design that also includes an LED outline. The unit shown at MBFWKL also features a square box on its back instead of the usual circular case that is usually used to hold a spare tire. Owners can use this box to store things like charging cables and tools. The G-Class EV also has some features that are not available with its fossil fuel counterparts. One such feature is called the G-Turn (or known by most as the tank turn), which allows the EV to rotate up to 720 degrees on its own axis. Aside from that, the G-Class EV also has a wading depth of 850mm (0.85m), which is 150mm more than the petrol version. Other EV-exclusive features include the G-Steering, intelligent Offroad Crawl functionalities and V8-inspired G-Roar driving sound experience. Performance-wise, the SUV features four electric motors with a combined output of 432kW (579hp) alongside 1,164Nm of torque. Powered by a 116kWh lithium-ion battery, the G-Class EV offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 473km. This EV also comes with an 11kW AC onboard charger and supports a DC charging speed of up to 200kW. In terms of charging time, it takes around 12 hours to go from 10 per cent to 100 per cent, while with DC charging, it is much faster at 32 minutes to recharge the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. As expected from a Mercedes, the G-Class EV comes standard with the MBUX infotainment system alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and another 12.3-inch media display. Two 11.6-inch touch displays can also be installed for rear passengers, although it is unknown at the moment whether this option will be made available for our market. The price tag for the G-Class EV in Malaysia is still a secret for now as well. That being said, it is likely to be lower than its petrol counterpart, the Mercedes-AMG G63, which has an eye-watering price of around RM1.9 million. — SoyaCincau
Car and Driver
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Over the decades, the Mercedes G-wagen has slowly evolved from a military truck into a well-loved luxury off-roader, and now it's entering yet another new era. This new version is officially called the G580 with EQ Technology, but that's quite a mouthful so we call it G-class EV. Four electric motors combine for 579 horsepower and can spin the G-class EV in place by operating the left- and right-side wheels in opposite directions. It's a hoot, but operating each electric motor independently also gives this SUV an advantage when traversing tough off-road trails. The electric G's cabin is riddled with luxuries just like its gasoline-powered siblings, but the lack of engine noise delivers an extra dose of elite ambience. What's New for 2026? The G580 is still very fresh, having been introduced just last year, so we expect to see no significant changes for 2026. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV is expected to start around $163,000. G580 $163,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k The electric G-class comes in just one trim—G580—which makes ordering one fairly easy. We would add the AMG Line and Night packages, which include 20-inch wheels and other exterior trim painted in high-gloss black. We'd also recommend the Active Multicontour Seat Plus package, which features eight massage programs for the driver and front passenger. EV Motor, Power, and Performance The G580 with EQ Technology differs from its gas-powered siblings primarily due to its electric drivetrain. Four electric motors—one for each wheel—combine for 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque. Each motor can be individually controlled, which Mercedes has taken advantage of to give the electric G-class some new-age off-road tricks. For one thing, the SUV can spin itself 360 degrees within its own length—what's known as a tank turn—by powering the right and left wheels in opposite directions using a feature called G-Turn. G-Steering is another function that is intended to improve off-road maneuvering by varying the power of each motor to help reduce the turning circle. Virtual differential locks, torque vectoring, and an off-road crawl function are also on hand to help maintain typical G-class-like all-terrain capability. The G-class EV rides on a ladder frame chassis, just like the gas-powered model, and features an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. During our test drive, which took place both on- and off-road, we were impressed with the G580's maneuverability and capability on the trails. On the pavement, it still feels commanding like a G-wagen should, with the main difference being that the electric motors provide more instantaneous thrust compared with the ICE model's gas engines. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the electric G-class got to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. That's plenty quick, but we still think the gas-powered AMG G63 will be quicker. Range, Charging, and Battery Life Incorporated into the G-class EV's frame is a large, 116.0-kWh battery pack. The EPA-rated range is 239 miles per charge, but we haven't yet gotten a real-world range result in our testing. DC fast charging can be done at a max of 200 kW, and Mercedes-Benz estimates that on such a connection, the battery can be juiced from 10 to 80 percent in about 32 minutes. In our real-world testing, the G580 charged from 10 percent to 90 percent in 46 minutes. The electric G also features special underbody protection plates to make sure no damage can be done to the battery while tackling rough terrain. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 G580 yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 68 MPGe city, 56 MPGe highway, and 62 MPGe combined. When we get a chance, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with real-world test results. For more information about the G-Class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The G580 EV's cabin is predictably deluxe, and high-end finishings abound. Nappa leather upholstery is standard, and integrated ambient lighting can be adjusted to the colors of your choice. The dashboard is upright and tall, with little space between the base of the windshield and the steering wheel, giving the driver a commanding view of what's ahead. Massaging seats are part of the Active Multicontour Seat Plus package, and the adjustable side bolsters can be set to hold you a little more snugly when driving off-road. The rear seat isn't as spacious as the one in the larger Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, but it's on par with what you'll find in other high-end off-roaders such as the Land Rover Defender. The cargo area, which is accessed by opening the side-hinged rear door, offers 19.6 cubic feet of storage space. That's less than the 38.7 cubic feet in the gas-powered model, and the difference is due to the space eaten up by the packaging of the EV SUV's rear electric motors and battery modules. Infotainment and Connectivity Two large, 12.3-inch screens stretch across most of the G-class's dashboard. The first serves as a reconfigurable gauge cluster, and the second as a touchscreen for the infotainment interface. That interface is Mercedes's latest MBUX system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and augmented-reality navigation. There's also a menu of gauges called the Offroad Cockpit that can be activated when off-roading. The setup includes a compass, an altimeter, an artificial-horizon display, a steering angle indicator, a tire pressure monitor, and more. A pair of 11.6-inch displays can be added to the back of the two front seats for rear-seat entertainment but all G's get a Burmester stereo system with Dolby Atmos technology as standard. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Standard driver-assistance features are plentiful in the G-class EV. Expected basics such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are on the list, but so too are more advanced features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, a self-parking feature, and traffic-sign recognition. For more information about the G-class EV's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mercedes' warranty periods align with other luxury automakers', such as Audi and BMW. However, unlike those German competitors, Benz-branded models don't include any complimentary maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $162,650/$192,690 POWERTRAIN Front Motors: 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 145 hp Rear Motors: 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 145 hp Combined Power: 579 hp Combined Torque: 859 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 116.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW Transmissions: 2-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Tires: Falken Azenis FK520 275/50R-20 113V MO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 182.0 in Width: 74.4 in Height: 78.2 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/53 ft3 Cargo Volume: 37 ft3 Curb Weight: 6908 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.1 sec 100 mph: 10.4 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.6 sec @ 108 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.5 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 128 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 46 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 62/68/53 MPGe Range: 239 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
NDTV
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Mercedes-Benz G 580 Struggling In Global Market? Here's What Report Says
Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is an electric version of the famous G-Class SUV. This model aims to mix traditional off-road capabilities with modern electric features. However, it has received a mixed response from the market. In this article, we will take a look at the potential reasons why the electric variant of Mercedes flagship G-series lacked in sales. About the Mercedes-Benz G 580: The G 580 features advanced electric technology. It is built on a modified ladder frame and has four electric motors, one at each wheel producing a total of 579 horsepower and 1164 Nm of torque. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.6 seconds and has a range of up to 473 km, depending on driving conditions. One of its unique features is the "G-Turn," which allows the SUV to turn in place, showcasing its off-road capabilities despite being a heavy electric vehicle. Reason For Market Challenges: Despite these strengths, the electric G-Class has faced several challenges that led to low sales in comparison to the Mercedes ICE variant. Some of the reasons are: Sales Performance: In its first year, only 1,450 units were sold, compared to about 9,700 traditional combustion-engine G-Class. Pricing: The G 580 is comparatively more expensive than its petrol counterpart. Range Concerns: With an EPA-certified range of about 473 km, potential buyers have expressed concerns, especially when other competitors offer longer ranges. Market Feedback: An internal Mercedes executive (who kept his identity anonymous) reportedly called the vehicle "a complete flop," citing low sales and limited interest from customers. Practicality Concerns: The EV is heavy and has a limited payload capacity, and it doesn't have a towbar option. These issues have raised doubts about its practicality compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) model. Despite this, the brand claims in a quote to Motor1 that the G-Class remains a favorite among buyers. It recorded its highest-ever sales in the last quarter of 2024 and continued to perform well in early 2025, with an 18 percent increase in sales compared to the same time last year. Mercedes-Benz is ready to handle any changes in the market. Looking ahead to the 2030s, the brand will offer both fully electric models and advanced fuel-powered options, depending on what customers prefer.
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mercedes-Benz admits its G-Class EV is a "complete flop"
The first all-electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models reportedly isn't selling well. Launched last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, as the G-Class electric vehicle (EV) is called, was revealed in 2024 as the production version of the 2021 EQG concept. While the G-Class (often referred to as the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has long been a favourite of celebrities, for many years it's also been inextricably linked with the V8 engine under the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which costs a cool $365,900 before on-road costs. The move to electric power in the lengthily named G580 with EQ Technology has reportedly not only been met with a collective yawn from consumers, despite its significantly lower starting price ($249,000 in Australia), but could also impact the German automaker's future product plans. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop," an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. "People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders," reads another quote from an anonymous source. Another insider had a more glass-half-full explanation, telling the media outlet: "It's a niche model; production numbers are very low." According to the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now considering launching the upcoming 'little G' – a smaller SUV with similarly boxy styling – with a petrol engine instead of offering it exclusively with electric power. This model is due for launch in 2027. This bad publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which has been dogged by reports of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, as well as repeated rumours of a return to V8 power (or at least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG's arch-rival to the BMW M3. Unlike the C63, in which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain completely replaced a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz's electric G-Wagen didn't come at the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon. To that end, Mercedes-Benz can adjust its production mix to match buyer demand. "Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios. Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine," a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Motor1. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class." This year to the end of May, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, compared to 133 combustion-powered variants in the same period. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had sold 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the end of April, against around 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class vehicles. Despite this, a spokesperson told the publication "[we are] on target with our sales figures". And despite its high-tech powertrain, the electric G-Class is cheaper than both the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, though it also lacks a towbar option and has a maximum payload of only 415kg. But Mercedes-Benz hasn't offered a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia since it dropped the G400d in 2022, hence the $115,000-plus price gap between the G580 and G63 here. Powering the G580 are four electric motors capable of producing up to 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and allowing it to perform 'tank turns' on the spot. A huge 116kWh battery supplies power to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP test cycle. The twin-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in contrast, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It's good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks in large part to weighing around 400kg less than the electric model. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class Content originally sourced from: The first all-electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models reportedly isn't selling well. Launched last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, as the G-Class electric vehicle (EV) is called, was revealed in 2024 as the production version of the 2021 EQG concept. While the G-Class (often referred to as the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has long been a favourite of celebrities, for many years it's also been inextricably linked with the V8 engine under the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which costs a cool $365,900 before on-road costs. The move to electric power in the lengthily named G580 with EQ Technology has reportedly not only been met with a collective yawn from consumers, despite its significantly lower starting price ($249,000 in Australia), but could also impact the German automaker's future product plans. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop," an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. "People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders," reads another quote from an anonymous source. Another insider had a more glass-half-full explanation, telling the media outlet: "It's a niche model; production numbers are very low." According to the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now considering launching the upcoming 'little G' – a smaller SUV with similarly boxy styling – with a petrol engine instead of offering it exclusively with electric power. This model is due for launch in 2027. This bad publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which has been dogged by reports of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, as well as repeated rumours of a return to V8 power (or at least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG's arch-rival to the BMW M3. Unlike the C63, in which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain completely replaced a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz's electric G-Wagen didn't come at the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon. To that end, Mercedes-Benz can adjust its production mix to match buyer demand. "Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios. Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine," a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Motor1. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class." This year to the end of May, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, compared to 133 combustion-powered variants in the same period. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had sold 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the end of April, against around 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class vehicles. Despite this, a spokesperson told the publication "[we are] on target with our sales figures". And despite its high-tech powertrain, the electric G-Class is cheaper than both the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, though it also lacks a towbar option and has a maximum payload of only 415kg. But Mercedes-Benz hasn't offered a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia since it dropped the G400d in 2022, hence the $115,000-plus price gap between the G580 and G63 here. Powering the G580 are four electric motors capable of producing up to 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and allowing it to perform 'tank turns' on the spot. A huge 116kWh battery supplies power to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP test cycle. The twin-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in contrast, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It's good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks in large part to weighing around 400kg less than the electric model. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class Content originally sourced from: The first all-electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models reportedly isn't selling well. Launched last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, as the G-Class electric vehicle (EV) is called, was revealed in 2024 as the production version of the 2021 EQG concept. While the G-Class (often referred to as the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has long been a favourite of celebrities, for many years it's also been inextricably linked with the V8 engine under the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which costs a cool $365,900 before on-road costs. The move to electric power in the lengthily named G580 with EQ Technology has reportedly not only been met with a collective yawn from consumers, despite its significantly lower starting price ($249,000 in Australia), but could also impact the German automaker's future product plans. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop," an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. "People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders," reads another quote from an anonymous source. Another insider had a more glass-half-full explanation, telling the media outlet: "It's a niche model; production numbers are very low." According to the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now considering launching the upcoming 'little G' – a smaller SUV with similarly boxy styling – with a petrol engine instead of offering it exclusively with electric power. This model is due for launch in 2027. This bad publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which has been dogged by reports of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, as well as repeated rumours of a return to V8 power (or at least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG's arch-rival to the BMW M3. Unlike the C63, in which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain completely replaced a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz's electric G-Wagen didn't come at the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon. To that end, Mercedes-Benz can adjust its production mix to match buyer demand. "Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios. Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine," a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Motor1. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class." This year to the end of May, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, compared to 133 combustion-powered variants in the same period. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had sold 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the end of April, against around 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class vehicles. Despite this, a spokesperson told the publication "[we are] on target with our sales figures". And despite its high-tech powertrain, the electric G-Class is cheaper than both the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, though it also lacks a towbar option and has a maximum payload of only 415kg. But Mercedes-Benz hasn't offered a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia since it dropped the G400d in 2022, hence the $115,000-plus price gap between the G580 and G63 here. Powering the G580 are four electric motors capable of producing up to 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and allowing it to perform 'tank turns' on the spot. A huge 116kWh battery supplies power to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP test cycle. The twin-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in contrast, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It's good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks in large part to weighing around 400kg less than the electric model. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class Content originally sourced from: The first all-electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models reportedly isn't selling well. Launched last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, as the G-Class electric vehicle (EV) is called, was revealed in 2024 as the production version of the 2021 EQG concept. While the G-Class (often referred to as the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has long been a favourite of celebrities, for many years it's also been inextricably linked with the V8 engine under the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which costs a cool $365,900 before on-road costs. The move to electric power in the lengthily named G580 with EQ Technology has reportedly not only been met with a collective yawn from consumers, despite its significantly lower starting price ($249,000 in Australia), but could also impact the German automaker's future product plans. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop," an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. "People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders," reads another quote from an anonymous source. Another insider had a more glass-half-full explanation, telling the media outlet: "It's a niche model; production numbers are very low." According to the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now considering launching the upcoming 'little G' – a smaller SUV with similarly boxy styling – with a petrol engine instead of offering it exclusively with electric power. This model is due for launch in 2027. This bad publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which has been dogged by reports of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, as well as repeated rumours of a return to V8 power (or at least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG's arch-rival to the BMW M3. Unlike the C63, in which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain completely replaced a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz's electric G-Wagen didn't come at the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon. To that end, Mercedes-Benz can adjust its production mix to match buyer demand. "Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios. Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine," a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Motor1. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class." This year to the end of May, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, compared to 133 combustion-powered variants in the same period. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had sold 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the end of April, against around 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class vehicles. Despite this, a spokesperson told the publication "[we are] on target with our sales figures". And despite its high-tech powertrain, the electric G-Class is cheaper than both the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, though it also lacks a towbar option and has a maximum payload of only 415kg. But Mercedes-Benz hasn't offered a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia since it dropped the G400d in 2022, hence the $115,000-plus price gap between the G580 and G63 here. Powering the G580 are four electric motors capable of producing up to 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and allowing it to perform 'tank turns' on the spot. A huge 116kWh battery supplies power to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP test cycle. The twin-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in contrast, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It's good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks in large part to weighing around 400kg less than the electric model. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mercedes-Benz admits its G-Class EV is a "complete flop"
The first all-electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models reportedly isn't selling well. Launched last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, as the G-Class electric vehicle (EV) is called, was revealed in 2024 as the production version of the 2021 EQG concept. While the G-Class (often referred to as the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has long been a favourite of celebrities, for many years it's also been inextricably linked with the V8 engine under the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which costs a cool $365,900 before on-road costs. The move to electric power in the lengthily named G580 with EQ Technology has reportedly not only been met with a collective yawn from consumers, despite its significantly lower starting price ($249,000 in Australia), but could also impact the German automaker's future product plans. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop,' an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. 'People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders,' reads another quote from an anonymous source. Another insider had a more glass-half-full explanation, telling the media outlet: 'It's a niche model; production numbers are very low.' According to the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now considering launching the upcoming 'little G' – a smaller SUV with similarly boxy styling – with a petrol engine instead of offering it exclusively with electric power. This model is due for launch in 2027. Supplied Credit: CarExpert This bad publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which has been dogged by reports of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, as well as repeated rumours of a return to V8 power (or at least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG's arch-rival to the BMW M3. Unlike the C63, in which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain completely replaced a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz's electric G-Wagen didn't come at the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon. To that end, Mercedes-Benz can adjust its production mix to match buyer demand. 'Mercedes-Benz is prepared for all market scenarios. Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine,' a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Motor1. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Our customers decide what suits them best. This applies also for the G-Class.' This year to the end of May, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, compared to 133 combustion-powered variants in the same period. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had sold 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the end of April, against around 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class vehicles. Despite this, a spokesperson told the publication '[we are] on target with our sales figures'. And despite its high-tech powertrain, the electric G-Class is cheaper than both the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, though it also lacks a towbar option and has a maximum payload of only 415kg. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But Mercedes-Benz hasn't offered a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia since it dropped the G400d in 2022, hence the $115,000-plus price gap between the G580 and G63 here. Powering the G580 are four electric motors capable of producing up to 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and allowing it to perform 'tank turns' on the spot. A huge 116kWh battery supplies power to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving range of 473km on the WLTP test cycle. The twin-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in contrast, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It's good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks in large part to weighing around 400kg less than the electric model. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class
