Latest news with #electricSUV
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Polestar 3 review: For drivers who appricate simplicity
Polestar customers looking at the brand's latest model face an interesting choice - do you want to go fast, or do you want to go far? The cheapest version of this prestige electric SUV claims truly impressive driving range - some 706 kilometres. You can go faster if you spend more, but the most powerful version must stop 140 kilometres sooner than that. All versions of the Polestar 3 have the same battery, a whopping 111kWh unit with roughly twice the capacity of affordable electric hatchbacks. Lighter and simpler, the entry-level Polestar 3 has just one motor, a 220kW motor mounted in the rear of the car. Capable of producing 220kW and 490Nm, it can propel the car to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds. Want to go faster? Dual-motor versions are available with 360kW/840Nm or 380kW and 910Nm - the latter capable of ripping to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. But it can only drive for 567 kilometres. Price might be a deciding factor. The two-wheel-drive model costs about $128,000 drive-away, while the high performance dual motor version starts from about $155,000 drive-away. That's a lot of coin. The options are dear, too. A 'plus pack' with a premium Bowers and Wilkins stereo is $9000, premium LED headlights are $3000 and an electric tow bar adds $2900 to the deal. Whichever way you go, the result is a polished electric SUV with Scandinavian design elements and Chinese battery know-how. Think luxurious yet sustainable materials, wonderfully comfortable seats and a Google-powered infotainment system. It takes a little more time to learn than simple smartphone mirroring such as Apple CarPlay, but it's worth persisting with as it helps the car stand apart from the crowd. The interior really does make a quiet statement. It's a calming, comfortable space that swerves around the ostentatious trim and nightclub-esque LED lighting of some alternatives. And you could say the same of the driving experience. This isn't a shouty, boisterous car. It's an exercise in restraint, painted with a palette of neutral earth tones rather than primary colours or neon. The standard car's regular suspension does a decent job of keeping you comfortable while maintaining control of considerable mass. Air suspension in the all-wheel-drive version might be a better bet, but then again, it adds weight and complexity that saps range. The simple two-wheel-drive set-up suits the Polestar. It's a car that aims to soother, rather than thrill. Self-assured but not self-aggrandising, it's a pleasantly inoffensive model geared toward folks who appreciate its restrained design and environmental conscience. Perhaps it will be for some folks. But it's hard to see it cutting through in big numbers here, particularly when rival machines like the Porsche Macan bring prestige badges and the promise of greater driving satisfaction for similar money.
Car and Driver
a day ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Tested: 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron EV Soothes, Lacks Swagger
Roundabouts have been sprouting up across America, including along the little countryside roads connecting Car and Driver's Ann Arbor home base to our 10Best evaluation loop. This mark of progress can rile some drivers, but Audi's Q6 e-tron uses its electric strengths to take the edge off that on-the-ground change. As we approached roundabouts and lifted off the accelerator, this compact electric SUV's regenerative braking reliably scrubbed off just the right amount of speed, letting us glide in easily and accelerate out briskly. Likewise, when approaching tighter curves or going downhill, the Q6 cranked up the regen and simply sailed through. EVs, like roundabouts, are something that makes a world of sense—and whether you love 'em, hate 'em, or land somewhere in between, they're increasingly part of the future. Porsche and Audi got a head start on the fast-charging 800-volt form with the Taycan and e-tron GT, respectively. Now, about five years later, the VW Group has transposed that tech for a broader market with the Audi Q6 and its PPE (Premium Platform Electric) fundamentals, which are shared with the Porsche Macan EV. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Those underlying bits help make the Q6 one of today's fastest-charging EVs. Audi says its battery can juice from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 21 minutes on a DC fast-charger, with a peak at 270 kilowatts. During testing, we saw a 35-minute charge from 10 to 90 percent with a peak of 264 kilowatts and an average of 129 kilowatts. That's a far quicker time than we've seen from the BMW iX, and it even beats the 800-volt Kia EV9 (which has about the same-size battery pack) by a couple of minutes. HIGHS: Road-trip-ready fast-charging, real-world range, impressive brakes and regen. Audi has suggested that NACS charging adapters are on the way this year, and when that time comes, the Q6 e-tron will be able to charge at rates of up to 135 kilowatts on Tesla's legacy V3 Superchargers, by splitting its 94-kWh battery pack into two 400-volt halves charged in parallel. To make charging more accessible, the Q6 e-tron has AC charge ports on both sides (with DC on the driver's side, as well, which works out nicely for Superchargers). In 75-mph highway driving, the Q6 e-tron went 250 miles, sailing 10 miles farther than an EV9 while carrying a battery with roughly the same capacity. And that was with our tester's optional 20-inch wheels (19s are standard), which bring a 295-mile EPA range rating. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Outside of the Q6 e-tron's excellent charging and range credentials, it's an EV to consider thanks to its overall comfort and easygoing drivability, including that context-sensitive regeneration that varies depending on hills, intersections, corners, and more. It incorporates inputs from long-range radar, the front camera, road-sign data, and navigation-system data for hills and curves. The Q6 e-tron defaults to that auto regen setting with each vehicle start, and given how well it worked for the commute, that's just fine. Coasting and two other levels of deeper regen can be tapped into with steering-wheel paddles, and there's a one-pedal B mode on the shift toggle that lets you gradually come to a stop without pressing the brake. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Range, efficiency, charging, and the ease of the EV experience clearly distinguish the Q6 e-tron from the rest of the pack of electric luxury SUVs. But our other impressions weren't as decidedly positive. During our testing, editors found the Q6 e-tron to be competent but confoundingly plain. This, despite a pair of electric motors conferring a combined 456 horsepower. With soft suspension tuning and light steering, it doesn't feel like Audi made much of an attempt to dial athleticism into this 5440-pound SUV. Performance-minded drivers should look to the sportier SQ6 e-tron model or the electric Macan. That said, our test car's adaptive dampers and optional air springs make it feel more lithe on the back roads than it initially lets on. The Q6 is also appropriately quiet—except when the run-flat Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S all-season tires are signaling their relatively low boundaries (we recorded a middling 0.86 g of skidpad grip but a reasonably hushed 68 decibels of noise inside at 70 mph). View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Thankfully, with all of that power underfoot, the Q6 is not poky in a straight line. It reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is 0.2 second quicker than the 500-hp Cadillac Lyriq AWD, the same amount slower than the 402-hp Mercedes EQE500 4Matic SUV, and a half-second quicker than Audi's own claims. There's no wheelspin or drama when you unleash this Audi's launch-control function; it all happens in a very anticlimactic whoosh. One downside to the vaultlike interior: In real-world driving, the high level of insulation from the outside world makes it easy to achieve speeds higher than what you intend or what the local constabulary may approve of. But the well-blended brakes allowed precise control in parking lots and traffic, as well as a solid 169-foot stop from 70 mph. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver The Audi Q6 e-tron is unmistakably an Audi, but is it unmistakably an EV? Does Audi want people to realize that from a few paces away? From first look, those questions amount to a puzzle that Audi enthusiasts will be able to put together, but this isn't a vehicle for Audi enthusiasts. In terms of profile, proportions, and contouring, Audi hasn't yet transformed the look of EVs like it proposed in its exciting "-sphere" concepts, nor has much creativity gone into interior space and design. The Q6 e-tron doesn't break the mold of the gas-burning Q5 much, although there is a two-cubic-foot frunk. LOWS: Quick, not sporty; anodyne proportions; Audi cabin swagger's gone missing. Though the cabin may not be revolutionary, it's not light on space. The interior feels tall and airy relative to other aero-styled electric SUVs, with supportive, well-bolstered seats, including uncompromised adult-size seat contouring for the rear outboard positions. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver However, the Q6 e-tron Quattro doesn't quite keep up with the cabin standards we expect in an Audi—especially one with this example's $76,790 as-tested price. Our test car's natural wood inlays add some character, particularly to the door panels, but it wasn't enough to offset a range of comments panning the ubiquitous piano-black dash and the cost-cutting look and feel of some materials. This Audi did deliver a luxury experience in terms of ride, comfort, and quiet. The top-spec Prestige trim's upgrades include acoustic front side glass and an adaptive air suspension that excelled in soaking up lumpy back-road surfaces and freeway expansion strips. It amounted to a silent and soothing in-cabin experience. Hopefully you can learn to ignore the Q6's synthetic propulsion sounds, which can't be disabled. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver The Prestige package also adds a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 10.9-inch front passenger touchscreen that allows video streaming, and an augmented-reality head-up display that's customizable but cluttered. Thankfully, Audi's AI-informed digital voice assistant was able to turn the HUD on or off with one simple request, which beats sifting through a legion of screen menus—Audi's infotainment didn't elicit much praise in our logbook. There's a deep trove of assistance features here as well: dynamic exterior lighting, remote- and cloud-based controls, an overzealous lane-keeping system that you'll probably want to turn off. The Lyriq, the iX, and the EQE SUV do not have 800-volt charging systems or anything close to the Q6 e-tron's fast-charging times. But each offers a distinctive cabin experience. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver The Q6 e-tron represents a bet on a different kind of experience—one that's quick and soothing and respects that people want to spend less time charging. And, perhaps, less time on traffic-clogged roundabouts. VERDICT: The Q6 e-tron is loaded with tech and quietly primed for mainstream luxury, not four-ring enthusiasts. Specifications Specifications 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $67,095/$76,790 Options: Prestige package (adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, acoustic front side windows, head- and taillight animations, head-up display with augmented-reality overlays, Bang & Olufsen audio system, cabin preconditioning, dynamic interaction lighting, heated steering wheel and outboard rear seats, headlight washers, LED headlights and interior lighting, 10.9-inch passenger display, panoramic sunroof, configurable daytime-running-light signatures, 360-degree camera system), $6800; Warm Weather package (manual rear side-window sunshades, ventilated front sport seats, front headrest speakers, Stone Grey birchwood inlays), $1300; 20-inch 5-spoke bi-color wheels with all-season tires, $1000; Glacier White Metallic paint, $595 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: induction AC, 188 hp, 203 lb-ft Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 375 hp, 428 lb-ft Combined Power: 456 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 94 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 270 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S RFT F: 255/50R-20 109H M+S REO R: 285/45R-20 112H M+S REO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.7 in Length: 187.8 in Width: 76.3 in Height: 66.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/47 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 60/30 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 2 ft3 Curb Weight: 5440 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.4 sec 100 mph: 10.4 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 111 mph 130 mph: 19.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 346 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 94 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 129 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 35 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 95/102/89 MPGe Range: 295 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Rivian Launches Enticing R1S Lease Offer for June
An enticing offer from any angle The 2025 Rivian R1S battery-electric SUV delivers intense acceleration, ample range on a charge, and impressive off-road agility. That it does so dressed in a distinctively handsome, upscale wardrobe makes it even better. Powetrain choices start with a 553-horsepower Dual-Motor setup, although the optional Performance Upgrade increases that to 665 horsepower. New for 2025 is an 850-hp Tri-Motor driveline, as well as the range-topping 1,050-hp Quad-Motor. Depending on motor configuration and battery pack size, you'll be able to travel anywhere from 258 miles to 410 on a single charge, according to the EPA. The newest Rivian R1S models boast revised air springs and suspension, as well as the availability of Apple Music and Google Cast streaming video. That said, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. Payload is rated at 1,764 pounds while towing is rated at 7,700 pounds. If this all sounds enticing to you, wait till you see Rivian's lease offer this month. 2025 Rivian R1S — Source: Kyle Edward The Rivian R1S lease deal, June 2025 Rivian is touting its newest 'Electric Refresh Offer', giving you the opportunity to trade in your current battery electric, hybrid, or internal combustion engine vehicle for $3,000 off any Rivian R1S. You won't have to wait for your federal tax credit, either, as a $7,500 EV lease credit will be applied directly to your lease. The deal does not apply to custom-built, demo, or pre-owned vehicles. 2025 Rivian R1S — Source: Rivian But that's not all. There's also a 'Summer Adventure Offer.' Opt to lease an R1S Dual-Motor model with the Performance Upgrade and large battery pack, and you'll be treated to $5,000 in down payment assistance and a $7,500 EV lease credit. Prefer the new Tri-Motor model or the hot new California Dune Edition, which wears a sublime paint job and gets standard off-road gear? You'll only receive the $5,000 down payment assist. All offers are good through June 30, 2025. Rivian R1S Keep in mind that, when leasing, consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees before signing. Lease offers vary by metro market. Get the fine print details about the offers here. Final thoughts With up to $12,500 in leasing offers, leasing a new Rivian R1S is harder to resist than ever before, given the improvements made for the 2025 model year. Still, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may give some pause. Considering its refined demeanor and sleek, modern looks, parking one in your driveway may make for the perfect home improvement project. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Larry Printz View Profile
Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2025 Tesla Model Y Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs EPA Est. Range 277–335 Miles Seating 5 Seats Powertrain Electric Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 4 Years/50,000 Miles Overview The Tesla Model Y appears enticing because its estimated driving range is the highest among its electric-SUV peers. However, Tesla's shine begins to dull the closer you look, and its attractive price tag loses its appeal as you notice the SUV's cheap-feeling interior and build-quality issues. It's closely related to the Model 3 sedan, which recently received a comprehensive facelift that addressed these issues, and the Model Y is set to get the same upgrades for the 2026 model year. In the meantime, this version of the Model Y is offered in three configurations—Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance—each with varying levels of driving-range estimates and acceleration performance. What's New for 2025? This year, the previously available Standard Range battery pack has been discontinued. Tesla hasn't made any other major changes to the Model Y for 2025, but a significantly revised version launches as a 2026 model. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2025 Tesla Model Y starts at $46,630 and goes up to $53,130 depending on the trim and options. Long Range RWD $46,630 Long Range AWD $49,630 Performance $53,130 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k Buying an electric car is all about driving range, and the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD models offer up to 337 and 311 miles of range, respectively. We'd go with the Long Range with the single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain, which maximizes driving range. There are few ways to customize your Model Y and only a handful of exterior colors to choose from—most of which cost extra. Want to compare the 2025 Tesla Model Y to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars EV Motor, Power, and Performance The Model Y lineup starts with the Long Range RWD trim that comes with a single electric motor making 295 horsepower. The Model Y's Long Range AWD and Performance models are more compelling for enthusiast drivers thanks to dual motors that provide a higher combined horsepower rating and all-wheel drive. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn't deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3. The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well. 0–60-MPH Times Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to test a 384-hp Long Range AWD, which zipped to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a mere 0.4 second behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph in our testing. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity The Model Y is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds, but a towing hitch does not come standard on any of the SUV's trims. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The EPA estimates that Long Range RWD models offer driving range estimates as high as 337 miles per charge. The Long Range AWD offers up to 311 miles of range; the Performance model's estimated range drops to 277 miles. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the Long Range AWD achieved 220 miles, and the Performance model achieved 230 miles. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (155 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA estimates that the Long Range RWD model is good for 125 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 104 MPGe city and 97 MPGe highway. The Long Range AWD model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Model Y's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display positioned at the center of an uncluttered dashboard. A heavily tinted, all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin. The optional third row of seats adds a steep $2500 to the Model Y's price. This cramped two-passenger setup is of limited use as the two seats cannot comfortably fit adult-size passengers. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Accessing almost every function of the Model Y—from the climate controls to the speedometer—requires users to interact with the large, slim infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps, as well as video games, all perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, Tesla locks drivers out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Tesla's Autopilot driving-assist system comes standard on the Model Y. Despite its name, Autopilot is not exactly the self-driving feature the company claims. The same goes for the Model Y's optional Full Self-Driving Capability. All Model Ys still require the driver's attention and possible intervention. Still, these systems are useful for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. For more information about the Model Y'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 with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range VEHICLE TYPE front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE AS TESTED $57,190 (base price: $54,190) MOTORS 1 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 1 AC induction, 272 and 212 hp; combined output, 384 hp, 376 lb-ft; 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack TRANSMISSION 1-speed direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arm/multilink Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, 255/40R-20 101W M+S TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 187.0 in Width: 75.6 in Height: 63.9 in Passenger volume: 106 ft3 Curb weight: 4386 lb C/D TEST RESULTS Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec 60 mph: 4.4 sec 130 mph: 17.2 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.7 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.0 sec 1/4 mile: 12.7 @ 114 mph Top speed (governor limited): 136 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 75-mph highway driving: 94 MPGe Highway range: 220 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 121/129/112 MPGe - - 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance VEHICLE TYPE front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE AS TESTED $72,190 (base price: $62,190) POWERTRAIN F: induction AC motor R: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor Combined Power (C/D est) 470 hp CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect, F: 255/35R-21 98W TO R: 275/35R-21 103W TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 187.0 in Width: 75.6 in Height: 63.9 in Passenger volume: 106 ft3 Curb weight: 4439 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 3.6 sec 100 mph: 9.1 sec 1/4 mile: 12.1 sec @ 113 mph 130 mph: 17.8 sec 150 mph: 29.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.4 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 1.8 sec Top speed (mfr's claim): 150 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 324 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 75-mph highway driving: 98 MPGe Highway range: 230 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 111/116/106 MPGe Range: 291 miles More Features and Specs
Car and Driver
3 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
