Key Highlights - 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580
🔋 Battery: 116 kWh, ~239 miles of range (1.85 mi/kWh)
⚡ Power: 579 hp, 859 lb-ft torque with four motors
🏞 Off-Road: 9.8 in clearance, 33.5 in water fording, Crawl modes
🔄 Party Tricks: G-Turn spins in place, G Steering shrinks turning radius
🚀 Performance: 0–60 mph in 4.6 sec, 200-kW DC fast charging (32 min 10–80%)
💰 Price: Starts at $162,650 including destination charge
G-Class Goes Electric
The Mercedes-Benz G Class has always been about making a statement. A Jeep Wrangler is just as capable off-road for about a third of the price, but the G's six-figure price tag is part of what makes it so appealing to Beverly Hills socialites and tech bros alike. Now, with the first electric G hitting the scene, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, the G Class finds more ways to show off.
Instead of the usual V8 power, the G 580 boasts one of the most advanced electric drive systems on the market, allowing it to do things the gas versions can’t. Each wheel has a permanently synchronous motor with its own transmission. Together, they pump out 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque.
Because each wheel has its own motor, the G 580 can electronically control exactly how much power is available to each wheel, advancing its off-road mission and replacing traditional locking differentials with faster, more precise "virtual" ones for better traction. The individual transmissions also provide low-range gearing for two new features that'll definitely help G 580 buyers show off: G-Turn and G Steering.
Party Tricks that Redefine Off-Roading
The most spectacular of these is G-Turn, which lets the G 580 turn in place. It only works under specific conditions, and it’s finicky to engage, but it was the feature I most wanted to try during my week with the G 580 with EQ Technology DV1 Edition 1.
First, I had to stop on a loose, flat surface with the steering wheel straight, switch to Rock mode, activate low-range gearing and shift to neutral. From there, I clicked the G-Turn button, held down the right steering wheel paddle, then eased into the throttle. The G 580 took over, spinning the front wheels backward and the rear wheels forward to turn the vehicle in place. I stayed on the throttle and completed two full 360s — the most that Mercedes allows.
It was a fun little exercise that could get the G out of a tight spot on a dead-end trail, but it also digs divots into the earth.
Looking for another rugged EV SUV? Read our take on Subaru’s electric adventurer: 2026 Subaru Uncharted: Off-Road. All-Electric. Insane Range
While I had the chance, I also tried G Steering. It required all the same setup steps, but this time I hit the G Steering button. When ready, I drove forward slowly and turned the wheel right. The system then used the motors to pivot around the inside rear wheel, greatly reducing the turning radius. This function is much gentler on the trails, and I could see it being used more often.
The low-range gearing also enables three off-road Crawl functions. Slow Crawl limits speed to a turtle-like 1 mph. Fast Crawl bumps it up to 5 mph, and Variable Crawl increases the speed to as much as 9 mph on steep grades (10-20 percent), and it lets drivers use the brake and throttle to increase or reduce speed. Mercedes says the G 580 can climb grades as steep as 100 percent if the surface permits.
Impressive Off-Road Stats
The G 580 boasts other impressive off-road credentials, too. With 9.8 inches of ground clearance between the axles, it won't scrape on rocks or logs that would stop many other SUVs. Its angles are very forgiving too. It can approach steep climbs at 32 degrees, crest hills at 20.3 degrees, and descend at 30.7 degrees without dragging its bumpers. It can also ford up to 33.5 inches of water, 5.9 inches more than the gas G, thanks to a sealed battery protected by an inch-thick underbody panel that incorporates carbon and is affixed to the ladder frame.
Additional off-road features include a Transparent Hood view that lets drivers see what’s right in front and under the vehicle on the center screen, and the Off-Road dash display shows readouts for steering angle, tilt angle, grade elevation, grade percentage, torque output, temperature, and tire pressure, as well as a compass.
The motors also deliver serious grunt. Power arrives quickly and smoothly, launching this 6,800-pound beast from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, according to Mercedes. It’s accompanied by an artificial sound Mercedes calls G-Roar that’s not a spaceship whir like many other EVs. Instead, it’s a low thrum inspired by the V8s that power other G Classes. It’s subdued when driving in Comfort mode but rather prominent in Sport mode, and it can be turned off if you prefer.
On-Road Character
The roughly 1,300 extra pounds added by turning the G into an EV doesn’t hurt the G 580’s admittedly sludgy handling; it was never exactly graceful to begin with. With its tall stance, a relatively short 113.8-inch wheelbase, and a suspension tuned for off-roading, the G 580 feels top-heavy. From the driver’s seat, it seems uneasy on its feet during normal driving, with body movements that can toss your head around when accelerating, braking, or cornering. This even happens if you aren’t smooth on the throttle and brakes when using the Max regen mode. It’s not so bad in the other four regen modes. That said, these kinds of on-road manners are expected for a vehicle built to conquer trails.
Body lean in corners is substantial, but the G 580’s double-wishbone front suspension, solid rear axle, and adaptive dampers settle in and help the G fight physics to stay stable through turns. The low-set battery likely helps by lowering the overall center of gravity. The ride is smooth, with no harsh impacts, but it gets jiggly on rough pavement.
The G 580's 116-kilowatt-hour battery enables a modest 239 miles of range with an efficiency of 1.85 miles per kWh. Yes, that makes it one of the least efficient EVs on the market, but when you're getting upwards of 500 horsepower and the ability to spin in place, that power has to come from somewhere. Plus, the GMC Hummer EV is notably worse at 1.56 mi/kWh. On more than 134 miles of highway and city driving, I averaged 1.89 mi/kWh, so the rating appears to be accurate.
Curious how fast charging impacts real-world battery life? Check out: How Much Does Fast Charging Affect Battery Life?
The G 580 has a 400-volt electrical architecture that allows 200-kW DC fast charging. That lets it go from a 10-80 percent charge in about 32 minutes, according to Mercedes. On a Level 2, 240-volt outlet, it can charge from empty to 100 percent in 13.6 hours at a rate of up to 9.6 kW.
Luxury That Lives Up to the Price
One of the surprising and delightful features of any G Class is the bank vault sound the doors make when they close. It’s a satisfying mechanical click that speaks to the G’s top-notch build quality. It leads to a cabin that doesn’t disappoint, either. The G 580 comes standard with leather upholstery and wood or metal-weave trim, though my Edition 1 tester had carbon-fiber trim. Mercedes also makes it comfortable with supportive 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and heated and cooled cupholders.
The technology is excellent as well. Mercedes outfits it with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation with augmented reality overlays, a 760-watt Burmester audio system with 18 speakers, satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen runs Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system that’s quick acting and reacts to the voice command “Hey Mercedes.”
Space isn’t the G’s strength, but it still offers good storage capacity in a beautifully finished cargo hold. It has 34.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 70.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down to create a stepped load floor. That’s a bit less space than a Honda CR-V.
Verdict: G-Class Reinvented
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology starts at $162,650, including a $1,150 destination charge. That's $13,250 more than the least expensive gas-powered G Class but $24,600 less than the expensive AMG model. While it comes loaded with plenty of features, the G 580 won’t appeal to anyone as a value play. But that’s not why people buy it. The G 580’s electric powertrain gives one of the best off-roaders on the market new features, including two that can let it show off even better than its gas-powered siblings.
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