- The Mercedes-Benz G-Class can be had an electric powertrain now
- The electric G-Class is our favorite G-Class
- Pony up, because the electric G-Class costs over $160,000
An icon has made the leap into the electric future, and it’s better for it.
Forget the incredibly clunky name and just call it the Mercedes-Benz EQG or electric G-Class. Whatever you call it, the G-Class, or G-Wagon as it’s commonly known as, can now be had with an electric powertrain. Four motors, G-Turnank turn, legendary off-road capability—this thing’s an EV celebrity.
For all these reasons, the G-Class EV was an instant finalist for Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
Mercedes has taken the G-Class, dropped out the V-8 (or inline-6 or V-12) and bolted a massive 116-kwh battery pack under the cabin. It’s fitted four motors–two per axle, one per wheel–to give the electric G-Class true four-wheel-drive. The result? Tank turns, dubbed “G-Turns” here. Rivian promised this, but didn’t deliver given a laundry list of excuses. Mercedes delivered with no excuses. It’s hilarious.
The quartet of electric motors (each checking in at 108 kw) puts out 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque combined. Each motor gets its own transmission for true low-range mode. Locking differentials? Psh, not needed. Wheel torque is controlled individually. This electric brick runs 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and Mercedes caps top speed at 112 mph.
Despite all the power, and speed, the interior is silent except for some expected wind noise. At least, it can be. Mercedes equipped the electric G with sound generators—a fancy word for speakers—that pump out an idling tone and then subsequently noise as it drives. It’s not for us and thankfully can be turned off.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
Key off-road specs remain true to the G’s nature. Ground clearance between the axles checks in at 9.8 inches with a breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, approach angle of 32.0 degrees, and departure angle of 30.7 degrees. It can also ford more than 33 inches of water, which is more than the standard G that drinks gas.
Efficiency and range aren’t standout features for the electric G. U.S. EPA ratings are expected to check in at 240 miles of range. That’s not a lot, but expecting this brick-on-wheels to be efficient is like expecting a Prius to be fast. It charges moderately quickly on its 400-volt electrical architecture at a max 200-kw rate. That’ll take the G-Class EV from 10-80% in about half an hour.
All of this translates to a hefty point of discussion: This thing weighs roughly 6,800 pounds. For context, the G 550 weighs about 5,500 pounds, and the larger Rivian R1S weighs just under 7,000 pounds.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
And just like a gas-powered G-Class, the electric G costs a small fortune. The rich and the famous will feel perfectly at home with its price of over $160,000. As tested at Best Car To Buy our matte-blue electric G checked in at an eye-watering $190,420.
Are legendary capability and luxury in an electric package enough for the electric G to take the win? Will it be named Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025? Can it beat an electric sports car from Hyundai, a sporty Porsche EV SUV, an electric luxury SUV from Acura, and the Rivian R1S—not to mention a comfortable yet sporty gas-powered cruiser also from Mercedes in the form of the AMG CLE 53? Check back Jan. 6 when we reveal the winner, along with the champs from our sister sites, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.