The 2025 All-Electric G 580

Mercedes purportedly created the “Geländewagen” (the German word for “all-terrain,” or “cross-country vehicle”) in response to a suggestion by the Shah of Iran in the early 1970s. The Shah apparently wanted a higher-quality military vehicle, and Mercedes presciently decided that there was a market for it. Not long thereafter, Mercedes realized that there could be a civilian market for the “G-Wagon,” but due to a variety of reasons, it was available in the U.S. for many years only through a grey-market importer, not via the American Mercedes-Benz dealer network. The G-Wagon joined the official North American Mercedes family in 2002, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Now, many decades later, that SUV (with an emphasis on “utility”) is still highly recognizable, as the shape has basically remained the same. Squared-off, with little attention given to aerodynamics but with amazing ground clearance, the purpose-built look of an off-road warrior combines nicely to announce this SUV’s arrival. However, a “kinder and gentler” aura now surrounds the car since, in place of the well-known performance-sounding burble, one G-Wagen variant now emits more of a hum, having gone completely — wait for it — electric. But don’t let the relative quiet of this SUV fool you, as it is every bit as much a performer as its petrolholic relatives.

Let’s take a quick look at the G family — Mercedes currently offers the G-Wagon in three different models:

• G 550 SUV (a three-liter six-cylinder turbo with hybrid assist) with 443 HP, 413 pound-feet of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, arriving with a base price of just over $148,000.
• G 580 with EQ Technology SUV (with four electric motors) with a combined 579 HP, 859 pound-feet of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, with a base price of over $161,000.
• AMG G 63 SUV (an eight-cylinder twin-turbo V-8) with 577 HP, 627 pound-feet of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, with a base price of over $186,000.

The G-Wagon I test-drove was of the electron type, as I was most interested in how similar to — or different from — its ancestors the big e-ute might be. Spoiler alert: I was very pleasantly surprised.

First impressions: it is more luxurious than the previous models I’ve driven. Not surprisingly, it is quieter than its forebears, as there is little sound emanating from the propulsion system. Wind noise is about the same as with earlier versions, no doubt because the concept of “aerodynamics” is hardly applicable to a vehicle with such a high profile, an upright front clip and a vertical windshield. Twenty-inch wheels with off-road tires add to roadway sound, but the cabin is nicely insulated, and the music from the excellent sound system adds further aural pleasure.

My G 580 was Polar White with a Sage Gray leather interior, a very nice, subdued combination. With a number of quality touches — highly detailed leather seats, wooden accents, satin-finished metal on many surfaces and a variety of interior upgrades — the SUV was quite elegant, equally at home off-roading or cruising downtown.

Though it may just be a rumor, I have heard that some owners actually take their G-Wagons off-roading. That would make sense, since the portal axles (which allow the rear differential to be positioned much higher above the ground) give the vehicle an amazing amount of ground clearance — almost ten inches. And with its sealed electric motors and battery packs, the G-Wagon is less susceptible to mid-river failure.

No story on the G-Wagon would be complete without mention of the famous “tank turn” (denoted the “G-Turn” in Mercedes parlance). Of dubious utility for most drivers, it nevertheless is quite fun and remains the trick that onlookers request most often. With the proper drivetrain settings (preferably on soft dirt or a wet surface), the front and rear wheels on one side move forward while both wheels on the other side move backward, giving the big SUV the ability to pivot almost on its own axis.

Added to the base price on “my” G 580 were ash interior trim, 20-inch 10-spoke aerodynamic alloy wheels, the “Night Package” (which provides a blackout of various exterior trim pieces) and a few other niceties, all of which together added approximately $17,050 to the total cost.

If a utilitarian luxury vehicle (or luxurious utility vehicle — reader’s choice) is of interest to you, this is a strong option, as the quality, fit, finish, performance and drivability are excellent. Though carpool stickers are joining the buggy whip in the annals of motor vehicle lore, it is still nice to show one’s enviro-credit with the ubiquitous high-occupancy vehicle pass affixed firmly to the G-Wagen.