Electrical G-Wagen—it nearly sounds flawed to say. Some of the staunchly conventional automotive objects coming into the brand new period of EV is one thing vital, and extremely controversial. Not least of which for the G-Wagen’s V-8 and V-12-loving clients. I’m pleased to report that the brand new G580 not solely hits the mark as an off-roader. It nails what an electrical G-Wagen must be.
EV off-roading isn’t new territory. The Rivian R1T set the usual on its debut, and proved simply how well-suited electrical powertrains are for hitting the dust. Mercedes leaned into this for the G580, utilizing 4 electrical motors (one for every wheel) to rigorously management traction. It even has a low vary for every of the motors to multiply torque for particularly robust climbs.
The G580 additionally has a celebration trick—One I used a number of occasions—referred to as the G Flip. It mainly does a stationary spin, like its on a turntable. Mercedes says that is to make particularly troublesome maneuvers on trails potential, however I discovered that it wouldn’t interact if the G580 was even barely tilted. Due to this fact, I might solely conclude that it was for comedic impact.
What was most shocking was how properly the G580, even with out the G63’s V-8 and angle, maintained its G-Wagen-ness. It felt spiritually appropriate, and had simple functionality. For the complete lowdown and the how and why, watch our latest Youtube video above.
