Mercedes-Benz G 580 review

The G-Wagen needs no introduction. It's kept its iconic boxy silhouette and world-conquering attitude for decades, always looking like it was built to survive the apocalypse and rescue you from it. But now, purists fear the apocalypse has arrived *for* the G itself - because it's gone electric. That's right. The G-Class, the final frontier of squared-off excess, now runs on electrons. Meet the Mercedes-Benz G 580 First Edition - proof that zero emissions don't have to mean zero personality.

Same Icon, New Trick 

Visually, it's business as usual. The G 580 still punches a square hole through the air, scoffs at aerodynamic convention, and delivers that signature thunk when you shut the door. Round headlights? Check. Exposed hinges? Still there. But look closer, and you'll spot the differences - slightly raised bonnet, cooling ducts on the rear fender, and a green number plate that quietly yells, "I'm electric."

Unlike the international version, India's G 580 doesn't get the illuminated three-pointed star or the glossy black grille panel. And that's probably for the best - because the G should look like a bouncer, not a backlit fashionista. The spare tyre case on the tailgate? Still there, still round, and still carrying a full-size spare wheel - despite what the infotainment's squarish icon might suggest. Some things are too sacred to change.

And the name? G 580. Subtle, but with 580 horses under the bonnet (or rather, floor), it tells you everything you need to know. No EQ gimmicks. No cutesy branding. Just raw, electric grunt.

Electrified, But Not Neutered 

Now to the big question: does an electric G still feel like a G? Short answer - absolutely. This isn't a quick retrofit job. Mercedes rebuilt the G from the ground up, slotting in a 116 kWh lithium-ion battery between the ladder frame rails and pairing it with four electric motors - one for each wheel. The result? 580 PS and 1,164 Nm of torque. Translation: hilarious levels of thrust and traction.

Acceleration is brutally smooth. 0–100 km/h takes under five seconds - enough to out-drag most sports cars. And thanks to something called G-ROAR, the silence is optional. This artificial V8 soundtrack rumbles through the speakers, adding just the right amount of theatre to the madness.

Who's it really for - Batman or Joker? We're still undecided. But if you enjoy silent menace with a touch of chaos, you're in the right place.

Off-Road? Of Course 

Think going electric dulled its edge? Think again. The G 580 has 250 mm of ground clearance - more than the G 63 AMG, and even the Adventure-spec G400d. A low-range mode makes hill climbs and descents feel effortless, and the all-electric diffs do everything the old mechanical ones could - plus some.

Enter G-Turn - the headline-grabbing feature that lets the G rotate 360° on the spot like a tank. Useful? Not really. Entertaining? Absolutely. And yes, you can even control how much it spins using the paddle shifters. Try not to abuse it in parking lots.

There's also G-Steer, which uses torque vectoring and rear-wheel drive to tighten your turning radius when the going gets rough. Suddenly, this 3-tonne beast feels surprisingly agile. Mercedes has given the G more tricks than ever - but without messing with the formula.

The battery itself is protected by a high-strength, water-resistant 'sandwich' casing weighing under 60 kg. It's been tested to withstand extreme abuse, adds rigidity to the chassis, and turns the underbody into a metaphorical suit of armour. Wading through rivers? Go for it. Scraping the belly? That's just cosmetic.

Living With It 

Real-world range? About 350 km, depending on how much you enjoy G-Turning. A 180 kW fast charger will take you from 10–80% in under an hour; a wall box at home, around 14 hours. So yes, you'll want to install the proper setup if you plan to actually drive it.

Inside, you get the usual Mercedes opulence - leather everywhere, dual MBUX displays, and ambient lighting that could rival a Berlin nightclub. The First Edition gets unique trims, contrast blue stitching, and all the bragging rights of early adoption.

Boot space remains healthy, and while rear seat comfort won't rival an S-Class, you'll still get two adults and a kid back there without protest. Plus, they'll love experiencing the G-Turn from the inside. Think of it as an amusement ride - a luxury edition.

Verdict: The Future of the G, Done Right

Is the G 580 a gimmick? Not at all. It's the G-Class reimagined for the electric age - with zero compromises on capability, character, or charisma.

Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it's expensive. And yes, it's still a little ridiculous. But if you're the kind of person who always thought the G-Wagen was a vibe, not just a vehicle - this one's for you. The best kind of madness - just electrified.