2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV with 116 kwh battery and quad motor powertrain

Mercedes-Benz pulled the covers off its long-awaited G-Class electric car late Tuesday. It is a modified version of the gasoline-powered G-Class body-on-frame platform, with four motors and a total of 579 horsepower. [Officially named G 580 with EQ Technology, the G-Class will be available in the U.S. as a 2025 model year.

A large, blocky vehicle like the G-Class may not seem like a good fit for electric mobility, but Kia is showing that it can be done, with the EV9 offering a range of over 300 miles. Mercedes has not revealed the range of its electric G-Class, but with a standard 116 kwh battery, it should be competitive. It can be charged with up to 200 kwh of direct current and can be recharged to 10-80% in just over 30 minutes.

The electric G-Class, which delivers 579 hp, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112 mph. Each of the vehicle's four motors individually powers one of the wheels, allowing the drive torque to be directed exactly where it is needed. There is also a low-speed gear reduction for off-road driving.

This configuration allows the electric G-Class to perform a so-called tank turn, in which the left and right wheels are turned in opposite directions to turn in place. Mercedes calls this function G-turn. There is also G Steering, which is a scaled-down version of the tank turn feature that allows the vehicle to make a 90-degree turn by rotating the inside rear wheel. This is useful on narrow trails where large rocks or trees make normal turns difficult; a crawl function with three settings is also included.

The suspension is also well suited for off-road driving. It is independent in the front and solid-axle in the rear, with adjustable dampers at each corner. Like its gas-powered siblings, it can climb up to 100% grades on suitable surfaces, offering 5.9 inches more climbing depth for a total of 33.5 inches. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32, 30.7, and 20.3 degrees, respectively.

Mercedes also updated the gas-powered G-Class for 2025. The main update is a change to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder with mild hybrid technology in the entry-level G 550; the AMG G 63 will retain the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but will also use mild hybrid technology.

Mercedes will also add several driver-assist features designed for off-road driving in the 2025 update, and they will naturally benefit the electric variant. A highlight is the off-road cockpit. This provides an overview of key information for off-road driving, both in the instrument cluster and on the infotainment screen. It displays information such as vehicle position, compass, steering angle, and tire pressure. There is also a "transparent hood" feature that uses the surround view camera system to show what is under the engine compartment, which is useful not only when driving off-road, but also when navigating tricky curbs.

Pricing for the 2025 G-Class, including the electric G 580 with EQ Technology, will be announced closer to launch.

Eventually, Mercedes will launch a baby G-Class. It will feature an electric powertrain and will be available later this decade.