Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology Unveiled in Beijing

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, unveiled at the Auto China 2024, is fully in keeping with the tradition of the model series established in 1979. It symbolises the fusion of tradition and progress like no other.

The all-new electric G-Class remains true to the model’s character, retaining its angular silhouette including all iconic elements. Like the conventionally powered variants, its body is built on a ladder frame.

The development team has modified and reinforced this to integrate the electric drive. Also retained is the combination of independent front suspension with double wishbones and newly developed rigid rear axle.

“Throughout its more than 45-year history, the G-Class has always used the most modern drive technology available. So, it’s entirely fitting that the innovative drive concept with four individually controlled electric motors once again raises the legendary performance of our off-road icon to a new level. It even retains that familiar angular silhouette and is true to the character of our beloved ‘Geländewagen’,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer.

The electric drive
With four individually controlled electric motors close to the wheels, the all-new electric G-Class offers unique driving characteristics both on and off road. It is the first mass-produced vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Group with individual-wheel drive. The four motors are integrated in the ladder frame – two in each housing at the front and rear axles. They are driven via short half-shafts, meaning the rear electric motors can also be bolted to the chassis. Each of the electric motors develops a peak output of 108 kW, which adds up to a maximum total output of 432 kW. The maximum total torque is 1,164 Nm. In co-operation with ESP and the central powertrain control (CPC), the torque is always delivered exactly where the all-new electric G-Class needs traction.

With its innovative drive concept, the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. As the electric motors can provide their maximum torque from a standstill, the all-electric off-roader excels with enormous pulling power and exceptional controllability. This proves advantageous both on steep inclines and loose surfaces.

The battery

It is the heart of every electric vehicle – the high-voltage battery. In the all-new electric G-Class, a two-tiered lithium-ion battery with 216 cells is installed in twelve cell modules between three cooling levels. The battery is integrated into the ladder frame made from steel up to four millimetres thick. This ensures a low centre of gravity and makes the entire vehicle significantly more rigid.

To protect it from water and dirt intrusion, the battery is housed in a torsion-resistant casing. This means that the all-new electric G-Class is also ideally equipped for ambitious off-road missions. The usable capacity of the battery is 116 kWh. That gives the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology sufficient energy for a range of up to 473 km (294 miles) according to WLTP.

Charging

The all-new electric G-Class is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). When charging with alternating current, for example at a wallbox, the on-board charger converts the current in the vehicle. It has a maximum charging capacity of up to 11 kW. For fast charging with direct current, a DC fast-charging system with a charging capacity of up to 200 kW is on board. In this case, the charging time from 10 to 80% SoC (State of Charge) is around 32 minutes.

The all-new electric G-Class has three charging programmes – “Standard,” “Work” or “Home”. Users can set parameters such as departure time, climate control and maximum charge level. The “Home” and “Work” charging programmes can be activated based on location. They switch on automatically as soon as the vehicle is parked at a stored charging location. Users are informed of this in MBUX.

Suspension and transmission

The all-new electric G-Class brings the off-road qualities of the G-Class into the era of electric mobility. In some aspects, the electric version even surpasses the conventionally powered models – in fording depth, for example. The ladder frame has been modified and reinforced for the electric model, retaining the combination of double-wishbone independent front suspension and rigid rear axle. The rear axle is a De Dion design and has been completely redeveloped. The electric motors are attached to the ladder frame and connected to the wheels via dual-joint shafts. The advantage of this is that the camber does not change during compression. Double-universal-joint driveshafts transmit the propulsion and incorporate sliding joints to equalise the length.

The all-new electric G-Class is equipped as standard with the same adaptive adjustable damping used in the conventionally powered variants. The active dampers compensate for uneven ground better than passive dampers. This ensures even more off-road confidence. With roll and pitch stabilisation, the system continuously regulates the damper characteristics depending on the driving situation and reduces body movements. The components of the adaptive adjustable damping system are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as surging water, fording, stone chipping and dirt.

LOW RANGE: the off-road gear reduction of the all-new electric G-Class

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology has a switchable LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction. Each motor close to the wheel has its own transmission, which is shifted centrally. This ensures the independence of the motors. At each axle are two electric motors, their gearboxes and a double inverter in a shared housing. This configuration facilitates an off-road reduction ratio that equips the electric off-roader for use on difficult terrain. It ensures maximum torque and smooth temperature management. The HIGH RANGE on-road setting is also available, guaranteeing maximum range.

In the “Rock” driving programme, drivers can activate the LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction via a switch in the off-road control unit. This activates a reduction ratio (2:1), which increases the drive torque. Handling and response characteristics are then optimised for powerful excursions on unsurfaced, difficult terrain with steep inclines and declines. Top speed is restricted to 85 km/h. The intelligent off-road crawl function is switched on automatically and always active.

The interior: typical G-Class design; extensive standard equipment

The interior of the all-new electric G-Class combines impressive quality with a classic design language. Square-edged air vents and the passenger grab handle bear the typical G-Class signature. For the EDITION ONE, the trim elements are finished in blue-tinted carbon fibre. The multifunction steering wheel of the current generation with touch control panels is covered in nappa leather as standard. Ambient lighting and leather upholstery are also part of the standard equipment.

MBUX infotainment system: intuitive operation, adaptive software and dialogue-capable voice assistant

The all-new electric G-Class is equipped with the MBUX infotainment system including a 12.3-inch driver and media display with touch controls as standard. The display and operating concept uses adaptive software to make personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. Smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay enables occupants to make optimum use of their mobile phone functions. They also enjoy the benefits of digital radio (DAB+) with MBUX. USB-C interfaces enable connections to other mobile devices.

The voice assistant capable of dialogue and learning is also available with MBUX. Certain actions can now be triggered without saying “Hey Mercedes”. The voice assistant also has around 20 G-Class specific voice commands. MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation can help drivers find their way even in complex traffic situations. This enables them to reach their destination quickly, safely and stress-free. To do this, the system superimposes graphic navigation and traffic information onto live images on the media display. It also provides support at traffic lights by displaying the current traffic light colour, helping drivers to see the signal when visibility is limited.

EDITION ONE: special model at launch

From the launch of the all-new electric G-Class, the EDITION ONE will be available. The exclusive special edition is available in five paint finishes: MANUFAKTUR south sea blue magno, obsidian black metallic, MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno, MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright and MANUFAKTUR classic grey solid. The outer protective moulding has an insert with a blue trim strip. The brake callipers are also in blue and feature Mercedes-Benz lettering at the front. The design box on the rear door is finished in body colour and black. In this special edition, the exterior mirror projection shines the “Stronger Than Time” lettering onto the tarmac. EDITION ONE is equipped with the radiator grille with four horizontal louvres as standard.

The features of the AMG Line and the Night Package are included as standard in the EDITION ONE. These include high-gloss black painted and aerodynamically optimised 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels and tinted lighting units. The door handle buttons with the G logo and the exterior mirror housings are finished in black. The running boards come in silver as standard. The interior is upholstered in nappa leather in the new silver pearl/black colour combination. The multifunction sports steering wheel in a three-twin-spoke design with touch control panels is covered in nappa leather. The blue details of the exterior are reflected in the interior of the EDITION ONE in the form of blue carbon-fibre trim elements and blue stitching.

The Comfort package including temperature-controlled cup holders and KEYLESS-GO, the Active Multi-contour Seat Plus package, a sunroof, the Burmester® 3D surround sound system and the G-ROAR sound experience are also included in the standard equipment of the EDITION ONE.

Technical data
Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology