EV or G63 AMG G-Wagon? Mercedes G580 Review

In this review, the hosts take a detailed look at the 2025 electric Mercedes G wagon, officially named the G580. They discuss its impressive features, including a 116 kW battery powering four electric motors and four transmissions, resulting in 500 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle offers unique capabilities like the G Turn feature, which allows for a 720-degree spin, and individual wheel drive. The G580 also boasts a spaceship-like V8 sound, customizable through the infotainment system, and a design that subtly distinguishes it from its gas counterparts, such as a thinner spare tire compartment that holds charging cables. The hosts praise the G580's handling, torque, and comfort, noting its quietness and aerodynamic improvements. Although heavier than its gas models, the electric G wagon offers superior water fording depth and a range of up to 473 km on the WLTP cycle. The review concludes with the hosts' admiration for the vehicle's blend of old-school G wagon charm with new electric capabilities, though they note that its price will be higher than the G550 but less than the G63.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The 2025 electric G wagon (G580) offers an impressive 500 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque from a 116 kW battery with four electric motors and four transmissions.
• 🔋 It has a unique feature called G Turn, which allows the vehicle to spin around in two full 720-degree rotations in low range and rock mode.
• 🌐 The G580 is Mercedes-Benz's first individual wheel drive vehicle, with each wheel having its own motor and transmission, offering superior control and torque distribution.
• 🌌 The vehicle features a special sound design that emulates a spaceship with a V8 engine, which can be turned off for a silent driving experience.
• 🛠️ The G580 has a modified ladder frame for the EV platform, allowing for better off-road capabilities and a higher fording depth than the gas models.
• 💨 The vehicle's torque provides a strong and responsive acceleration, with the electric motors delivering power smoothly and effectively.
• 🔊 The new G wagon comes with an updated infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry as standard features across all models.
• 🛣️ The G580 is designed for comfort with adaptive dampers and a compliant ride, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road use.
• 🔉 The car has a good range, expected to be over 379 km on the WLTP cycle, although the official North American rating is not yet available.
• 💺 The interior of the G580 is comfortable and well-equipped, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a wireless charging pad, and USB-C ports.
• 🌐 The G580's design maintains the classic G wagon look while introducing new elements like a different grille, a bulgier hood, and special matte blue color.

Q & A

What is the horsepower and torque of the 2025 electric G wagon?

The 2025 electric G wagon has 585 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque.

How many electric motors and transmissions does the electric G wagon have?

The electric G wagon is equipped with four electric motors and four transmissions.

What special feature allows the G wagon to spin around in two full rotations?

The G Turn feature enables the G wagon to spin around in two full rotations, which is achieved by using the low range and rock mode, along with a hard button to activate the spin.

What is unique about the all-wheel drive system in the electric G wagon?

The all-wheel drive system in the electric G wagon is unique because it is an individual wheel drive system, with each wheel having its own transmission, making it Mercedes' first individual drive vehicle.

How does the G wagon's sound system create the illusion of a V8 engine in an electric vehicle?

The sound system is designed to produce an 'electricy' sound that mimics the rumble of a V8 engine, making the driving experience feel more like a traditional gas-powered vehicle.

What is the maximum charging rate for the electric G wagon?

The electric G wagon can charge at up to 200 kW, which is considered fairly reasonable.

What is the estimated range of the electric G wagon on the WLTP cycle?

The estimated range of the electric G wagon on the WLTP cycle is 473 km, but the official North American rating is expected to be lower.

How does the electric G wagon's spare tire feature differ from the traditional G wagon?

The electric G wagon has a thinner spare tire that doubles as a storage compartment for charging cables, making it a unique feature compared to the traditional G wagon's spare tire.

What is the maximum legal weight for vehicles in Europe, and how does the electric G wagon's weight compare to this limit?

The maximum legal weight for vehicles in Europe is 3500 kg. The electric G wagon is designed to be just under this limit to avoid requiring a special driver's license.

What is the water fording depth of the electric G wagon, and how does it compare to the gas models?

The electric G wagon can go deeper into water than either of the gas models, thanks to its battery being protected within a torsion-resistant casing in the ladder frame.

What are the drive modes available in the electric G wagon?

The electric G wagon offers Individual, Sport, Comfort, Trail, and Rock drive modes, along with adaptive dampers that vary between the drive modes.

How does the electric G wagon's infotainment system differ from previous Mercedes models?

The electric G wagon features the newer MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as keyless entry and a start-stop button for a more modern and convenient driving experience.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introducing the 2025 Electric G Wagon

The video introduces the new 2025 electric G wagon, highlighting its impressive features such as 500 horsepower, 859 pound-feet of torque, and four electric motors with individual transmissions. The host discusses the unique capabilities of the vehicle, including the G Turn feature that allows for a 720-degree spin, and the G Steer that aids in tight turns. The electric G wagon is also noted as Mercedes' first individual wheel drive vehicle, with a sound design that mimics a spaceship with a V8 engine.

05:01

🌟 Exterior and Interior Design Review

The hosts review the exterior and interior design of the electric G wagon, noting the changes from previous models. They discuss the new grill design, the matte blue color, and the Edition One's unique features, such as the charging cable spare tire. The aerodynamics have been improved, and the vehicle is quieter on the highway. The infotainment system has been updated, and keyless entry is now standard. The discussion also touches on the wheels' design and the vehicle's overall profile.

10:02

🚀 Performance and Off-Road Capabilities

The hosts talk about the vehicle's performance, noting that it's not as fast as a Hummer but has a perfect amount of speed. They discuss the torque and the feeling of the vehicle's power, especially during acceleration. The weight of the vehicle is also mentioned, with the hosts guessing it to be close to the European legal limit of 3500 kg. The electric G wagon's off-road capabilities are highlighted, including its increased wading depth compared to the gas models and the protective carbon underbody panel.

15:03

🔋 Charging, Range, and Technology Features

The hosts discuss the charging capabilities of the electric G wagon, which can charge at up to 200 kW. They also talk about the vehicle's range, which is expected to be lower in North America than the 379 km on the WLTP cycle in Europe. The MBUX infotainment system is reviewed, including its off-road cockpit feature and the transparent hood camera. The hosts also mention the adaptive dampers and the comfortable ride, even without air suspension.

20:04

🛋 Comfort, Interior, and Final Thoughts

The hosts comment on the comfort of the G wagon, both on and off-road, and the normalcy of its driving experience. They discuss the interior features, including the cup holders, wireless charger, USB-C ports, and blue carbon fiber accents. The seats are noted for their comfort and bolstering. The hosts also talk about the vehicle's handling on twisty roads and its towing capabilities. The price is not disclosed but is expected to be more than the G550 and less than the G63. The video concludes with the hosts sharing their preferences between the electric G wagon and the G63.

Keywords

💡Electric G Wagon

The Electric G Wagon refers to the 2025 Mercedes G580, an electric version of the traditional G-Class SUV. It is equipped with four electric motors and four transmissions, providing a unique driving experience. In the video, the hosts discuss its performance and features, highlighting its impressive torque and the ability to perform a 'G Turn,' which allows the vehicle to spin 720 degrees.

💡G Turn

G Turn is a special feature of the Electric G Wagon that allows the vehicle to spin 720 degrees, or two full rotations. It is particularly useful for executing tight turns in off-road scenarios. The feature is activated by engaging the low range and rock mode, then using a hard button and paddle shifters to initiate the spin.

💡Individual Wheel Drive

Individual Wheel Drive is a capability of the Electric G Wagon where each wheel is powered independently by its own electric motor and transmission. This allows for precise control and torque distribution to each wheel, enhancing the vehicle's off-roading and maneuvering capabilities. It represents a departure from traditional all-wheel drive systems and is a first for Mercedes in this context.

💡Low Range Gearing

Low Range Gearing is a feature that allows the Electric G Wagon to have enhanced torque for off-roading and towing. It is enabled by the presence of four electric motors and transmissions, one for each wheel. This feature is crucial for the vehicle's off-road capabilities and is highlighted during the demonstration of the G Turn.

💡Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics refers to the study of how air flows around objects, in this case, the design of the Electric G Wagon. Mercedes has made changes to the A-pillar and added a spoiler to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency, which contributes to better fuel economy and reduced wind noise at high speeds.

💡Keyless Go

Keyless Go is a feature that allows the driver to lock and unlock the vehicle without using a key fob. In the context of the Electric G Wagon, this feature is appreciated for its convenience, as it allows the driver to start the vehicle and drive away without the need to physically insert a key or use a key fob.

💡Regenerative Braking

Regenerative Braking is a system that allows the Electric G Wagon to recover energy during braking, which is then stored in the battery for later use. The hosts discuss the use of paddle shifters to control the level of regenerative braking, offering different levels of energy recuperation and the ability to coast without any recuperation.

💡Adaptive Dampers

Adaptive Dampers are part of the suspension system in the Electric G Wagon that automatically adjust to different driving conditions and road surfaces. They contribute to the vehicle's comfort and handling, ensuring a smooth ride and better control, especially on uneven terrain or during spirited driving.

💡Off-Road Cockpit

The Off-Road Cockpit is a feature of the Electric G Wagon's infotainment system that provides drivers with important off-roading information, such as angles of incline and terrain cameras. It is designed to assist drivers in navigating off-road conditions by displaying the vehicle's position relative to the terrain.

💡Transparent Hood

The Transparent Hood is a technological feature that uses cameras to provide a view of what is beneath the vehicle's hood. This can be particularly useful when off-roading to avoid obstacles that may not be visible from the driver's perspective.

💡Range

Range refers to the distance that the Electric G Wagon can travel on a single charge of its battery. The hosts mention an expected range of 379 km on the WLTP cycle, which is a standardized test procedure for measuring the fuel consumption and electric range of vehicles. The range is a critical factor for potential buyers considering an electric vehicle.

Highlights

The 2025 electric G wagon offers an impressive 500 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque from a 116 kW battery with four electric motors and four transmissions.

The electric G wagon, named G580, is not an EQG and provides an incredible driving experience in various ways.

Gurney feature allows the vehicle to spin around in two full 720-degree rotations in low range and rock mode.

Mercedes' first individual drive vehicle with each wheel having its own transmission for enhanced control.

The G580 can perform G-Turns for easy 180-degree turns, a feature that is simple to execute and useful for off-roading.

The vehicle features an authentically good sound design that resembles a spaceship with a V8 engine, which is fully defeatable.

The electric G wagon has a unique design with a lit-up grill and a more bulging hood compared to the G63.

The Edition One variant of the G580 features a special matte blue color and a charging cable spare tire.

The vehicle's fenders are redesigned for better aerodynamics and the A-pillar is modified for increased quietness at high speeds.

The G580 has a range of up to 473 km on the WLTP cycle, with the expectation of a lower range in North America.

The electric G wagon can charge at up to 200 kW, providing reasonable charging speeds.

The G580 features the latest MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Adaptive dampers come standard on the G580, providing a comfortable ride without the need for air suspension.

The vehicle can wade through deeper water than the gas models, thanks to its battery placement and protective measures.

The G580 has recuperation paddles for regenerative braking and offers different drive modes including Sport, Comfort, Trail, and Rock.

The G wagon maintains its iconic features such as the grab handle and the heavy, side-opening trunk door.

The interior of the G580 offers a blend of old-school Mercedes design with modern comfort and technology.

The G580 is expected to be priced between the G550 and G63 models, offering a premium electric driving experience.