Mercedes-Benz G580 Edition One with EQ Technology — a bold and decisive leap for the iconic G-Class
The Hindu
Revered for its rugged off-road capability and timeless design, the G-Class has always been in a league of its own. Now, with the introduction of an electrified powertrain, Mercedes-Benz has reimagined this legendary vehicle, creating a machine that is as forward-thinking as it is faithful to its roots.
Revered for its rugged off-road capability and timeless design, the G-Class has always been in a league of its own. Now, with the introduction of an electrified powertrain, Mercedes-Benz has reimagined this legendary vehicle, creating a machine that is as forward-thinking as it is faithful to its roots.
The G580 with EQ Technology is powered by 116kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTP-certified range of 473 kilometres on a single charge. With four independently controlled electric motors, the vehicle produces a combined output of 587 horsepower and a solid 1,164 Nm of torque. The G580 is capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, yet maintain its ability to deal with the roughest of terrains that the G63 AMG is capable of. For an SUV of its size and stature, this is nothing short of extraordinary, and it places the G-Class firmly in the upper echelon of high-performance electric vehicles.
The design is quintessentially G-Class — iconic, bold and immediately recognisable. Mercedes-Benz has retained the signature boxy silhouette, raised hood, and pronounced air curtains, while refining the details to align with the electric ethos. The Edition One adds a layer of exclusivity with AMG Line touches, a Night Package, and premium interior finishes that elevate the luxury quotient even further. Customers can choose from a line of bespoke options to further customise their G580 to their liking.
Inside, the cabin is a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and opulence. The latest MBUX NTG-7 system takes centre stage, offering dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and augmented reality navigation. Audio enthusiasts will revel in the Burmester 3-D surround sound system, which packs 18 speakers, Dolby Atmos, and 760 watts of power to deliver an immersive experience. Adding to the sensory delight is G-ROAR, a unique sound feature that mimics the emotional growl of traditional combustion engines, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes, a crucial feature for long-distance travellers who demand both power and practicality. To ensure versatility across terrains, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the G580 with a two-speed gearbox — a rare but effective feature in the electric vehicle market — allowing it to handle everything, from high-speed highway cruising to steep, technical climbs, with confidence.
Off-road capability remains a cornerstone of the G-Class identity, and the G580 is no exception. It boasts a ladder-frame chassis, rigid rear axle, and carbon composite underbody, ensuring durability in the harshest conditions. The figures speak volumes: 250mm of ground clearance, the ability to climb 45-degree inclines, and an impressive 850mm water-wading capacity. This is a vehicle engineered to go anywhere. New technologies like G-TURN, which enables 720-degree turns on the spot, and G-STEERING, which tightens the turning radius for narrow trails, make off-road driving in G580 not just possible but pleasurable. Meanwhile, the intelligent Off-Road Crawl Function ensures steady propulsion on loose surfaces, underscoring the G580’s unshakeable capability.
Safety and driver assistance are, as expected, top-tier. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, a 360° camera, and Electric Dynamic Select are just a few of the technologies that ensure a safe and seamless driving experience. Five driving modes, combined with five levels of energy recuperation, allow the G580 to adapt effortlessly to both on-road and off-road conditions. For the serious adventurer, the off-road cockpit display provides real-time data on critical parameters, enhancing control and confidence in challenging situations.
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