Unique and exclusive gets even more so!
Mercedes Benz G-Wagon has come along way since its humble beginnings as a military vehicle, then into production in 1979 as the “Puch G”, a simple two door vehicle which has become much sought after with collectors. Rough would be an understatement, yet the boxy, utilitarian transport caught on with those looking for something different than a Land Rover of the same vintage.
photo courtesy By High Contrast – Own work, CC BY 3.0
Through various iteration, the Mercedes G-Wagon has added safety equipment, a continuously improving interior, modern technology, and engine sizes to please everyone. From the original 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, all the way to a contemporary Mercedes-AMG G 63 that features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and lots of torque, various motors, both diesel and gas, have offered lots of combinations, matching an owner’s needs or desires.
The new electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G580 with EQ Technology, is fully electric. Not a hybrid, it’s powered solely by an electric drivetrain.
Like the new Rolls Royce Spectre, the 2025 G-Wagon 580 is a special car, and adding electrification seems to fit the image of this SUV very well.
The G-Wagon has always been the darling of celebrities, and those successful men and women who want luxury wrapped in a rugged shell. Arnold Schwarzenegger has one, of course, but so does Diane Keaton and Simone Biles, so it’s not as gender specific as you would think.
The unchanged styling of the new G-580 Geländewagen,” German for “cross-country vehicle” or “all-terrain vehicle” is what seems to bring so many repeat buyers back to Mercedes Benz showrooms, and friends who own a G-Wagon are on their second or third and wouldn’t consider anything else.
Not the most comfortable of SUV’s, those that own or aspire to own a chunk of this square sheet metal, will undoubtedly relish the thought of a full electric machine, but owners will have to contend with seeking out frequent recharge stations as the G-580 has a paltry range of only 239 miles, far below other all-electric contemporaries.
A bonus, rapid flooding now occurs throughout the world and with no air intakes, the G-Wagon 580 can now ford nearly 3 feet of water before you will get your feet wet.
I’ve driven a number of G-Wagons in the past, but never one that I would consider “comfortable”. A niche vehicle, there are few other SUV’s with this amount of cache, and it’s going to make you feel very good when your G-Wagon is pulled around in front of the crowed valet stand, and even more so when you pull silently away. A fashion statement more than anything else, a fun ride for those who enjoy a casual disregard of societies rules, a must-have here in Los Angeles.
Configure yours HERE
GO DEEPER:
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5 passenger capacity
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4 permanently synchronous electric motors
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579 HP
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2 speed automatic transmission at each wheel
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35 cubic ft of cargo capacity
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0-60 4.6 seconds
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weight 7000 pounds
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starting price around $170,000 but expect to pay $200,000
THE FIRST ELECTRIC G-CLASS. CRAFTED FOR TIME TRAVELERS.
The G-Class became an icon through its dauntless drive to explore new worlds. With an advanced fully electric drivetrain, the newest G elevates its off-road capabilities and real-world joys. It’s like no other EV on the planet it’s explored like no other SUV. —-Mercedes Benz
