Toorak residents, rejoice! There’s a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but you won’t hear this one coming.
“G-Wagen first, EV later” is what Mercedes-Benz pitched for the G580. There’s no arguing it looks like a G-Wagen on the outside, so that’s a good start.
It still boasts ladder-frame construction too, and it’s arguably more capable off-road than the V8-powered G63s you’ll see exploring Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs, following in the footsteps of the oil-burning G400d. How, you might ask?
Even though this isn’t at all an AMG performance model, Mercedes-Benz has not cut any corners. Addressing the elephant in the room reveals that the G580 is, in fact, an electric vehicle (EV), but instead of a typical dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, you’ll find four motors here – one for each wheel.
That’s a complete reimagining of the G-Class formula, and it seems as far-fetched as it should be for a car this niche. Better yet, Mercedes has taken full advantage of the capabilities that a quad-motor EV unlocks, even if this is ‘just’ a Benz.
On-road it’s similar to its V8 sibling, but off-road is where it has the edge. You get G-Steer, which when turning effectively locks the inside wheels to allow the car to navigate tight radii.
Then there’s G-Turn, which allows the G580 to rotate up to 720 degrees on the spot by spinning the left and right wheels in opposite directions. Mercedes says this is useful for turning around on a tight trail… but apart from a bit of fun that’s about it.
All of that, and the G580 produces more power and torque than the G63 while being more than $100,000 cheaper. But it’s still far from cheap and it doesn’t sound as good as the G63 with its hearty V8, and the artificial G-Roar may not be for everyone.
We drove the G580 in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs and around Healesville as part of the local launch for both it and the Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid sports sedan. There was no serious off-roading this time, but we had an early look at its capabilities at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year.
Does electric power improve or diminish the iconic G-Wagen breed?
How much does the Mercedes-Benz G580 cost?
The G580 is priced from $249,900 before on-road costs, but Mercedes-Benz is also offering an Edition One version at launch for $299,900 before on-roads.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology | $249,900 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology Edition One | $299,900 |
As a ladder-frame electric SUV with all-terrain capability to match the legendary German off-road wagon on which it’s based, the G580 currently has no real rivals.
We know Range Rover is developing an EV and testing it in all sorts of harsh off-road conditions, but that’s as close as competitors come and it’s still at least a year away – if it comes to Australia at all.
The question is therefore what kind of buyers will the G580 attract. Owners of the AMG G63 (priced at $368,400 before on-roads) will likely be reluctant to give up their V8s, so if you exclude the much cheaper Ineos Grenadier that leaves just a couple of off-road-leaning luxury SUVs with internal combustion.
One is the Land Rover Defender, which is most comparable in 110 long-wheelbase five-door guise, albeit a touch larger. Options include either the P525 with its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 for $198,914 before on-roads, or the P635 Octa with its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 for $291,542 before on-roads.
There’s also the Range Rover Sport P530 Autobiography, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and priced at $233,961 before on-roads.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
What is the Mercedes-Benz G580 like on the inside?
The G580 cabin presents as far more unique than a lot of other current Mercedes-Benzes, and that’s a good thing.
You still get dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard and the same steering wheel fitted across most of the catalogue, but the design here feels satisfyingly cohesive.
A big part of that is the fact the G-Class interior has hardly changed in the past five years, which technically means it’s a generation behind. You therefore get a setup that looks a lot more traditional and continues the design ethos and build quality Mercedes-Benz employed in the late 2010s.
Some things have disappeared since the G400d first made its way here though, like the real wristwatch face once fitted below the central air vents. It’s the product of simplifying this area while adding alternative storage options, but it’s a shame that classy touches like that have fallen by the wayside.
What isn’t a shame is the fact the G-Class’ physical climate interface has survived. It’s visually smaller and more streamlined than it used to be, but we’re glad it still works in largely the same way it always did.
Mercedes-Benz still fits brushed aluminum trim around the circular air vents, and there’s a strip of it running the length of the dash that ties everything together. The fact that you get a thoughtful design instead of an interior that’s simply plastered with screens is refreshing.
The screens that are here are nice to interact with, and big enough to be functional without being obnoxious. They occupy a shared panel, which has been recessed into the dashboard and fits with the rest of the car thanks to its square edges.
On the left is the infotainment display, which offers a plethora of menus, appearances, and settings. It’s graphically sharp while being responsive, and you get the benefit of both wired and wireless smartphone mirroring as standard.
An interesting element is the touchpad on the centre console. This has been carried across from previous generations of G-Class and controls the infotainment screen, but it’s still fiddly in practice – you’ll find some glossy shortcut buttons here too, as well as the discreet drive mode switch.
Even more customisation is available for the instrument cluster ahead of the steering wheel. Once again it looks the part, and everything here is controlled using the haptic touch ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel.
As with many other modern Mercs, these haptic controls are fiddly. Swiping sideways to scroll through preset templates will often be mistaken for vertical movements, which makes it annoying to interact with.
They’re the same on both sides of the steering wheel too, with the right side taking instrument-related controls and the left responsible for infotainment and audio. Worse still, they’re finished in smudge-prone gloss black.
Fortunately, it’s one of the only places the material is found, but there’s a little bit more on the door cards. It’s not quite as utilitarian as it maybe should be for a car like the G580, and somewhat undermines its otherwise rugged feel.
The same can be said for the carbon-fibre trim on the centre console and dashboard, albeit sparsely on the latter. But we like the large steering wheel, which is finished in high-quality leather and feels nice in the hands.
It’s backed up by comfortable seats, which offer powered adjustment for all sorts of movements. You get powered lumbar support as standard, and you can also adjust the side bolstering to change how much you’re squeezed.
It’s worth noting that the model on test here is the Edition One, which gets ‘Silver Pearl’ and black Nappa leather upholstery instead of the standard black. The differences between both versions of the G580 are primarily cosmetic, apart from the slight on-road difference you’ll feel from the 20-inch alloys compared to the full-time variant’s 19s.
You’ll also notice a sturdy grab handle in front of the passenger seat, which is finished in carbon-fibre. Mercedes has been generous with its storage solutions too, fitting a nicely sized centre box, two cupholders under the sliding cover, and a selection of USB-C ports in both.
Moving to the back reveals a space that’s more cramped than you might expect for such a big vehicle. Naturally there’s plenty of headroom, but legroom will quickly be compromised behind taller front-row occupants.
Given the size of the G-Class, this is disappointing. The seats themselves are relatively firm too, and you don’t get nearly the same level of bolstering as you do up front – the middle seat is also compromised by a driveline tunnel.
Fortunately there are some creature comforts like a dedicated climate control panel and two circular rear-facing air vents. You also get map pockets on the front seatbacks, as well as a couple of cupholders and bottle holders on the fold-down centre armrest and door cards respectively.
There’s also a unique pass-through once the armrest is down, providing a small window into the G580’s boot.
The boxy body of the G-Class means vertical boot space is exceptional, but the load floor doesn’t quite extend as far forward as we’d like, and it also feels rather narrow.
At least the load floor is flat from the boot opening, even if it is fairly high off the ground. You also get a couple of handy storage options like a net on the side wall and hooks in each corner of the floor.
On the back of the tailgate is something that resembles a spare wheel, but it’s actually a small case ideal for storing charging cables. This so-called “Design Box” looks a bit like a backpack, and we can’t help but feel it’d have been smarter to mount a real spare wheel on the back instead and simply put the cables inside.
As a result, you’re also limited to a tyre repair kit if your get a puncture, which is hardly ideal for off-roading.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz G580 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4863mm |
| Width | 1984mm |
| Height | 1989mm |
| Wheelbase | 2890mm |
| Cargo capacity | 620L (rear seats up) 1990L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Not much, as to be expected. Deeper under the skin lies the G580’s monstrous quad-motor powertrain, fed by an 116kWh battery and outputting up to 432kW of power and a staggering 1164Nm of torque.
| Specifications | Mercedes-Benz G580 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Quad-motor electric |
| Battery | 116kWh (net) li-ion |
| Power | 432kW |
| Torque | 1164Nm |
| Transmission | ‘2-stage’ with reduction gear |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 3090kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.7 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 28.9kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as tested) | ~22kWh/100km |
| Claimed range (NEDC) | 567km |
| Claimed range (WLTP) | 473km |
| Max AC charge rate | 11kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 200kW |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 3500kg |
| Payload | 415kg |
Gone is the hearty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the G63, though the G580 is only 0.3 seconds slower when it comes to the claimed 0-100km/h sprint. For context, the G580 produces just two extra kiloWatts of power, but torque is up by a massive 314Nm.
Of course, the reason the EV is slower than the V8 despite delivering acres more torque is weight. The three-tonne G580 exceeds the G63 by nearly 400kg. It is supposed to be more aerodynamic thanks to a few minor exterior tweaks, which help the boxy off-roader to a circa-500km driving range.
We didn’t get enough time in any one G580 to test its real-world energy consumption, but we saw a figure hovering around 22kWh/100km after light suburban and regional driving.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
How does the Mercedes-Benz G580 drive?
In a couple of different ways, depending on where you take it.
To get in you press the button on the handle to open the door, which you have to close behind you with considerable force because Mercedes-Benz continues the tradition of sturdy doors from G-Wagens of old.
You then press the start/stop button as normal, which is followed by a sound that vaguely resembles an engine. This is the G580’s G-Roar system, which produces a fake engine noise inside and outside the car.
It’s a little gaudy, but you can turn it off permanently by diving through the vehicle’s settings. It’s a strange sensation to hear something rumbling away at the front of the car, especially when you’re standing next to it.
Flick the stalk-mounted gear selector into Drive and you’re ready to go. You’ll immediately notice how quiet the G580 is from a standstill, more so with G-Roar deactivated.
Aggressively accelerating will give you a proper push in the back, and it’s wild to consider this big EV loses just 0.3 seconds in the 0-100km/h sprint compared to the rapid G63.
The suspension setup doesn’t quite feel like it’s perfectly set up for a G-Class this heavy though, with a fair bit of bobbling over bumps at speed. Road noise is acceptable, but not whisper-quiet either.
It doesn’t squat in the same way the G63 does under hard acceleration, hinting at a firmer suspension tune. This is noticeable on the move, and combined with the G580’s ladder-frame construction the ride can be fairly bouncy.
The plush seats make up for that somewhat, and fortunately the G580 stops short of being uncomfortable. It’s just a little less settled than we’d want for a near-3100kg wagon, though it can still turn at speed with some confidence thanks to solid steering feel.
Helping to keep that weight in check are strong brakes, which are supported by an adjustable regenerative braking system that can be controlled using steering wheel paddles. Even in the highest recuperation setting the G580 falls short of true one-pedal driving, but we don’t feel this is a dealbreaker.
These paddles are used for several other functions too, primarily off-road oriented ones that we’ll get into soon. What’s obvious is that the G580 is filled to the brim with tech, which is remarkable given how much cheaper it is than its AMG equivalent.
Mercedes has also implemented clever ways to save energy, like the pseudo-2H setting that makes the G580 rear-drive only when on the road. The German brand says the quad-motor drivetrain can actually run in one-wheel drive mode too, even if there isn’t a practical use for this.
That tech fest extends to the driver assist systems, which create a comprehensive suite of safety gear. We found the adaptive cruise control function worked reliably, though the car was often reluctant to apply enough steering lock around tighter turns.
Everything else is well-calibrated and reliable, which is especially useful once you leave the tarmac.
Off-road is where Mercedes has really honed the G580’s abilities. You get a decent level of ground clearance to start with, as well as several off-road-specific drive modes that adapt the car to specific scenarios.
Though there is a battery pack underneath the car, Mercedes says it has fitted an ultra-strong underbody protection plate to shield it, and claims that only six people know exactly what it’s made of.
What is known is that it’s 26mm thick, which is apparently more than enough to deal with standard rock hits.
The G580 also boasts a generous wading depth of 850mm, as well as similarly adventurous approach, departure, and breakover angles. To put it into perspective, there’s more ground clearance, deeper water fording capability and a greater departure angle than the Toyota Prado.
Granted, it’s nearly triple the price of the most expensive Prado, but the Toyota is traditionally Australia’s most popular large SUV and the off-road yardstick against which others are measured.
Of course, many G580 drivers might find these stats especially useful when mounting inner-city curbs or accessing private underground carparks, but the battery-powered G-Wagen also offers some real party tricks.
One of them is G-Steer, which when engaged allows the car to pivot left or right in an impressively tight turning circle.
This is done by effectively locking the inside wheels to break traction, while sending additional power to the outside wheels to propel the G580 around a turn.
This function could have a real purpose out on the trails, where it may save drivers from having to navigate multi-point turns on tricky terrain.
But the real showstopper is G-Turn, which allows the G580 to spin on the spot like you see on TikTok. It’s quite a clever system and operates by spinning the left and right wheels in opposite directions, taking full advantage of the quad-motor layout.
You enable G-Turn by first shifting to Park, selecting low-range and then pressing the G-Turn button, both of which are on the centre of the dashboard. The G-Steer button is also found here, designated as the ‘Offroad Cockpit’.
You then keep your foot on the brake, shift to Drive, hold either steering wheel paddle depending on which way you want to spin, and mash the accelerator. It’s a bizarre sensation in a vehicle like this, and incredibly pointless for almost anything other than showboating.
And there are several limitations. One is that you can’t control how fast the G580 spins, so as a result it’s difficult to be precise when stopping the spin, which is done by applying steering input, lifting off the throttle, or braking.
Another is that you have to be on completely flat ground to execute the spin. While that’s understandable, it’s also a serious shortcoming given the system’s official use, which is to turn the vehicle around in its own length if it can’t proceed on a tight track for whatever reason. It seems unlikely you’ll get stuck on level ground out on the trails.
There’s also the concern about the space around the vehicle and the general anxiety you feel when spinning a $250,000 Mercedes-Benz around between trees, not to mention the fact you’ll eat through tyres if you do it often.
G-Turn and G-Steer are clever capabilities, but for most owners after a while will likely become little more than novelties.
| Off-road dimensions | Mercedes-Benz G580 |
|---|---|
| Track front and rear | 1659mm – front 1660mm – rear |
| Ground clearance | 257mm |
| Approach angle | 32.0º |
| Departure angle | 30.7º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 20.3º |
| Wading depth | 850mm |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
What do you get?
There’s one distinct version of the G580 available in Australia, and the limited-run Edition One adds a few extra cosmetic goodies.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology equipment highlights:
- 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels
- Unique bonnet, A-pillar trim, roof lip spoiler, rear wheel air curtains
- ‘Virtual’ differential locks
- G-Turn (allows 360-degree tank turns)
- G-Steering (aids low-speed manoeuvrability)
- Five drive modes
- On-road: Comfort, Sport, Individual
- Off-road: Trail, Rock
- Open-pore natural walnut interior trim
- Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
- Heated and cooled cupholders
- Wireless smartphone charger
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Burmester 3D surround-sound system
G580 Edition One adds:
- 20-inch wheels
- Blue brake calipers
- Blue protective strip inserts
- Black door handles
- Running boards
- Unique rear door ‘design box’
- Silver pearl and black Nappa leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching
- Carbon blue interior accents
- Illuminated stainless steel door sills
Options
The Night Package ($4300) adds:
- Aerodynamic wheels
- Black exterior trim
- Darkened exterior lights
- Black running boards
On top of this, a black-panel grille with illumination can be ordered for an additional $3800.
The Interior Comfort Package ($8500) adds:
- Dual 11.6-inch rear touchscreens
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated windscreen
The Superior Line Interior Plus Package ($14,500) adds:
- Full Nappa leather upholstery with diamond design
- Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus
- Leather grab handles
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Is the Mercedes-Benz G580 safe?
While the G-Class was awarded a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2019, this only applies to the G63 and the G400d, the latter of which is no longer sold in showrooms.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view camera (with ‘transparent bonnet’)
- Traffic sign recognition
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
How much does the Mercedes-Benz G580 cost to run?
All Mercedes-Benz models sold in Australia are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the high-voltage battery in the G580 and most of its EV siblings is covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mercedes-Benz G580 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| High-voltage battery warranty | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Service plans | 3 years – $2645 4 years – $3980 5 years – $4670 |
For context, the AMG G63 has the same service intervals, though its service plans are considerably more expensive. Three years of servicing for the V8 will cost you $4380, rising to $6900 for four, and $8635 for five.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz G580 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Mercedes-Benz G580
The G580 is an incredibly interesting vehicle.
In an era of big, fast and ever-crazier SUVs, the G580 builds on the well-established G-Class formula and gives it a new dimension, while still adhering closely to both these themes.
The G-Class was always large, but the electric powertrain has no pushed it beyond three tonnes. Yet the G580 is nearly as quick as the G63 thanks to its unique and monstrous quad-motor powertrain, which also gives it those wild G-Turn and G-Steer capabilities.
But the fact is it’s still a $250,000 Mercedes-Benz, and even if it’s pitched as an off-road-ready EV, it’s still difficult to see many owners exploiting its full potential. It’s also really disappointing that you don’t get a spare wheel with the G580 as standard.
The G580’s price is at least a lot more palatable than that of the G63, and the lack of a rowdy V8 will make it more socially acceptable in public, if that’s a concern for you.
But you wouldn’t buy a G-Class for its ability to blend in, and the G580 still has the chops to be as in-your-face as any of its predecessors have been.
G-Roar is one thing, and the ability to pirouette is nothing if not a fun party trick. The level of customisation is mind-boggling too, with countless exterior finishes and interior colourways to truly make the G580 yours.
Yet because it’s no less boxy, the average onlooker probably isn’t going to notice this is a different kind of G-Wagen at first glance. The optional black EV grille changes this with a more raccoon-like face, but it’s still a fairly classy look.
Mercedes-Benz has therefore done a good job with the G580, and its conviction to take such a wild EV from conception to reality should be applauded. After all, building distinctive EVs may encourage other brands to take a few more creative liberties themselves, as is now happening in China.
Beyond all that, the G580 is also an exciting window to what the G-Class may bring in future.
Interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz G-Class? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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