Electric 2025 Mercedes G-Class Combines New and Old Tech Like Nothing Before It

The Mercedes G-Class is one of the original off-road icons—a mainstay in every sense of the word. First built in the 1970s, the G-Wagen debuted initially as a rugged, utilitarian SUV that was far happier off the road than on it. Over the decades that followed, it morphed into a luxury model while maintaining its body-on-frame underpinnings and four-wheeling capability. Now, Mercedes is changing it in the most radical way by making it electric.

Unfortunately, the first-ever all-electric G-Class may also mark Mercedes' worst model name to date. Keep in mind this is the manufacturer that gave us the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance just a few days ago. It's called the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, and out of principle, I won't call it that. Was G580 EQ or even G580 Electric too simple?

Visually, the differences between the new electric G-Class and the traditional gas-powered one are subtle. The EV maintains the legendary boxy design, the large single-circle headlights, and the exterior compartment on the tailgate. However, you might notice something odd about the latter. Rather than the typical, circular spare tire cover, this one is square. That's because it doesn't actually house a spare tire; instead, that's where the charging cable and accompanying accoutrements are.

This might be the part where you expect me to say it's totally different under the skin, but it sort of isn't. That's the most genius part about the new electric G-Class. I'll explain.

Like every G-Class before it, the new electric one still uses a ladder frame with a body bolted on top. Where the electric version differs is inside that ladder frame, as that's the location of the 116-kilowatt-hour battery pack. To help you worry less about this powertrain switch compromising the G-Class' rugged dependability, Mercedes has stored said pack inside a «torsion-resistant casing.» There's also some carbon fiber underbody protection to keep the battery safe from pointy rocks.

The one and only electric G-Class, the G580, packs four electric motors with a combined 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. What's perhaps most fascinating about the truck is how it delivers this power. Indeed, there