The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been larger than life, and now it’s stepping into a new era without sacrificing the character that made it legendary. The 2025 G 580 w/EQ Technology is everything you expect from a G-Wagen—and nothing like you’ve ever driven before.
First Impressions
When the Sun Yellow G 580 w/EQ rolled into my driveway, I didn’t expect to become a fan of yellow. But this one changed my mind. It still retains the upright, squared-off silhouette that defines the Geländewagen, but now the subtle EQ-specific touches, such as the solid black panel grille and aerodynamic tweaks, hint that something new is happening underneath.
At $182,450 as tested, expectations are understandably high. I figured it might feel like a tech showcase wearing a luxury badge. But the first drive quickly erased that doubt. It still feels every bit like a G-Wagen, solid, deliberate, and confident, only quieter and quicker.
Design and Driving Feel
Four electric motors, one at each wheel, deliver 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque. The result is instant thrust and absolute control thanks to torque vectoring that continually balances power to each wheel. Acceleration is seamless, with no gear changes or lag, just steady confidence from a standstill.
Mercedes even engineered a signature soundtrack called G-ROAR that replaces engine noise with a deep, powerful tone. It’s not just for show, it gives this electric SUV an emotional connection to its combustion past.
I took the G 580 to my favorite rock pit to test its credibility off-road. It tackled steep inclines and deep ruts with the same authority as the gasoline version. In fact, I performed the G-Turn—the electric G-Class’s party trick that lets it spin in place—both in wet weather and on rocky terrain, and it worked flawlessly. The feature isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a glimpse at what’s possible when electric torque meets old-school engineering.
Cabin Experience
Inside, the G 580 w/EQ feels less like a rugged SUV and more like a first-class lounge on wheels. The Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos transforms the cabin into a concert hall. At the same time, the 64-color ambient lighting, Alcantara headliner, and diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats elevate comfort to nearly Maybach levels.
Twin 12.3-inch MBUX displays dominate the dash, bringing modern digital precision to the old-school grab handles and toggle switches. My test vehicle’s Comfort Package and Interior Plus Package added ventilated, massaging seats and extended leather trim, the kind of touches that make you forget this SUV can still ford 33.5 inches of water and climb a 100 percent grade.
Performance and Range
Power delivery is immediate and consistent. Mercedes claims a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 4.6 seconds, and that feels conservative. What’s more surprising is how refined it feels at highway speeds—the extra weight of the 116-kilowatt-hour battery actually settles the ride, giving it a smoother, more planted feel than any previous G-Class.
For context, I took the G 580 on a 200-mile round-trip from Atlanta to Athens and back. I never stopped to charge and returned home with 20 percent battery life remaining. The official EPA estimate is 239 miles of range, but in real-world driving, that number feels conservative. Range anxiety? Not here.
Charging is straightforward, too. DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent takes just over 30 minutes, and Mercedes’ Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans routes that automatically avoid charging stops.
Luxury and Lifestyle
Few vehicles make you feel as elevated as this one. The G 580 w/EQ blends the luxury of a flagship sedan with the commanding presence of a true off-roader. It’s a paradox—silent and serene yet immensely capable.
For most luxury SUV buyers, this checks every box. You get the status, the technology, the comfort, and the satisfaction of skipping the gas pump. And while it may not be the ideal choice for long overland expeditions—not yet, at least—it’s perfect for how most owners use their G-Wagens: as the ultimate urban luxury vehicle with real off-road credibility.
Global Perspective
My friend Kimatni Rawlins of Automotive Rhythms recently traveled to Austria for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Experience Center, where he explored the G’s limits across mud, rock, and water crossings that most owners will only read about. It’s a reminder that the G-Class remains one of the most capable luxury SUVs ever engineered, regardless of power source.
Check out Kimatni’s full story and video coverage of the trip here: Automotive Rhythms G-Class Experience Center.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 w/EQ Technology is modern excess done right. It proves that electrification doesn’t have to mean compromise. For daily luxury, social presence, and effortless performance, it delivers everything that matters, and then some.
It’s unlikely to replace the diesel G-Wagen for serious explorers, but for the rest of us who want to look, feel, and live like adventurers without leaving the city, this is the best expression yet of what a modern G-Wagen should be.
Bottom line: it still feels like a G-Wagen in every way that matters—and maybe even better in a few.
Buyer’s Guide — 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 w/EQ Technology
