Mercedes claims its big electric 4x4 is “better than the combustion version off road”
JAMES ATTWOOD
The new electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an “uncompromised” vehicle that can outperform its combustion-engined sibling when driving off road, according to its maker.
Known throughout its development as the EQG, the 4x4 will be called the G580 with EQ Technology in production form. The lengthy moniker represents a shift in the naming strategy for electric Mercedes models (see box, right) and is intended to emphasise that the G580 was developed to be a G-Class that just happens to be battery-powered.
The G580 is virtually identical in design to the recently updated G450d, with a subtle reworking of the engine grille and discreet EQ badges to set it apart. But there has been extensive work to maximise aerodynamic efficiency, including a different A-pillar design and a new spoiler lip on the front of the roof.
A new aerodynamically sculpted bonnet also features on the G580, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.44, down from the 0.48 of the latest G450d and 0.53 of the previous G-Class. The optional spare wheel holder on the rear door can be replaced with a similarly styled charging cable holder.
“The G is still the G,” said Manuel Urstöger, head of e-drive systems for Mercedes-Benz G. “It’s not just design or sound: for us, the powertrain is about offering uncompromised off-road ability.”
The G580 uses four electric motors, one of which powering each wheel of the car. Each motor produces 145bhp, combining for a maximum output of 579bhp, along with a mammoth 859lb ft of torque.
The motors have been developed especially for the G580 and each is driven by a separate two-speed gearbox. Urstöger said the unusual and highly complicated powertrain was developed specifically to meet the exacting specifications of the G division and it will not be used elsewhere in the line-up.
“It was a tough project,” he said, “but we achieved all our targets, and because of that, it’s better than the combustion-engined G when going off road.”
The G580 retains the same independent front suspension, with a new rigid axle at the rear containing the integrated electric drive unit, and virtual rather than mechanical differential locks to offer optimised torque vectoring.
It has a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds and a top speed of 112mph, but the real focus is on de
