Mercedes Launches 2025 G-Class Electric with Four Motors and Revolutionary Tank Turns

Mercedes-Benz revealed the 2025 G-Class electric model, the G580 with EQ technology, in Beverly Hills. It boasts four motors and an innovative 'tank turn' capability, setting a new benchmark in luxury electric off-roading.

Mercedes' 2025 Electric G-Class Packs Unmatched Off-Road Power with Four Independent Motors and Innovative Features

According to Electrek, Mercedes first surprised us with its "EQG" concept at IAA 2021. It is now on its way to manufacturing, albeit under a more straightforward moniker.

A source now has more information on the forthcoming electric off-roader in Beverly Hills, California, which was previously unknown. So, there may not be any serious off-roading demos on April 24.

But the electric G-Class has off-road capabilities. It comes with 4 independent electric motors putting out a combined 579hp and 879 lb-ft of torque. Each motor has a 2-speed transmission, giving access to a low-gear with 2:1 gear reduction for off-roading. The 4 independent motors mean the car can vector torque to whichever wheels need it—even better than a locking differential.

The G580 will also be capable of what Mercedes refers to as G-Turn, which was formerly referred to as "tank turn" while Rivian was working on it (but was ultimately abandoned in favor of "front dig mode"). This implies it can complete two full rotations on the spot by simultaneously spinning the wheels on the left and right sides of the car in opposite directions.

However, this function is more of a toy intended for entertainment. Mercedes also offers a G-steering option similar to the G-turn and allows you to perform extremely tight turns by engaging torque vectoring (albeit it lacks rear-wheel steering, unlike the EQS).

The G580 can climb up to a 100% (45º) grade and stay stable on lateral slopes up to 35º. It can ford 33.5 inches of water (6 inches deeper than the gas version), has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, a 32º approach angle, 30.7º departure angle, and 20.3º breakover angle, and has independent double wishbone suspension in the front and a solid de Dion axle in the rear.

To help you see where you're going, the G580 boasts a "transparent hood" feature that employs a camera to show what's in front of and beneath the car on the interior display. This is useful for off-roading because if you're driving over a ridge and can't see under the hood, the transparent hood will help you see where you're going.

However, because it is a Mercedes, the interior is luxurious. The 2025 model will be especially luxurious, as it will only be available in EDITION ONE trim, which includes numerous rare inside and exterior features. However, Mercedes' MANUFAKTUR car customization procedure allows you to modify the vehicle virtually any way you wish.

Mercedes G580: A Luxurious Blend of Traditional Design and Advanced Electric Performance

The Mercedes G-Class will make you feel at ease, whether on Rodeo Drive or attending a cryptocurrency symposium in Las Vegas.

That fanciness is unquestionably required to justify its price, which Mercedes has not yet revealed but has stated will be "in the ballpark" of the G63 (which starts at around $180,000).

In terms of exterior design, the G580 is nearly identical to the gas G-Class, with the same boxy shape. Unlike many EVs, it does not have a very curved appearance and retains a textured grille region.

The decision to continue with a traditional-looking grille coincides with Mercedes' recent decision to add a "more classic grille option" to the EQS. And it turns out that if you like the G580 with the regular G-Class grille, you can purchase the standard grille from the gas version (albeit you won't get those fancy lights).

Overall, Mercedes emphasized the importance of maintaining the G-Class's overall design. So, it hasn't been modified to seem electric, save from minor grille tweaks and a few of the aero parts.

Mercedes claims the car has "optimized aerodynamics," which was undoubtedly the main design purpose of this vehicle, made entirely of straight lines. However, there have been a few minor adjustments, including a slightly modified A-pillar and a strip above the windshield to smooth off the front line of the roof.

Regarding its electric drive capabilities, the aforementioned four motors can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 112 mph/180 km. These aren't the fastest stats out there, but the car isn't supposed to be a racecar - Mercedes could have gone with a bigger battery or more power. Still, it would have required other compromises elsewhere, and Mercedes claimed that focusing on the total package was far more important.

Mercedes hasn't revealed a range figure yet, but with a 116kWh battery and a face that's even flatter than its electric-triangle-on-wheels rivals, the source claimed that can imagine it's in the mid-200s. It's 473 kilometers (293 miles) on WLTP, slightly more liberal than EPA statistics.

Mercedes G580 Boasts Fast Charging and Customizable Regenerative Braking for Enhanced Efficiency

More importantly than the total range, Mercedes claims the G-Class can charge from 10-80% in 32 minutes using a 200kW peak charging rate (and 11kW AC charge rate). That works out to an average charge rate of around 150kW on DC for the entire session, which is reasonable but not amazing.

The G580 has 5 regenerative braking options, including Mercedes' "D-auto" setting, which intelligently selects when to apply regenerative braking based on traffic circumstances (the source recently tried this setting on the eSprinter but couldn't find a use for it). Regen activates off-throttle, implying the prospect of one-pedal driving. Still, a source hasn't had an opportunity to test it and see if its maximum 217kW regen braking power is strong enough to prevent most brake pedal use.

For a last cool electronic touch, the automobile has done something different with its distinctive rear end. Instead of the spare tire carrier generally found on the G-Class's backside, an optional compartment may be utilized to store charging cords or other items. You can still choose the spare tire, but I prefer the charging box.

Mercedes did not reveal the type of electric/gas sales mix it expects for the next generation, but it did remark that it has preserved significant flexibility in its production plans so that it can modify them based on consumer and dealer requests. It does not intend to tell its dealers to push one or the other (which likely means the dealers will push the gas model, sigh), and its production partner (Magna Steyr) is prepared to adapt to whatever the market demands.

Photo: Victor Sutty/Unsplash