Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Expert Review
- Electric
- Car
- 5 Seater
What's good
-
Immense off-road capability
-
Massive torque from its electric motors
-
Ultra-premium cabin for luxury experience
-
Gets a lot of off-road features for better control
What's not so good
-
Extremely expensive
-
Weighs more than 3 tonnes
-
Range drops significantly when driven off-road
-
Its large size makes city driving difficult
The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is the all-electric version of the iconic G-Wagon from the German manufacturer. It still has that classic, boxy G-Wagon design, and immense off-road capability but ditches the ICE engine for a quad-motor electric setup. The electric G-Wagon has extreme off-road capability, luxurious interiors, and frantic performance, which makes it a strong package. It also has unique tech like the G-Turn and G-Steering functions.
What's good
-
Immense off-road capability
-
Massive torque from its electric motors
-
Ultra-premium cabin for luxury experience
-
Gets a lot of off-road features for better control
What's not so good
-
Extremely expensive
-
Weighs more than 3 tonnes
-
Range drops significantly when driven off-road
-
Its large size makes city driving difficult
The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is the all-electric version of the iconic G-Wagon from the German manufacturer. It still has that classic, boxy G-Wagon design, and immense off-road capability but ditches the ICE engine for a quad-motor electric setup. The electric G-Wagon has extreme off-road capability, luxurious interiors, and frantic performance, which makes it a strong package. It also has unique tech like the G-Turn and G-Steering functions.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Expert Review
SEV Score
Samarth Kudale
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
SEV Score
Samarth Kudale
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
Expert Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is designed around a boxy silhouette, retaining the original SUV stance reminiscent of the older G-Wagen series, now featuring an electric propulsion system. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric blends off-road utility with luxury electric vehicle styling. The G-Class Electric also incorporates aerodynamic elements, although it retains a boxy architecture.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Design
Exterior:
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric features a timeless, boxy architecture blending in new-age elements to stay relevant with contemporary electric SUV attributes. For the same reasons, the G-Class Electric features a heavy-duty, muscular raised bonnet with contours. This slightly raised bonnet construction directs air seamlessly over this ‘power dome’; this ensures aerodynamic efficiency while being a design that is structurally appealing to off-road enthusiasts seeking utility.
Towards the lower section of the subtly redesigned bonnet architecture, there is also a closed-off grille section that mimics a functional one to resonate with the older ICE-powered G-Wagen. The fascia also continues to offer the iconic round-shaped headlights, with integrated DRL elements. The headlight setup features tinted bezels to provide a meaner appearance, which customers like.
Right near the lower bumper section, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric gets functional air curtains too that reduce turbulence and improve operating efficiency at high speeds. These also serve as elements defining the G-Wagen aesthetics. Coming to the side section, the G-Class Electric has classic door handles, strips that offer rugged appeal, and aero-optimised alloy wheels.
Speaking of aerodynamic wheels, they measure 20 inches to lend a taller and more poised stance reminiscent of new-age vehicle architecture. The squared-off window areas of the section and the sharp singular crease also add to the tough appearance of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric. The exposed running boards near the floor area tie up this section well with other profile elements.
Coming to the rear section, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric features a squared-off rear design with a wide rear glass area offering good visibility. The side-hinged tailgate section also gets the iconic spare wheel fitment with significant coverage and a cosmetic element to cover it uniquely. For a sleeker look, this section houses lateral LED taillights lower towards the bumper area. With all these design elements, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric stays true to its Predecessors.
Interior:
The interior is where it excels; the cabin features full leather upholstery and trim packages offering the luxury stance the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is truly recognised for. Every minute detail of the in-cabin elements resonates with impeccable craftsmanship. In fact, the cabin features exquisite Nappa leather, including the rooflines, A, B, C, and D pillars, and backrests. The atmosphere is enhanced with the package, available in a plethora of custom colour themes.
While the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is a new-generation electric vehicle, it does not lose the ICE attributes as well, which customers adore; the cabin gets G-Roar acoustics which offers active acceleration sounds (interactive) to reminiscent the ICE-centric emotions, every time driven. For sportiness, the seatbelts even come in ‘red’ colour, matching custom seat colour themes. That said, the G-Class Electric gets macchiato beige or silver seat belts for those who prefer luxury.
To elevate the whole experience, the cabin also features ambient lighting, with 64 different colour themes for a custom experience each time its driver settles in. Several areas of the cabin feature LED ambient lighting elements to suit the personal preferences of each driver. The off-road cockpit provided with the G-Class Electric is another neat touch that offers diverse performance data.
Overall, the G-Class Electric from Mercedes-Benz is designed uniquely to have an exquisite experience to the colour tastes and theme preferences of the driver, for a superior atmosphere. This is complemented by multiple other feature integrations, enhancing the whole package. Nevertheless, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric comes with a superior build quality:
Build Quality:
As expected from the company, Mercedes-Benz has delivered top-class fit and finish of trims and larger panels with the G-Class Electric; the use of textured elements and leather is of superior quality to further elevate the luxury persona, staying true to the performance characterisation. All material included in the trim package of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is picked thoughtfully.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Features
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric comes with a diverse set of feature integrations to resonate as a modern, performance-oriented off-road SUV, equally appealing for daily urban operations. It includes the seamless dual-screen functionality: one as the digital cluster and the other as an infotainment centre, with no bordered separation between them. This system, with a seamless user interface, is supported by a Burmester 3D surround sound system for an enhanced experience.
In fact, the Burmester system integrates with 18 speakers and 760 watts of system output for a better music experience for the occupants; both the front and rear systems feature customisation too. For a compelling user experience, the system can play music in superior Dolby Atmos quality. Additionally, for seamless connectivity to personal devices, the company offers a media cable kit.
Apart from these, the cabin comes with 2 high-resolution 11.6-inch displays offering access to films, the internet, and trip-focused data for the rear passengers. They offer clear icons with minimal submenu clutter. By this, we mean that it is easy to operate for any user, irrespective of age. The touch interface is also seamless, offering a better experience.
What about smartphone connection? The MBUX system, or the multimedia system in the front, comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This dedicated software-based system, connecting with the functions (media and navigation) is made easier than many of its rivals. We believe that it is the best selective user interface available in the G-Class Electric lineup so far, offering the capacity to navigate from one app to another easily.
Speaking of smartphones, the central console of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric has a dedicated spot for phones where it fits perfectly and can be charged wirelessly; the wireless pad supports Qi-enabled phones. What is Qi? It is an electromagnetic induction transferring energy from a charging pad to the smartphone wirelessly; it is also quick to recharge smartphones.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Performance & Range
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric or the G 580 with EQ Technology is designed to be a high-performance solution for customers in India; in fact, the vehicle is designed to deliver 432 kW of staggering peak power, the best offered by an electric G-Wagen. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is fully capable of transferring these on-paper figures to real-world conditions. Proving the same is its mad accelerative performance; it can clock 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds.
That being stated, top speed is capped at 180 kmph for safety; even with the aerodynamic packaging, the taller silhouette of the SUV means the best it can do is the same top speed. Moreover, the All Wheel Drive (each wheel having an individual motor) configuration translates to high-cornering performance and off-road potential. To state again, the G-Class Electric is a true performer in rugged conditions, locking horns with multiple other off-road SUVs in India.
Under full-load occupancy, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric manages to deliver exceptional gradeability as well, without signs of the motors struggling for thermal efficiency or power requirements. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric comes with an adaptive damping system (adjusts the rebound and compression of springs), better for off-road and on-highway performance. Under extreme off-roading, the coil spring suspension with dampers stays intact.
To those wanting to know what compression and rebound of a suspension are; it is the opposite directional movement of a damper or shock absorber. With these fitments accompanying, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric resonates with world-class performance characteristics. What about the driving range? The G-Class Electric offers a 473 km WLTP-claimed range. This means that the vehicle delivers around 380 – 410 km in real-world conditions with a regenerative braking system for assistance.
Here, WLTP refers to the worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure: It is a standardised laboratory test cycle to explore vehicle driving range under different driving conditions. This claimed range is actually quite different for the Indian operating cycles. In fact, the driving range plummets to 320 – 350 km on a fully charged battery when driving at higher speeds on highways (this is due to the energy consumption for acceleration and high-speed performance).
Additionally, under aggressive off-roading, the range can be reduced to as low as 300 km / full charge due to excessive vehicle energy delivery from the battery pack and heat cycles.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Ride & Handling
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric delivers stiff ride characteristics at low speeds due to stiffer coil spring construction. However, the adaptive damping system (shock absorbers) rounds off this with sufficient rebound and compression (two different directional actions of dampers). Additionally, the large battery pack offers a low center of gravity; this reduces the lateral movement under cornering. However, body roll is still present (side-to-side movement). That said, due to the large battery mass, the G-Class Electric offers high-speed stability on highways as well
Additionally, the G-Class Electric comes with a G-steering functionality, which helps drag-brake the inside rear wheel to reduce the turning radius: if you have to ask us, this system is a handy gimmick that can help navigate narrow or tight turns effectively when off-roading. What about cabin refinement? Noise and harshness are reduced with insulation, suppressing the motor whine. Also, Mercedes-Benz has used heavy floorpan dampening and strong acoustic reduction glass.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Safety
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric offers high safety standards as expected from the company. Moreover, the G-Class Electric includes safety features such as Active Distance Assist – a tech that ensures a safe distance from obstructions, supported by a 360-degree surround view camera. Under complex situations, the system has been found to function seamlessly. Additionally, the 360-degree all-round view is effective for navigating the vehicle in tight spots easily. The camera feed is clear and precise for driving or reversing the vehicle in narrow spots without collision.
Apart from these, the G-Class Electric comes with safety interventions by featuring an Active Steering Assist system; it helps gently steer and keep the vehicle in the lane, especially on monotonous stretches and minor bends. This is a neat functionality that truly enhances safety. However, this is strictly not an off-road tool due to safety concerns. Also, the sudden invasive steering input can be noticeable to occupants inside due to the vehicle’s heavy mass.
In addition to these systems, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric also features an Active Parking Assist system; it helps find a suitable parking space and assists with the same requirement, ensuring guidance for steering, acceleration, and braking to seamlessly park the vehicle. However, after an off-road journey, muddy and bad weather conditions can obstruct the system from doing a good job with the same functionality; this is because the ultrasonic system gets covered by these.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric offers a commanding seating position for occupants. However, knee room for the second row is modest even though the vehicle has a larger footprint. In fact, if the front seat is adjusted for a taller person, the second-row space gets tighter, with modest knee room. The rear seat backrest is also upright, which can cause discomfort during longer trips. Also, getting in and out of the vehicle can be difficult, unlike normally sliding in and out.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Charging & Warranty
The vehicle comes with DC fast charging capacity: drivers of the vehicle can charge the G-Class Electric using up to a 210 kW charger at fast-charging stations. Also, the charging cable, made popular by the company with the name tag Mode 3 cable, allows drivers to charge the vehicle battery at a wallbox or at public charging stations with up to 11 kW capacity (type 2, 3-phase, 16A).
However, there is one problem: the vast majority of public chargers are 30 kW to 60 kW in India. Rarely do customers find a public charging station with 120 kW capacity. This means slower charging when compared to the 210 kW charger capacity that the G-Class Electric has. But when you find a 120 kW capacity public charging station, the time take to recharge is around 45 minutes. Also, charging with lower-capacity chargers can take up to 2 hours to recharge the battery fully.
What about the warranty timeline? Mercedes-Benz India offers a 3-year standard warranty right from the day of registration. Battery and high-voltage architecture also come with 8 years or 1,60,000 kms (whichever comes first). This means owning a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle comes with complete peace of mind. So is the case for the G-Class Electric from Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Service & Network
Mercedes-Benz backs owners with an extensive 3S (sales, service, and spare parts) network across the country to enhance vehicle service turnaround time and maximise vehicle uptime. The company has over 100 sales and service touchpoints across 40 different cities in India. All service stations support vehicle high-voltage architecture diagnosis and service in the country. Assuring high uptime, the company promises that the G Class Electric is a long-term vehicular solution.
Who should buy this?
Driven by a quad motor configuration, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is best suited for customers looking for performance appeal, featuring unique tricks up its sleeve, ideal for better agility and pomp. Its instant throttle response makes it a heavy-duty performer across rugged routes and a perfect match for occasional off-road trips around the wilderness. It is for those who like to be behind the wheel rather than being chauffeured. That said, the G-Class Electric does not shy away from setting the stage for luxury.
What's good
-
Immense off-road capability
-
Massive torque from its electric motors
-
Ultra-premium cabin for luxury experience
-
Gets a lot of off-road features for better control
What's not so good
-
Extremely expensive
-
Weighs more than 3 tonnes
-
Range drops significantly when driven off-road
-
Its large size makes city driving difficult
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Electric Price
What's good
-
Immense off-road capability
-
Massive torque from its electric motors
-
Ultra-premium cabin for luxury experience
-
Gets a lot of off-road features for better control
What's not so good
-
Extremely expensive
-
Weighs more than 3 tonnes
-
Range drops significantly when driven off-road
-
Its large size makes city driving difficult
473Km/c
180Kmph
70Mins
Connect Now