Unveiled few months back, the G580 commence with its India bookings as Mercedes Benz India, gears up for launch of production-spec “Electric G-Wagon” slated around next-fiscal year. Earlier this year, during Bharat Global Expo a concept-prototype of the G580 as EQG, was showcased and within the same year, the concept converted to reality, with the G580 breaking covers. Surprisingly, the tall-boy SUV does not utilize a specialized EV architecture, sharing it’s underpinning with the conventional ICE “G-Class” engineered on the traditionaly robust, ladder-on-frame chassy.
As confirmed by the officials, the G580 will not undergo any localization in India, therefore it will be brought via a CBU or later CKD route, but the manufacturing authority stays with the original factory plant in Graz and Austria. This, also means the G580 would see a hefty price tag, once launched in India.
The G-Class does not share an exact rivalry, being unique in its class, the tradition goes with the G580 retaining the off-road legacy with a sustainable approach. Just as a change, the electronic differentials gets replaced by quad-electric motors, with single motor placed in each wheel. This enables the All-Wheel-Drive(AWD) SUV to perform it’s most advertised feature, the G-Turn which allows this car to turn 360 degrees on its axis.
If we consider both, the conventional and electric G-Wagon, the G580 is more aerodynamically efficient, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.45 Cd, which is 0.10 Cd less than the petrol models. A newer-set of differently designed lightweight alloy frame contributes equally in reducing the drag coefficient.
Interior:
The story continues as you step inside, as there are minimalistic changes evident, compared to the cabin of updated G-Class Series. The inner-space feels very familiar, the thoughtful way it has been designed, pertaining the G-Class touch. For the starters, the dashboard boasts a connected panel of 12.3- dual screens for the instrument cluster and lastest MBUX operating software (OS) 2 based all-touch sensitive infotainment. This infotainment comes with a compatibility of wireless Android Auto and Apple Car-Play alongside connected car technology.
Moving forward, a sporty lightweight yet extremely commanded three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel is noticeable, while retaining the engine-turbine styled finished air-con vents. A multi-themsed ambient lighting running across the dashboard to the doors as a thin lining, adds to the overall aura of the G580.
To amplify your sound experience, Mercedes Benz has equipped the cabin with a 12 speaker Burmester surround sound system. Adding more convenience, the front heated seats gets an electronic adjustment with memory function. There is also an availability of wireless charger and rear air-con vents with dedicated blower controls. Affirming an airy inner-space the roof of the G580 mounts a single-pane sunroof. Ensuring a safe reverse and park, the package also options a 360 degree bird view camera setup.
Exterior:
From the outside the G580 has not changed much, in comparison to its ICE sibling. The only differences, which are quite evident and have been made to distinguish both the powertrains lies in the front silhouette, which now ends blacked-out and illuminated.
Though both, the front and rear bumpers have been designed the front fascia looks exactly the same carrying the neo-retro styling, housing the round all-LED adabtable matrix headlamps, surrounded by day-time-running (DRL) in split shape. All the five-doors continues holding the conventional flush-fitting handles.
Powertrain:
Under the hood aligns a 116 kwh battery pack, electrifying the quad-motor setup, which delivers a power output of 579hp and 1,164 Nm of peak torque on the-go. Mercedes claims this battery source, supports a 200 kw fast DC charging, which is capable of charging 10-80 percent in just about 32 minutes. Additionally it is compatible with an 11 kw AC charger. This powertrain is deals with the range-anxiety so smoothly as mentioned earlier, generating an ideal range figure of 473 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
Mercedes Benz is planning to introduce the G580 alongside EQ in mid-2025 and it will most likely see a price tag of Rs 3.0 Cr (ex-showroom) Pan-India. Later an AMG version of the same might see its way, as it is under development.
