Mercedes-Benz India Set to Unveil Electric G 580 on January 9, 2025

Mercedes-Benz India is set to debut the electric G-Class, officially named the G 580 with EQ Technology, on January 9, 2025. This production-spec version of the G 580 is expected to be available for purchase, with the company possibly announcing the price on the same day.

The electric G-Class was initially showcased as a concept at the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year before it went on sale globally in mid-2024.

G 580 with EQ Technology: A New Era for Electric G-Class Vehicles

The G 580 represents a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz’s naming strategy for electric vehicles. The model retains the G-Class essence but has been re-engineered to be battery-powered while offering exceptional off-road capabilities. The car is designed to deliver uncompromised performance, surpassing its combustion-engine counterpart when it comes to off-road driving.

Design Updates: A Familiar Yet More Aerodynamic Look

The design of the G 580 is nearly identical to the G 450d, with only subtle changes to distinguish the electric version. The grille has been slightly reworked, and discreet EQ badges have been added. To enhance aerodynamic efficiency, the vehicle features a new A-pillar design and a new spoiler lip on the roof. The G 580’s drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.48Cd on the G 450d to 0.44Cd. Additionally, the spare wheel holder on the rear boot can now be replaced by a charging cable holder for better aerodynamics.

Inside, the design remains almost unchanged from the regular G-Class, with the only differences being the EV-specific switchgear and controls.

Powertrain and Performance: Electric Off-Road Beast

The G 580 is powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel, producing 147hp each, totaling 587hp and a formidable 1,165Nm of torque. Each motor features its own two-speed gearbox, enabling the G 580 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds, with a top speed of 180km/h. The vehicle’s primary focus, however, is off-road performance.

The G 580 is equipped with a 116kWh battery, shared with the EQS, providing a range of 470km on a full charge. The battery can be charged at up to 200kW, ensuring a fast charging process. The G 580’s suspension system is an independent front suspension, with a new rigid rear axle containing an integrated electric drive unit. Virtual differential locks replace mechanical ones to provide optimized torque vectoring.

Off-Road Features: Customized for Rugged Terrain

The G 580 offers three advanced off-road features to enhance its performance in challenging conditions:

• G-Turn: Enables the vehicle to rotate 720 degrees in place.

• G-Steering: Allows the G 580 to reduce its turning circle by pivoting around an individual wheel.

• Off-road Crawler Function: Allows the G 580 to crawl at speeds as low as 2kph for better control on rough terrain.

The G 580 is also equipped with a water wading capacity of 850mm, surpassing the regular G-Class by 100mm, making it more capable in wet conditions.

No Facelifts Planned for Other Mercedes Models in India for 2025

While international markets will soon see facelifts for the S-Class and second mid-lifecycle updates for the GLE and GLS SUVs, these models are not expected to be introduced in India in 2025. Mercedes-Benz India’s lineup will continue to feature the GLE and GLS models updated in 2024, with the current S-Class model staying on for another year.