G 580 debuts at off-road park at the Formula One Grand Prix

With four motors and the ability to do a 360 degree turn on the spot this ‘cheaper and more capable EV’ promises to redefine its class.

When people think of an electric vehicle, they might picture something sleek, futuristic, quiet and efficient. A car perfect for city streets, not rugged terrain.

But the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon shatters that preconception.

This is no delicate city-commuter. It’s a 423kW, 1164Nm beast with more off-road capability than just about anything else on the market.

I had the chance to experience it at Mercedes first-ever off-road park in Melbourne, built exclusively for the Australian Grand Prix. It did not disappoint.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 580 e tested by Reporter Danielle Collis at the first-ever off-road track experience at the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park. Picture: Supplied

Highly Anticipated Electric G-Wagon

At first glance, the G 580 e looks like a G-Wagon – but under the bonnet the traditional V8 has been replaced by four individual motors, one for each wheel.

This allows for precise, instant torque distribution and a level of control internal combustion simply can’t match.

With a 116 kWh lithium-ion battery integrated into the ladder-frame chassis, the G 580 boasts an impressive 567 km range (NEDC tested).

Under the car, the battery is reinforced with a 26mm-thick carbon fibre underbody shield – practically this plate is tougher than the car itself.

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The G can crawl over obstacles using a camera-fed Transparent Bonnet, which digitally reconstructs what’s beneath the car in real time. Picture: Supplied

Off-Road in the Electric G

Mercedes didn’t just build the G 580 e, but an entire off-road park at Albert Park to showcase its capabilities.

They brought in 430 tonnes of dirt, 70 cubic metres of rock, and 11 cubic metres of concrete.

Watching the car grip the terrain and power up steep near-vertical sections felt surreal but sitting in the driver’s seat, I started to panic but I was in good hands – the car.

The technology at work here is next-level, this is a car that weighs over three tonnes yet tackles every challenge with breeze.

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I started climbing the 3.8 metre dirt mound, staring straight at the sky. A petrol car would need precise throttle control to stop it from losing grip but this just cruised straight up.

Then as I declined the hill, I sat at a 60 degree angle – the kind of angle where you’re steering straight at the dirt road, terrified to lift your foot off the brake because you’re petrified the vehicle might flip. But the G 580? No problem. Reversing back up the hill? No problem.

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 580 with EQ technology tested by Reporter Danielle Collis at the first-ever off-road track experience at the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park.

The electric motors instantly distribute torque vectoring to which wheels need it most, generating virtual differential locks, meaning it climbs with zero hesitation instantly.

There’s no need to manually engage the differential locks, the control is automatic, making the off-roading experience seamless.

Around tight corners, the G-Steering feature delivered unprecedented maneuverability, the wheels turned at different speeds which invoked a slight oversteer (depending on the situation) and allowed the G Wagon to easily turn around tight corners.

PARTY TRICKS

Next, the party trick, the G-Turn, an off-road feature.

By spinning the right and left wheels in opposite directions, the big wagon can turn 360 degrees on the spot, something no other luxury off-roader can do.

It also has an impressive wading depth of 850mm, 150mm more than the petrol G.

One of my favourite features is a camera-fed Transparent Bonnet which digitally reconstructs what’s beneath the car in real time – helpful when navigating difficult terrain.

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Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One offers unique blue stitching, exclusive paint options and special badging sets it apart, making it feel ever more special. Picture: Supplied

More than just an Off-Roader

Inside, the electric model keeps the signature G-Class luxury with MBUX digital displays, Burmester 3D sound, heated and cooled cupholders and plush Nappa leather seating.

If you’re a petrolhead who’s struggling to convert to an EV, don’t worry, the G-ROAR sound experience offers a deep aggressive hum that makes it feel just like the V8.

The G 580 is on sale from today. Pricing starts at $249,900 (MRLP) for the base model, with the exclusive Edition One retailing at $299,000 plus ORCs and dealer delivery.

Inside the G 580 e keeps the signature G-Class luxury with MBUX digital displays, Burmester 3D sound, heated and cooled cupholders and plush Nappa leather seating. Picture: Supplied

I’d opt for the Edition One, because let’s be honest, if you’re already spending this much, you might as well go all in. The unique blue stitching, exclusive paint options and special badging sets it apart, making it feel ever more special. The Edition One will be available in limited quantities.

Originally published as G 580 debuts at off-road park at the Formula One Grand Prix