In the past two years, we’ve seen many brands shifting their iconic big combustion engine models towards electric powertrains. Some examples are the Hummer EV, Dodge Lamborghini Lanzador, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Mini Cooper SE. Now, Mercedes has decided to switch its iconic all-rounder rugged off-road capable SUV from engine to all-electric. As a result, we have a Mercedes G 580, which is an all-electric version of the G Wagon.
The good thing is that Mercedes has not stopped making the combustion engine variant. It still offers the same iconic V8 and V12 G Wagons. Let’s look into these two cars so you can decide whether the EV G Wagon is a good choice or that same old real badass combustion engine is a better one.
All-new Mercedes G580 with EQ Technology
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
That’s the popular saying meaning if something is working well or people are satisfied with it, there’s no need to change or alter it unnecessarily. It seems like Mercedes’ product strategists have gone the opposite. For the rest of the world, G Wagon was always a status symbol with big, boxy looks, powerful, and super-solid off-roader SUVs with big V8 or V12 engines.
After 40 years of inception, this rugged box has evolved into an electric SUV. This strategy has a very high chance of a “disastrous outcome”, especially considering how car enthusiasts look down on EV cars. And, specifically for G Wagon, its huge V8 and V12 engines were one of its biggest USPs, which is, of course, now erased in the EV variant.
OG Mercedes G63
Here comes the OG G63, which needs no introduction. Known for its rugged, boxy looks, solid off-roading capabilities, and super luxury drive quality. Fortunately, Mercedes has not discontinued this iconic G63, and you can still buy it with either a V8 or V12 petrol engine configuration.
Interior, Drive, and Comfort
The electric version, being an electric one, is pretty much like a room with eternal silence. Being an EV, it doesn’t have any engine sound, but Mercedes has put a fake speaker near the silencer to mimic exhaust sound, but it looks more like a mix of spaceship and diesel engine sound.
On the other hand, the petrol variant is also superb in cabin insulation, but after 4,000 RPMs, you’ll start to notice engine noise coming into the cabin, but a very little bit.
Of course, both cars’ interiors are Mercedes, specifically the upper segment model. As expected, both the electric and gasoline variants offer a very posh and super high-tech cabin. The only thing we don’t like is the touch-sensitive buttons in the EV; the mechanical buttons in the gasoline one are better and more practical than that.
On both variants, you get ambient lights and soft, cushiony, super premium leather seats that wrap you from the sides. You also get highly premium Burmester sound with Dolby 7.1 and Hi-Fi sound.
The AC grills and door handles are made up of aluminium alloy, the centre console is wrapped in carbon fibre, and the rest of the dashboard and doors are covered in Alcantara leather.
Performance and Power
Here comes the main plot.
On G63, you will find a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes a maximum power of 580 HP and 850 Nm of torque. A hybrid motor further aids this, but that’s only for a power boost and doesn’t offer only an electric drive mode like the Prius. To transfer this power to wheels, there’s a 9-speed CVT transmission and permanent AWD system, which Mercedes calls 4Matic in its jargon language.
On the EV version, you get four electric motors, one for each wheel, that output a total power of 585 HP and 1,164 Nm. Each motor can be individually controlled, and the most impressive advantage of this technique is the “G-turn”. It’s basically an off-road stunt that makes the SUV spin 360 degrees within its radius. Although it’s primarily an off-roading feature meant for situations where you’re stuck at a dead end with no way out, many people use it on Reels and TikTok just to go viral. It’s similar to how people flexed the Maybach GLS600’s bounce feature on social media.
1-1 Direct Comparison
If you’re too busy to read the whole review, here’s just a quick comparison for your ease:
| Specs | Mercedes G 580 EQ | Mercedes G 63 |
| Chassis | Self Supporting, Ladder Frame | Self Supporting, Ladder Frame |
| Break Over Point | 25.7° break-over angle | 25.7° break-over angle |
| Off-road climbing ability | 100% climbing ability | 100% climbing ability |
| Power | 585 HP | 580 HP |
| Torque | 1,164 Nm (electric motor, instant torque) | 850 Nm |
| Engine Size | Not Applicable | 3,982 cc |
| Battery | 116 kWh | Not Applicable |
| Range | 460 Km (EAER) | Not Applicable |
| Fuel Economy | Not Applicable | 3.2 Km/l |
| Charging time | 11 hrs on normal charger or 32 mins on a fast charger | Not Applicable |
| Interior | All leather, carbon fiber center console, and aluminum alloy door handles | All leather, carbon fiber center console, and aluminum alloy door handles |
| Steering buttons | Touch-sensitive | Physical aluminum buttons |
| Audio System | 15 speakers, 560-watt Burmester sound | 15 speakers, 560-watt Burmester sound |
| Sound Technology | Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound | Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound |
| Infotainment | 12.3” super bright 4K IPS display | 12.3” super bright 4K IPS display |
| Headlights | Projector Lamps with AI-powered auto-adjusting | Projector Lamps with AI-powered auto-adjusting |
Let us know what you think about these two cars and keep following Arabwheels.ae/blog for more future comparisons.