For those who prefer to grind gravel and bound over boulders while surrounded by luxurious napa leather \u2014 and can\u2019t imagine emitting even a single molecule of carbon dioxide while doing so \u2014 the fully electric Mercedes G-Wagen is for you<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The very expensive, boxy status symbol is now even status symbol-ier thanks to a 116 kWh battery and all-electric drive train, complete with four individually controlled motors with a maximum total output of 432 kW \u2014\u00a0or the equivalent of about 580 horsepower \u2014\u00a0and a max torque 1,164 Newton-meters. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI recently joked that it\u2019s like the Birkin bag of Mercedes,\u201d Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola K\u00e4llenius said on the Decoder<\/em> podcast back in 2022<\/a>. \u201cEverybody wants one, and the waiting time is really long. It may even be the most desirable car in our portfolio.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n But with great power comes great expense. The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ technology (an ungainly name for an exotic EV, but I\u2019ll allow it) will start<\/em> at \u20ac142,621.50 ($152,184.27), while the first edition trim goes for \u20ac192,524.15\u00a0($205,432.89). That\u2019s a premium over the gas models<\/a>, which typically start at around $143,000. At launch, the Edition One trim will be exclusive to the US market and will arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2024. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The G 580, or EQG if you will, will be built on a ladder frame concept, which the automaker says is fundamental to its off-roading. Like its gas-powered equivalents, the ladder frame includes an independent front suspension with double wishbones, as well as a newly developed rigid rear axle for a lower center of gravity. The battery will propel the EQG to an estimated 473 km (293 miles) on the WLTP standard, which will likely be even lowered when based on the less optimistic EPA rating. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The electric G-Wagen will come with a whole caravan of nifty circus tricks, including a tank turn (which Mercedes has branded its G-Turn) for sharper, on-axis rotations. G-Turn will work on loose, unpaved roads and trails and only at low speeds. And a three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function will keep the electric SUV at the optimal speed while traveling over uneven surfaces. And Mercedes boasts that the EQG will remain stable on slopes up to 35 degrees and has a maximum fording depth of 850 millimeters (33 inches). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Of course, all that off-roading requires extra protection for the battery, which is stored in the floor of the vehicle for that low center of gravity. Every grain of gravel is a potential hazard when you\u2019re driving around with a two-tiered lithium-ion battery with 216 cells installed in 12 cell modules between three cooling levels\u00a0under your feet. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The underbody skid plate, which is unique to the electric G-Class, is made from \u201can intelligent material mix\u201d that includes carbon, which \u201cincreases rigidity compared to alternatives made from steel or aluminum,\u201d the company says. It also ensures long-lasting corrosion protection and saves weight.\u00a0The plate is 26 millimeters thick, weighs 57.6 kilograms, and is attached to the ladder frame with more than 50 steel screws.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n And in what is becoming an increasingly normal thing to do<\/a> with new EVs, Mercedes has decided to give its electric G-Wagen a fake engine noise, branded here as G-Roar. Inspired by the gas lineup\u2019s \u201cemotional V8 sounds,\u201d the G-Roar will use external speakers to emit a sound that simulates the \u201cdeep bass and sonorous tones\u201d of its fuel-sipping sibling. The sounds can change when switching between drive modes: Comfort produces a more restrained fake engine noise, while Sport will hit you right in the feelings (Mercedes also describes it as \u201cemotional\u201d). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Even with an emphasis on off-roading over performance, the G 580 with EQ technology (nope, still ungainly, going back to EQG) is no slouch on the pavement. The electric SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km\/h in 4.7 seconds and will be electronically limited to a maximum speed of 180 km\/h (or 112 mph). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The exterior is nearly identical to the current model year of gas-fueled G-Wagens. You do get illuminated accents on the grille, which also can be replaced with an optional blacked-out front panel. The bonnet is slightly raised, and the rear wheel wells include air curtains for better aerodynamic performance. There\u2019s also a new A-pillar cladding and a spoiler lip on the roof. But otherwise, it would be difficult to pick out the EV in an all-G-Class lineup. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n A rear-mounted design box looks ideal for a spare tire, but open it up and \u2014 surprise! \u2014 it\u2019s charging cables and other optional goodies, like snow chains. Of course, if you want to be a traditionalist, you can absolutely stow your spare tire in there. No judgment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Inside, the electric G-Wagen is sticking to what works, keeping the passenger grab bar and surrounding everything with carbon fiber. There are plenty of physical buttons, and the air vents are delightfully tactile and circular. The pedals are covered in raised rivets because, you know, off-road. And the 12.3-inch digital display runs on Mercedes\u2019 well-received MBUX infotainment system \u2014 but also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rear-seat passengers can enjoy a variety of media on their personal 11.6-inch touchscreens that are mounted on the back of the front seats. Content can be moved from the rear to the front display \u2014\u00a0but video watching and internet browsing are reserved for parked mode only. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n