since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has come a long way since it was introduced just before the turn of the 1980s. We vaguely remember going down a 40 or so degrees slope in Shah Alam (which had open lands back then before urban development crept in) with the four-wheel drive transmission engaged on low range.
We virtually let the car crept its way down the slope as instructed, the first of many such experiences with four-wheel drive vehicles over the years. It was a new experience back then, not having to touch the accelerator and let the vehicle make its way down a steep slope. Our Cycle & Carriage host (who was the distributor of Mercedes-Benz back then) reassured us everything would be fine based on the trepidation reflected on our face.
Like all good four-wheel drives would, the G-Wagon did the slope crawl well, giving us a sigh of relief when we reached the base of the slope. This model has evolved a fair bit over time and assumed the G-Class name plate in 2022 before being given the name Gelandewagen, which was what the G stands for, in 2024.
It draws an iconic status with its boxy body lines since the early days although the rough edges were progressively rounded off to gain better aerodynamic efficiency. Its boxy profile was understandable as it was originally built to be a military vehicle. The G-Class introduced last year is the actually the sixth generation, spanning 45 years since its 1979 entry.
And this year, the all-new G 580 with EQ Technology signals its expansion to the EV (Electric Vehicle) market. The nose stands out with its expressive LED (light emitting diode) design, complete with the classic round headlamps, which is better appreciated at night. It retains the angular body silhouette to reflect its roots but in a much more modern outlook.
It is just not another EV off the Mercedes block but one that comes with special features to justify its iconic status. Firstly, it comes with four individually controlled electric motors that are integrated in the ladder frame close to the wheels. This is said to allow the G-Class EV to offer unique driving characteristics on and off road, making it the first mass-produced vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Group with individual wheel drive.
The four motors are driven via short half shafts, allowing the flexibility of the rear motors being bolted to the chassis. Each electric motor develops a peak output of 108kW (146PS) for a total output of 432kW (587PS) while the combined torque is 1164Nm. With the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and CPD (Central Powertrain Control), Mercedes says the torque is always delivered exactly where the G 580 needs traction.
It could thus do 360-degree turns on the spot, which Mercedes calls the G-Turn. What this is useful for is when the off-road route is blocked or unpassable, the driver could use this G-Turn feature to do a 180-degree turn and head back to where he started.
There is also the G-Steering feature that significantly reduces the vehicle’s turning circle when driving off-road or on loose surfaces. Similarly, it is achieved through targeted control of the drive torque at the individually driven wheels. The function eliminates the need for multi-point turns in certain situations such as bends or other tight spaces. It is active up to 25km/h.
Its off-road character is further boosted with the underbody protection being made from an ‘intelligent material mix’ that includes carbon. This is said to increase rigidity compared to alternatives made from steel or aluminium. It also ensures long-lasting corrosion protection and saves weight. The underbody panel is 26 millimetres thick, weighs 57.6 kilogrammes and is attached to the ladder frame with more than 50 steel screws. A comparable steel component is around three times heavier.
The ladder frame is modified and reinforced for the electric model while retaining the combination of double-wishbone independent front suspension and rigid rear axle. The rear axle is a De Dion design and was completely redeveloped. Mercedes says the all-new electric G-Class is equipped with the same adaptive adjustable damping used in the conventionally powered variants.
The active dampers are said to compensate for uneven ground better than passive dampers, thus ensuring more off-road confidence. Mercedes adds that the components of the adaptive adjustable damping system are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as surging water, fording, stone chipping and dirt.
Given its strong off-road ‘legs’, the G 580 EV is said to excel with such qualities as up to 100-per cent gradeability on suitable surfaces, ground clearance between the axles of at least 250mm, maximum fording depth of 850mm for water and mud, stable driving on sideward slopes of up to 35 degrees, approach angle of 32 degrees and departure angle of 30.7 degrees and breakover angle of 20.3 degrees.
The all-new electric G-Class uses torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks that enable fully variable distribution of the drive torque among the individual wheels. The result is maximum traction with maximum flexibility without distortion when cornering. There is also no need to manually engage the differential locks via switches in the off-road control unit as control is fully automatic.
For electric power, there is a two-tiered lithium-ion battery with 216 cells installed in 12 cell modules between three cooling levels. The battery is integrated into the ladder frame made from steel up to four millimetres thick. Mercedes says this ensures a low centre of gravity and makes the entire vehicle significantly more rigid. To protect it from water and dirt intrusion, the battery is housed in a torsion-resistant casing.
The usable capacity of the battery is 116kWh, giving the new G 580 with EQ Technology a range of up to 473 kilometres according to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure). The standard recuperative drive system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy when coasting and braking, with different degrees of regeneration.
The G 580 is not your quiet EV though as it comes with G-ROAR to bring out the signature AMG roar. Mercedes says this characteristic driving sound is inspired by the model family’s emotional V8 sounds to provide an ‘impressive acoustic accompaniment’ to the vehicle’s acceleration. The driver could also choose the type of sound with a choice of driving programme.
Its exterior and interior features are what you would expect of a Mercedes-Benz. In addition, there is the MANUFAKTUR range that owners could personalise their G-Class even further. Whether paint selection, spare wheel ring, seat graphics, decorative stitching or instrument panel, Mercedes says there are more than a million possible combinations.
Or you could go for the exclusive Edition One variant that is available in three paint finishes: MANUFAKTUR south sea blue magno, MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno and MANUFAKTUR classic grey solid. The outer protective moulding has an insert with a blue trim strip. The brake callipers are also in blue and feature Mercedes-Benz lettering at the front.
With the import tax exemption that is available till the end of 2025, the new G 580 with EQ Technology is available at a very attractive price. The retail price for the standard model is RM958,888 while that for the exclusive Edition One variant is RM998,888.
