“Give my creation life!” Gene Wilder cried in his eponymous role as “Young Frankenstein,” where the young doctor strove to make a bigger, bolder, better version of his monster for a new generation.
Mercedes has done something similar but much more serious with the Tuesday unveiling of its latest creation, the fully electric 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. Frahn-ken-SHTEEN is much easier to say, but this beast screws down four motors to control each wheel for more controlled off-roading and slaps down blistering performance times for a blocky SUV that looks every part the G-Class field general of old.
Last month, Mercedes showed off a gas version of the 2025 G-Class G550 with a downsized 443-hp inline-6 or a G 63 with an endangered 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 rated at 577 hp. The electric G-Class G 580 EQ shares a heavily modified truck platform with the gas version, but it’s about seven inches shorter in length and the powertrains couldn’t be more different.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology power
A 116-kwh battery pack provides juice for each of the four permanent magnet synchronous motors, which together make 579 hp. It’s the slightest advantage over the V-8 on the spec sheet (and forthcoming price sheet), but the 859 lb-ft of torque outblasts the 627 lb-ft from the V-8. The gas model’s new mild-hybrid system helps it jump off the line to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, whereas the electric G steps out from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Mercedes didn’t disclose its curb weight, but expect it to far exceed the already portly 5,800-pound gas model. Its top speed is limited to 112 mph.
The AMG G 63 may be quicker, for now, but the G 580 EQ promises to be more capable. Each motor essentially has its own transmission and virtual differential locks that enable all that torque to be routed to the wheel or wheels that need it most. A low-range gear reduction acts like a 2-speed transfer case for off-roading and crawling.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology capability
The quad-motor setup allows for tight turning in spots other off-roaders might not be able to go. A G-Steering feature locks the inside rear wheel to nudge the rear end around a tight 90-degree turn such as around a tree or a boulder, similar to what’s used in top models of the Ford Bronco. Mercedes takes it a step further with G-Turn, or a so-called tank turn, where the vehicle can do a full 360-degree spin while mostly staying in the same circle by rotating its left and right wheels in opposite directions. Rivian shelved a similar feature in its R1T pickup truck due to environmental blowback, and GMC has trick wheeled-steering with its Hummer EV truck and SUV CrabWalk function that enables diagonal driving at low speeds. The G 580 has a crawl function with three settings as well.
The technological wizardry carries over to some suspension components, but the use of a solid axle at the rear demonstrates that this G, like the OG, is meant for heavy-duty off-roading. Mercedes says that it matches the gas G-Class’s ability to climb a 100% grade, which is really like a 45% angle, but the E-G, if I may, has 5.9 inches more fording depth at a total 33.5 inches. Ground clearance sticks to 9.8 inches on its standard 20-inch wheels and the approach, departure, and breakover angles are 32, 30.7, and 20.3 degrees, respectively. Adjustable dampers at each corner promise some on-road comfort as well. Towing estimates were not disclosed.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology range and charge times
Mercedes hasn’t released pricing or range estimates for the G 580, but based on the European equivalent, it will likely get about 250 miles of range. It can fast-charge at up to 200 kw, which would take about 30 minutes to charge from 10-80%.
Regenerative braking has been a sticking point for Mercedes’ initial suite of electric vehicles bearing the EQ name, which has since been demoted to trim designations for future electrics. The G 580 EQ likely won’t have one-pedal driving, but steering wheel paddles enable a range of regen braking levels. The default Auto setting reads vehicle speed, cornering angle, and other factors to set the pace, while a D+ allows for the kind of coasting found in laying off the throttle in a gas car. Normal, D-, and D– dial up more regen.
Pricing for the 2025 G 580 EQ will be announced in the second half of the year, with the launch of a loaded Edition One model. Expect it to crest $200,000, while lesser variants might be priced closer to $150,000.
We doubt Mercedes will decry its G-Class predecessors by saying, as Young Frankenstein did, “My grandfather’s work was doo-doo!” But the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology marks a monster step forward for electric off-roading.