2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One Review

Mercedes-Benz reimagines the G-Class for the electric age. Is the G 580 the real deal or just a marketing special?

Modern electric vehicles usually share a few traits: sleek aerodynamics, a focus on weight-saving for efficiency and often a futuristic aesthetic to match their advanced drivetrains. But it seems Mercedes engineers thought, “bugger all that” (or whatever the German equivalent is), and built the G 580 anyway. It’s an all-electric take on the military-born Geländewagen. And we love them for it.

An icon

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been an automotive icon, first as a military-grade off-roader, and more recently as a luxury status symbol. Now it’s entered a new era without losing its identity, the brand having kept all that is good about the vehicle – its cubic design, heavy-duty construction and off-road capability – while adding a huge battery and four, yes four, electric motors. We took this big white box for a spin; more about that later.

Priced at a hefty $276,000 for the Edition One model (with a standard version coming soon at $231K), the G 580 is aimed squarely at well-heeled enthusiasts. Yet in the realm of six-figure luxury EVs, that ask isn’t as outrageous as it sounds. It is a natural step up from the EQS 450, and around the same ballpark as the BMW iXM60 and i7. Yes, it is expensive, but they could have asked more.

It is a box…

You’d be hard-pressed to tell the G 580 is electric at a glance. Mercedes hasn’t meddled with the G’s iconic silhouette. It’s still a big, boxy brute with short overhangs, perched on a ladder-frame chassis. The form follows function for maximum approach angles and interior space. At just a bit over 4.5 metres long, it’s not as gigantic as it looks; many modern three-row SUVs are much longer.

The Edition One trim adds gloss black 20-inch AMG rims, black door handles, and subtle hints of blue (check the brake calipers and the rub strips along the flanks) to denote its electric heart. Our test unit was white – cue another fridge comment. There’s no spare tyre hung on the rear door; instead you get a lockable “G-Box” for charging cables. The overall effect is G-Class through and through;. It’s chunky, retro and cool, with just enough EV-specific flair to set it apart for those in the know.

Up front, the G 580 Edition One sticks with a traditional grille. Round LED headlights flank it, complete with LED rings and adaptive beams that can mask out oncoming traffic. Fender-mounted indicator lamps and exposed hinges give it that old-school charm and the doors still shut with a vault-like clunk. Being the first G-Class with keyless entry, you press a button and give the door a firm shove – it’s like closing a safe.

Familiar with a touch of modern

Slide into the G 580 and you’re greeted with a blend of familiar G-Class ambience and new-age tech. The Edition One’s cabin is draped in Nappa leather – a two-tone Silver Pearl/Black scheme with contrasting blue stitching and carbon-fibre accents. It mixes Mercedes’ top-tier “Superior” and “Exclusive” design lines, making it feel every bit the flagship.

The dash is thoroughly modern Mercedes, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays and MBUX interface but thankfully retains chunky vents and analogue toggles. There’s even the classic grab handle for the passenger.

For space, the G 580 is generous up front but a tad tight in the rear. That relatively short length means rear legroom is merely adequate. The cargo area offers just over 500 litres, expanding to nearly 2000 litres with the seats folded.

Creature comforts are certainly not in short supply. The front seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, with memory settings and classic Mercedes door-mounted switches. Wireless charging, cooled or heated cupholders, a Burmester sound system, and ambient lighting round out the package.

The MBUX infotainment system supports all the expected apps and features. Its “Energising Coach” is a quirky touch for it plays music and massages you if it thinks you’re drowsy. And then there’s “G-Roar”, a synthetic V8-like sound that plays through the speakers. It’s convincing enough to fool a passenger but can also be switched off for silent cruising.

Flying brick

Fire up the G 580 and you immediately sense this isn’t an ordinary SUV. For one, there’s nearly three tonnes of mass beneath you. Yet it proves remarkably easy to drive around town. Visibility is excellent, the turning circle manageable and a 360-degree camera makes parking a breeze.

Ride comfort is plush with an underlying firmness. The G 580 glides over undulations but there remains a hint of that traditional G-Wagen jiggle. Body control is excellent and refinement solid.

With four motors and a 116kWh battery, the G 580 puts out 432kW and 1164Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h takes just 4.7 seconds. The surge is instant and relentless. In Sport mode, it feels agile for something so large – it really can dance for a big rig.

Steering is numb but accurate, and the Edition One’s performance tyres offer plenty of grip. Brakes (a mix of big discs and regen) inspire confidence.

Motorway manners are also good. Adaptive cruise and lane assist are present but unobtrusive, and the ride is settled at speed. Wind noise is noticeable but not excessive given the shape.

Off-road tech & G-Turn

Of course, a G-Wagen must prove itself when the going gets rough. While we didn’t head far off-grid, we have been off-road in the G 580 at a controlled test. Switching to Off-Road mode engages the full suite of traction aids.

Each motor has a two-speed gearbox with a low-range ratio, and the G 580 has multiple drive modes and crawl control levels. With 250mm of ground clearance, short overhangs, and a 26mm thick carbon-fibre shield under the battery, it clambers over most things with ease. It can even wade through 850mm of water.

The headline trick? A G-Turn. This allows the G to spin 360 degrees in place – one side’s wheels rotate forward, the other side’s back – activated with a paddle in a special drive mode. It’s genuinely useful in tight trails and more than just a showroom gimmick.

G-Steer also helps the big G pivot tighter by overdriving the outer wheels in a turn. It makes this 4×4 surprisingly nimble in tight off-road scenarios.

With a De Dion rear axle and independent front, wheel articulation is excellent. Permanent AWD and power delivery to a single wheel help it conquer tricky terrain. The only limitation? Performance tyres and no tow rating – likely due to weight limits.

Efficiency challenge

With a big battery and brick aerodynamics, efficiency was never going to be a G 580 highlight. But Mercedes gave it enough juice to make it work. The 116kWh battery officially returns 23kWh/100km, for about 450–500km of range. Realistically, expect closer to 400km.

Drive it hard or on the open road and usage can hit 30kWh/100km but most owners will charge overnight at home and use it around town.

DC fast charging at up to 200kW gets you from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. An 11kW AC wallbox at home will fully charge it overnight.

The nav system can route via chargers, and the Mercedes me app handles charge monitoring and pre-conditioning.

Epic

The Mercedes-Benz G 580 is, in a word, epic. This electric G-Wagen could have been a compromised tribute but it’s not. It’s the real deal. It combines classic G charm with cutting-edge tech.

Performance is great, range is adequate, and the technology is awesome – all wrapped up in that unmistakable G-Wagen style. Where else can you find a vehicle that massages you on the motorway, then does a tank turn in the bush?

Yes, most G 580s won’t venture far off-road, but they could. Mercedes has electrified a legend without losing the plot. If you ever doubted an electric G-Wagen could be the real deal, this one sets the record straight.  

Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One
$276,000  /  23kWh/100km  /  0g/km
0-100 km/h 4.7s (claimed)
Motor output  432kW
Max torque  1164Nm
Battery  116kWh
Range  473km
Drivetrain  Single-speed auto / e-AWD
Front suspension  Wishbones / air springs
Rear suspension  Multilink / air springs
Turning circle  11.3m (2.5 turns)
Front brakes  Ventilated discs
Rear brakes  Discs
Stability systems  ABS, ESP, TV
Safety  AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size  275/50R20
Wheelbase  2890mm
L/W/H  4624 / 1931 / 1986mm
Luggage capacity 555L  
Tow rating  Not rated to tow
Service intervals 12 months / 20,000km
Scheduled servicing  3yrs / unlimited km
Warranty  3yrs / unlimited km
ANCAP rating  Not yet rated
Weight (claimed)  3085kg