Automotive Engineering - June 2024 - 19

ROAD READY
This is commonly known as a tank turn,
and it's something the gas-powered
G-Class could never do.
Another upgrade from the gas version
is the EV's ability to ford deeper water.
The electric G 580 can handle up to 33.5
inches (851 mm) of water, 5.9 inches (150
mm) more than the gas-powered G 550
and AMG G 63. While traversing up and
down inclines, the vehicle handles angles
up to 35 degrees without slippage and,
separately, can crawl over 100-degree
items in certain circumstances.
Rounding out the ruggedness,
Mercedes shipped a digital off-road experience
that appears on the vehicle's two
12.3-inch (312-mm) displays. In addition
to the usual tilt and power distribution,
the 360-degree cameras can be used to
create what Mercedes calls a " transparent
hood. " Drivers can see the trail ahead that
otherwise remains hidden by the front of
the vehicle, helpful when driving alone
and a spotter is unavailable.
Mercedes was upfront about the abilities
of the electric G-Wagen surpassing
that off the gas version. After some
mild prodding, anyway. " I wanted to
correct you but I cannot because in offroad
capabilities, it's better, " Mercedes
CEO of AMG Michael Schiebe told SAE
Media. When asked about the decision
to use four two-speed motors instead
of a dual-motor setup, the CEO said,
Cameras abound on the new G 580, allowing for a video effect called " transparent hood. "
" It's just superior technology; that's as
simple as it is. "
The four motors output 579 combined
hp (432 kW) - each motor is capable of
145 hp (108 kW) - and 859 lb-ft (1,165
Nm) that can propel the vehicle from
zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds.
The electric G 580 also ships with
the usual Sport, Comfort, and Individual
modes found in current Mercedes-Benz
vehicles for use on asphalt.
To adjust aerodynamics in their favor,
Mercedes has slightly altered the vehicle
to reduce drag with a spoiler on
the roof, a slightly raised hood, A-pillar
cladding, and aero wheels.
Mercedes is still rolling on a 400-volt
system with AC charging topping off at
11 kW and DC fast charging supported
up to 200 kW. At launch, the vehicle will
be outfitted with a CCS port, but a CCS
to NACS adaptor will be available from
Mercedes by the end of the year.
Mercedes will eventually add a NACS
port to the vehicle.
Inside, you get the Mercedes feel
you've come to expect from the brand.
There are touches of the luxury found in
the Mercedes EQS or EQE, but with
some old-school nods. The buttons and
toggles found in the legacy vehicle are
still here. While making the G-Wagen
electric was important to Mercedes, it
didn't want to change the vehicle's
character, which is why it hasn't undergone
an exterior design change.
Regardless of powertrain, the vehicle
needs to look like a G-Wagen.
Pricing and availability for the U.S.
Despite plenty of updated tech, the Mercedes-Benz 2025 G 580 with EQ Technology still looks like
an old-school G-Wagen.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
market haven't been announced, but we
expect the Edition One launch version
of the EV G-Wagen to clock in just
slightly south of $200,000 with availability
during the second half of 2024.
Roberto Baldwin
June 2024 19
BOTH IMAGES: MERCEDES-BENZ

Automotive Engineering - June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - June 2024