inside mercedes-benz’s first electric G-class '580', from transparent bonnet to keyless power

mercedes-benz releases first fully electric G-class 580

Mercedes-Benz’s first fully electric G-Class ‘580’ wagon has finally arrived, with its battery integrated into its ladder frame for a low center of gravity. After 45 years of conventional power, Mercedes-Benz has modified its classic G-Class into a modern electric 580 complete with its EQ technology. The car’s body is built on a ladder frame, following the same vein as the non-electric models of the car brand, and Mercedes-Benz also retained the independent front suspension with double wishbones for the new electric G-Class, as well as the newly developed rigid rear axle.

Mercedes-Benz’s first fully electric G-Class 580 comes with four individually controlled electric motors too, located near the wheels, which can give a maximum total output of 432 kW. The car manufacturer also adds what it calls ‘LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction’, which means that the electric G-Class 580 can turn on the spot on loose or uneven surfaces. The electric vehicle can also deliver a smaller turning circle off-road, and its three-speed off-road function helps the electric G-Class maintain its propulsion as the driver maneuvers the different terrains.

images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first fully electric G-Class 580, the vehicle was seen driving down a makeshift, steep slope. It helps that the new electric wagon has its EQ technology, and Mercedes-Benz says that it can keep its stability on sideways slopes of up to 35 degrees. New features allow the new electric G-Class to stand out from the conventionally powered models of the car brand, from the slightly raised hood and the air curtains in the rear wheel-arch flares that help manage airflow around the wheels to the design box on the rear where the drivers can stow their items such as charging cables, tools, or snow chains. They can also find a Velcro strap and two luggage nets (one in the door and one in the box itself) inside, and optionally, they can fit a spare wheel with a cover there too.

camera system that captures views from all around the wagon

The new Mercedes-Benz fully electric G-Class 580 also has a camera system that captures views from all around the wagon for a complete picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. It comes in handy with the vehicle’s optional ‘transparent bonnet’ for the new model, which is a feature that allows drivers to see a virtual image of what’s underneath the front of the car. Basically, the electric G-Class combines images from different cameras, including the front camera and cameras on the exterior mirrors, to create this virtual view and then displays this view on a screen inside the car. This feature helps drivers see what’s in front of and below the car, which can be useful when driving off-road or weathering obstacles like rocks or debris. It also helps drivers navigate steep terrain by showing crests, embankments, and hollows that may not be visible through the windshield.

Animated and multibeam LED light bands

Looking at the front of the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class 580 with EQ Technology, it’s designed with the classic round headlights and the radiator grille with four horizontal slats. By default, the panel around the radiator grille and the housings for the exterior mirrors are painted the same color as the rest of the car’s body, and this electric version of the G-Class has an option for a special black-panel radiator grille.

This grille has tinted lighting units and features an animated LED light band with a chrome surround, which can be turned on to create a rhythmic light effect. When drivers lock or unlock the SUV too, there are animations that play to make the experience more impressive, such as ‘Welcome home’ and ‘Leaving home’. Inside the car, there are lights that can be customized to create a certain atmosphere, and with the standard ambient lighting feature, the Mercedes-Benz logo is projected onto the ground when the driver opens the front doors.

The first fully electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class 580 also has 18-inch alloy wheels that are designed to help the car move more efficiently through the air, painted in glistening black with a polished finish. The electric wagon also comes with 84 individual and adaptive ‘MULTIBEAM LED’ headlights as a standard feature, which adjust their brightness and direction based on the driving conditions.

Glancing at the rear side windows and the rear window of the G-Class 580, these are made with dark-tinted glass, which helps to keep the interior of the car cooler by blocking out some of the sunlight. On the sides of the car, there are silver badges with the letters EQ, indicating that the vehicle is fully electric.

Keyless first fully electric mercedes-benz’s G-class 580

Inside the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class 580, owners can fit it with adaptive cup holders that can keep drinks at the right temperature and a wireless charging system for devices. They can also get a high-end entertainment system for the back seats, which means having two big touch screens (11.6 inches each) so the passengers in the back can watch movies, go online, and check trip info (they can even share what they’re watching with the screens in the front if wanted).

Mercedes-Benz also introduces its KEYLESS-GO feature, where drivers can unlock and lock the doors of the car just by touching the door handle, and without taking out the key from their pocket or bag. They can also start the car by pressing a button, as long as they have the key with you inside the car (this may entail that the key has wireless connectivity or a sensor). A dashcam can be installed too to record what’s happening on the road ahead, including the time and speed, which is useful for capturing accidents or scenery during the drive. These recorded videos can even be played on the car’s display screen when the car is parked.

For its first run, the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class 580 is named the EDITION ONE, with a starting price of around 192,524 EUR per unit. In this edition, five different paint colors – including blue, black, and white – are offered, and the brake calipers of the part that stops the wheels are blue and have the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ written on them. When the car doors are opened, there’s a projection of the words ‘Stronger Than Time’ onto the ground.

The EDITION ONE includes certain features as standard, such as 20-inch alloy wheels, tinted lights, black exterior mirrors, and door handles with the G logo. The running boards, or the steps used to get into the car, are silver but can be changed to black. Inside, the seats are covered in a combination of silver and black leather, and the steering wheel has buttons covered in leather. There are also blue details inside the car, like carbon-fiber trim and stitching.