The cube has become more streamlined – here is the electric G-class – Auto-Motor

After we saw the EQG study in 2021, invited journalists could already drive the camouflaged prototypes at the end of 2022, yet another year and a half was needed for the production version to be presented. We don’t know what took so long, but it doesn’t change the essence: there is already a G-Class with a battery-electric drive. The name EQG is a thing of the past, instead the letters EQ are used as a suffix, the G 580 EQ is the version with zero local emissions in the range between the G 450 d and the AMG G 63.

The appearance changes to a minimal extent, on the one hand, the radiator grille has been walled in, on the other hand, the hood has been raised, and there are air curtains on the sides of the body, and a spoiler is placed on the A-pillar and on the roof. All of this resulted in a significant improvement in air resistance, from Cw 0.53 to Cw 0.44 – but in absolute terms, even this is a pretty bad value. The chassis of the G-Class equipped with an internal combustion engine is also used here, but instead of cross members, a battery with a net capacity of 116 kWh is installed as a structural support. In order to ensure that even rocks do not damage it, a special 26 mm thick lower protective cover made of several materials (including carbon) weighing 57.6 kg and attached to the chassis with 50 screws is used – the same protection would weigh 150 kg from sheet steel.

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In order for the electric version to be able to keep up with the internal combustion model even in the field, 1 drive motor and 2-speed gearbox are used per wheel; the independent suspension at the front and rigid axle at the rear remains. The differential locks are activated by electronic control, and it is an additional help that they can control the drive per wheel in order to reduce the turning circle, the G 580 EQ can even turn on the spot; it protects the tires if you do this on loose ground. The electric G-class has a wading depth of 850 mm and a 35° side tilt, which can overcome a 100% ascent (45°) on suitable ground. Each drive motor has an output of 147 hp, the system output is 588 hp/1164 Nm. The standard range is 434-473 km with the battery with a capacity of 116 kWh, the on-board charger is 11 kW, lightning charging is possible with 200 kW, and the maximum is 217 kW for brake energy recovery. The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 EQ is 3,085 kg, and the load capacity is only 415 kg, so that the car can still be driven with a category B license.

As with other G-Classes, the battery-electric version can also spend a lot of money on extras, since the basic price of 142,621.50 euros in Germany does not yet include the “transparent hood” function available with the surround camera system, or keyless entry, and then there is also the Manufaktur option. The digital driving sound called G-Roar is produced as a series, it was generated from the sound of versions equipped with an internal combustion engine.