EV or G63 AMG G-Wagon? Mercedes G580 Review

TheStraightPipes
13 May 202424:33

TLDRIn this review, the hosts Yuri and Jacob take a spin in the all-new 2025 electric Mercedes G wagon, the G580. They are impressed by its performance, highlighting the vehicle's 859 lb-ft of torque from a 116 kW battery, powered by four electric motors and transmissions. The G580 offers unique features like G Turn, which allows for a full 720-degree spin, and individual wheel drive, making it Mercedes' first vehicle with this capability. The electric G wagon also comes with a special sound design that mimics a spaceship with a V8 engine, which is fully defeatable for a silent ride. Aesthetically, it retains the classic G wagon look with modern tweaks, such as a different grill and a bulgier hood. The hosts also discuss the vehicle's comfort, infotainment system with MBUX, keyless entry, and start-stop button. Although the G580 is slightly heavier than its gas counterparts, it offers better water fording capabilities and a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The range is estimated at 473 km on the WLTP cycle, with charging up to 200 kW. The price is expected to be more than the G550 but less than the G63, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious electric SUV with off-road capabilities.

Takeaways

  • 🚗 The 2025 electric G wagon (G580) is an all-new model with impressive performance and features.
  • 💪 It boasts 585 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque from a 116 kW battery with four electric motors and four transmissions.
  • 🌟 The G580 includes unique features like G Turn, which allows the vehicle to spin 720 degrees, and individual wheel drive for enhanced off-roading capabilities.
  • 🔊 Mercedes has designed an authentic-sounding electric motor sound for the G580, which can be turned off for a silent ride.
  • 🌈 The G580 comes with a special matte blue color and the option to replace the spare tire with a charging cable holder.
  • 📈 The vehicle's infotainment system has been updated to the latest MBUX version, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • 🔋 The G580 has a WLTP range estimate of 379-473 km, with an expected lower range for North America.
  • 🔩 Despite being an electric vehicle, the G580 maintains the G-wagon's off-road capabilities, including a higher fording depth than the gas models.
  • 🛠️ The G580's recuperation paddles allow for control over regenerative braking, and it includes adaptive dampers for a comfortable ride on and off-road.
  • 👀 The interior of the G580 offers comfort and modern technology, including a digital gauge cluster and a variety of customizable features.
  • 💰 The price of the G580 is expected to be more than the G550 but less than the G63, with the final price to be announced closer to the launch date.

Q & A

  • What is the horsepower and torque of the 2025 electric G wagon?

    -The 2025 electric G wagon has 585 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque.

  • What is special about the G wagon's battery and electric motors?

    -The G wagon has a 116 kW battery and four electric motors, each with its own transmission, enabling individual wheel drive capabilities.

  • What is the G Turn feature of the G wagon?

    -The G Turn feature allows the vehicle to spin around in two full rotations, a full 720 degrees, when in low range and rock mode.

  • How does the G wagon's sound system work, and is it customizable?

    -The sound system is designed to mimic a spaceship with a V8 engine. It can be fully defeated through the infotainment system for pure silence, except for pedestrian warning sounds.

  • What is the G wagon's water fording depth compared to the gas models?

    -The electric G wagon can go deeper into water than either of the gas models, thanks to its battery placement and protective measures.

  • What is the estimated range of the G wagon on a full charge?

    -The estimated range on the WLTP cycle in Europe is 473 km, but the expected range in North America is likely to be lower.

  • How does the G wagon handle in terms of comfort and driving experience?

    -The G wagon is comfortable and handles well, with adaptive dampers and a drive that feels like a normal car. It is not bouncy over imperfections and does not require air suspension.

  • What are the charging capabilities of the G wagon?

    -The G wagon can charge at up to 200 kW, which is fairly reasonable for an electric vehicle.

  • What is the G wagon's towing capacity?

    -The exact towing capacity is not mentioned in the script, but it is implied that the vehicle has towing capabilities.

  • How does the G wagon's interior compare to previous models?

    -The interior of the G wagon retains the classic Mercedes design cues while integrating new technology and comfort features, such as the latest MBUX infotainment system and wireless charging.

  • What are the unique visual features of the electric G wagon?

    -The electric G wagon has a different grille design, a more bulging hood, and a special matte blue color. It also has the option to have a spare tire that holds charging cables instead of a traditional spare.

Outlines

00:00

🚘 Introduction to the Electric G Wagon

The video introduces the new 2025 electric G wagon, highlighting its impressive features such as 859 horsepower, 500 lb-ft of torque from a 116 kW battery, and four electric motors with individual transmissions. The host discusses the car's unique capabilities, including the G Turn feature that allows for spinning in two full rotations and the G Steering that enhances maneuverability. The video is set in the south of France, where the hosts are testing the vehicle's performance and off-road capabilities.

05:01

🌟 Special Features and Design

The hosts delve into the special features of the electric G wagon, including its sound design that mimics a V8 engine, the customizable charging cable spare tire, and the aerodynamic enhancements. They discuss the car's design, comparing it to the traditional G wagon, and note the new front grill, matte blue color, and the Edition One's unique features. They also mention the car's infotainment system, keyless entry, and the convenience of a start-stop button.

10:02

🏎 Performance and Off-Road Capability

The video discusses the G wagon's performance, noting its acceleration, handling, and braking capabilities. The hosts explore the car's weight, which is kept under 3500 kg for European regulations, and its off-road prowess, including its water fording depth which is greater than the gas models. They also talk about the car's recuperation paddles, drive modes, and the adaptive dampers that contribute to its comfort on and off-road.

15:03

🔍 Interior and Technology

The hosts examine the interior of the electric G wagon, noting the comfortable seats, the presence of heated and cooled cup holders, a wireless charger, and USB-C ports. They discuss the car's gauge cluster, the traditional feel of the brake pedal, and the infotainment system's functionality. They also mention the car's climate controls, the transparent hood feature, and the off-road cockpit button that provides useful angles and camera views for off-roading.

20:04

🤔 Practicality and Personal Preferences

The hosts discuss the practical aspects of the G wagon, including rear seat space, the ability to fit a child seat, and the trunk space. They comment on the car's heavy doors and the cool sound they make when closed. They also talk about the interior design, the options available for customization, and the sound system. The hosts share their personal preferences regarding the car's features, with a debate on whether they prefer the G Turn feature or the car's bouncing motion. They conclude by mentioning the car's towing capacity and the lack of a set price, inviting viewers to share their thoughts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Electric G Wagon

The Electric G Wagon refers to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an all-electric version of the iconic luxury SUV. It features four electric motors, providing individual wheel drive and impressive torque, which is central to the video's theme of reviewing the vehicle's performance and capabilities. The script mentions its 'freaking awesome' driving experience and 'incredible' features, highlighting its significance.

💡GT Steering

GT Steering is a special feature of the Electric G Wagon that allows the vehicle to perform a full 720-degree spin, or 'G Turn,' when in low range and rock mode. This feature is showcased in the video as a 'kind of crazy' yet 'really cool' capability that adds to the off-roading and driving experience, emphasizing the vehicle's unique and innovative aspects.

💡All-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a term used to describe a vehicle where all wheels receive power from the engine simultaneously. In the context of the Electric G Wagon, it is referred to as 'individual wheel drive' because each wheel has its own electric motor and transmission, allowing for superior traction and control. This is a key selling point discussed in the video.

💡Transmissions

Transmissions are the systems that allow vehicles to change gears. The Electric G Wagon has four transmissions, one for each electric motor. The script explains that these transmissions enable the low-range gearing and the vehicle's off-road capabilities, which are crucial for the vehicle's performance and are a focal point in the review.

💡Regenerative Braking

Regenerative Braking is a system that allows the vehicle to recover energy during braking, which is then stored and used to charge the battery. The script mentions 'recuperation paddles' that control the level of regenerative braking, providing drivers with the ability to adjust the car's energy recovery to suit their driving style and needs.

💡Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects, and in vehicles, it often refers to design features that reduce air resistance to improve efficiency and performance. The script discusses how the Electric G Wagon has improved aerodynamics with a redesigned A-pillar and spoiler, which contributes to its quieter and more comfortable highway driving experience.

💡Off-Roading

Off-roading is the act of driving a vehicle on rough or unpaved terrain. The Electric G Wagon's ability to off-road is emphasized in the video, with features like its water fording depth and off-road cockpit that provide essential information and control for off-road adventures. This showcases the vehicle's versatility and ruggedness.

💡Range

Range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a full charge or tank of fuel. For the Electric G Wagon, the script discusses an expected range of 379 km on the WLTP cycle, which is a significant consideration for potential buyers and a key aspect of electric vehicle performance.

💡Charging

Charging in the context of the Electric G Wagon refers to the process of replenishing the vehicle's battery. The script mentions a charging rate of up to 200 kW, which is a critical factor in the vehicle's practicality and convenience for users, as it affects how long it takes to recharge the battery.

💡Infotainment System

The Infotainment System is the in-car technology that provides entertainment, information, and connectivity. The script highlights the new MBUX infotainment system in the Electric G Wagon, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a transparent hood feature for off-roading, enhancing the user experience.

💡Interior Comfort

Interior Comfort refers to the level of luxury, space, and amenities within the vehicle's cabin. The video script discusses the comfort of the Electric G Wagon's seats, the quality of the sound system, and the overall ambiance of the interior, which are important for the luxury SUV's target market.

Highlights

The 2025 electric G wagon with GT offers an impressive 500 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque from a 116 kW battery with four electric motors and four transmissions.

The electric G wagon is incredibly versatile and fun to drive, with features like G Turn that allows for spinning around in two full rotations.

Mercedes' first individual drive vehicle, the G wagon can power each wheel individually for better control and performance.

The G wagon's design remains true to its classic look with modern enhancements, including a new grill and a bulgier hood.

The electric G wagon features a special matte blue color and the option to have a charging cable holder instead of a spare tire.

The vehicle is surprisingly quiet and comfortable on the highway, with improved aerodynamics and a modified ladder frame for the EV platform.

The G wagon can ford deeper waters than the gas models, thanks to its battery placement and protective measures.

The electric G wagon has a range of approximately 379 km on the WLTP cycle, with the expectation of a lower range in North America.

The vehicle's interior features the newer MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

Keyless entry and start-stop button are standard, providing a seamless and modern driving experience.

The G wagon's handling is better than expected for an electric vehicle, with responsive steering and impressive torque.

The vehicle's recuperation paddles allow for control over regenerative braking, with options for maximum recuperation or coasting.

Adaptive dampers come standard on the G 580, contributing to a comfortable ride that doesn't feel bouncy over imperfections.

The G wagon's transparent hood feature provides drivers with a clear view of obstacles underneath, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The electric G wagon is expected to be priced between the G550 and G63 models, offering a premium option for those who want an electric vehicle.

The vehicle's design and features make it a strong contender as a daily driver for those who can afford it and have access to charging facilities.

The G wagon's interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with options for customization and advanced technology for both comfort and utility.

The G wagon's towing capacity and specific pricing details are yet to be announced closer to the launch date.