The Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Class Has Arrived

3 months ago

The Geländewagen, electrified

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The Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Class Has Arrived

Few cars pack a punch like the legendary G-Wagen – and now it’s powered by batteries. Jeremy Taylor drives the electrified off-roader.

G-Class At A Glance…

Price: £180,860
Battery: 116kWh, 4 motors
Range: 270 miles
Power: 579bhp
0–62mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 112mph
Streaming: ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ by The Hollies
Rating: ★★★★

Review: Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Class

Boxy, butch and brutal – Mercedes’ flagship SUV boasts a rough and tumble image that dates back 45 years. Originally a military vehicle, the G-Class then bulldozed onto the streets to become an automotive icon.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Megan Fox, Kanye and Kim Kardashian have all owned a Geländewagen, commonly known as the G-Wagen. Unstoppable in the dirt, this 4×4 has also starred in many blockbuster films.

Fiendishly powerful, the G-Wagen was always loaded with heavyweight petrol or diesel engines – until now. Mercedes has just stolen the march on luxury SUV rivals by launching an all-electric version that’s both capable and compelling.

Thanks to an electric motor on each wheel, a host of computer technology and no less than four gearboxes, the mighty G is especially good when ploughing across the countryside.

There’s little to differentiate the new electric version from combustion engine models, which continue to be sold in the UK. Look closer, however, and the bodywork does feature ‘electric’ blue trim strips to highlight its eco credentials. Mercedes has also made modest aerodynamic tweaks to help this monster slice more easily through the wind. The rock-solid, upright stance is what gives the G-Wagen so much appeal – it certainly wasn’t designed in a wind tunnel!

Elsewhere, a pair of subtle rear vents help the doors close easier by releasing air pressure inside the cabin, while the electric charging cable is neatly stored in a slimmed down spare wheel case, hanging from the rear door.

Step up into the cockpit and the biggest change is a huge 12.3-inch infotainment screen. An extra pair of screens can be specified in the rear, although they intrude on passenger space. The Burmester sound system is standard, while the rash of silver trim feels more bling than luxury.

G-Wagen is famous for a rorty V8 exhaust note, so Mercedes had to find a way to add that experience to the electric version. In Comfort drive mode, G-Roar pumps a gentle engine sound into the cabin via speakers, which elevates to a raucous blast in Sport.

On the road, it’s refined and comfortable, a high-rise driving position offering excellent, all-round visibility. Off-road, despite the extra weight of batteries, the Mercedes is imperious, thanks to the motors on each wheel, which helps maintains traction and forward momentum Those same motors also give the car a special party trick. The G-Turn function allows the wheels to be turned in opposite directions, sending the G-Wagen spinning on the spot. Pointless but head-turning all the same.

Luxury alternatives include the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, although not even the long-serving Range Rover is such a unique piece of kit as the Mercedes. Hand-built in Austria, the G-Wagen has a special appeal that now extends to those looking for a more sustainable off-road machine.