Mercedes-Benz has finally launched the much-anticipated G 580 Edition One in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 3 crore. This electric version of the iconic G-Class will be sold alongside the AMG G 63 facelift, which is priced at Rs 3.64 crore. The G 580, part of the Mercedes’ EQ lineup, is already sold out until Q3 2025, as the bookings started in mid-2024. It is set to be shown in the market for the first time at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Delhi next week.
Classic Design with Modern Twists
Following the roots, the G 580 Edition One has the classic boxy silhouette of the G-Class but comes with modern EV-specific design elements. To give it a fresh look, it comes with a closed-off grille with illuminated surrounds, redesigned bumpers, and LED accents. We can see Aerodynamic enhancements like the partially raised hood, new A-pillar design, air curtains, as well as a roof-mounted spoiler. These cosmetic changes reduce the drag coefficient to 0.44Cd from the 0.48Cd of the G 450d.
The rear design is not very new but replaces the traditional boot-mounted spare wheel with an optional compartment built to store charging cables.
Premium Cabin with Familiar Luxury
Taking a look inside, the G 580 has not ditched the luxurious appeal of the G-Class, featuring an all-black theme with leatherette seat upholstery. It comes equipped with a Mercedes’ MBUX multimedia system, which includes dual 12.3-inch displays for the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment.
Key features include:
– Augmented reality-based heads-up display (HUD).
– Dual 11.6-inch screens for rear passengers.
– Wireless charging.
– A Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Mercedes has kept physical controls for the climate system and off-road modes, with the latter housed in the dedicated “Offroad Cockpit.”
Power, Range, and Charging
The G 580 uses a 116kWh battery pack that gives a WLTP-certified range of 473km. The battery that supports fast charging at speeds of up to 200kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% charge in just 32 minutes, has been mounted within its ladder-frame chassis.
Performance figures are impressive for an SUV of this size:
– Quad-motor setup generating 587hp and 1,164Nm of torque.
– 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds.
– Top speed capped at 180kph.
Serious Off-Road Capability
The G 580 will continue being an off-roader’s friend with its features independent front suspension, a rigid rear axle, virtual mechanical differential locks, and torque vectoring to handle tough terrain. We also see a rise in the water-wading capacity to 850mm, up by 100mm from the standard G-Class.
The G-Turn feature has caught some attention, which allows the SUV to rotate 360 degrees on the spot which is possible due to its quad-motor setup. A low-range transmission and off-road crawl function further enhances its rugged credentials.
Positioning and Rivals
The G 580 has been classified as a high-end alternative to rugged SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender. Although it offers the same off-road capability as the internal combustion engine (ICE) G-Class, what is special is that it does so with zero tailpipe emissions, making it a step forward in sustainable luxury.
Mercedes-Benz has clearly struck a balance between preserving the G-Class’s heritage and introducing cutting-edge EV technology. At Rs 3 crore, the G 580 Edition One is aimed at buyers who want uncompromised luxury and performance with an eye on the future.
