The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, aka Gelandewagen (German for “all-terrain vehicle”) has been in regular production since 1979. It has changed a lot since then, from a utilitarian off-roader to a coveted luxury icon. , but had never seen such a change.
Meet the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. That’s a long and bland name for a pretty radical reinvention of the classic G. It’s the first battery-powered G-Wagen, driven by four electric motors that draw juice from a 116-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Its total power is equal to 580 horsepower.
These four motors allow the electric G to do amazing things like the so-called G-Turn, which spins in place. The idea is to help this big rig get out of some tough off-road situations, but we think it’ll be more effective at impressing your neighbors. There’s plenty of other tech, too, including dedicated off-road modes and an array of cameras that let drivers see every rock and rut as they traverse the trails. No official word on pricing yet, but it’s worth noting that gas-powered versions of the G-Class are still available, so if you’re really into internal combustion, there’s still a G for you.
Really, if you can’t do a tank turn, what’s the point? Watch the video above for the full story.
