Germany's premier luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, expands its EV lineup in the Indian market with the launch of the new Electric G-Class (G 580). The starting price for this groundbreaking electric SUV is set at 30 million INR (ex-showroom). Fully loaded with features, bookings are now open, and the SUV will also be showcased at the India Mobility Global Expo next week.
Unveiling the New G-Class Electric:
Its iconic boxy silhouette takes inspiration from the original G-Class. Distinctive EQ badging, along with an air curtain and slightly elevated hood, set it apart. It features new A-pillar designs and spoiler lips at the roof's front, and air curtains on the rear wheel-arch flares. These elements are optimized for aerodynamics and to reduce cabin noise.
A Glimpse Inside the Cabin:
The SUV's cabin closely resembles that of the G-Class, though, as an electric model, it does feature some revamped switchgear. Mercedes Benz’s MBUX multimedia system is integrated, comprising dual 12.3-inch screens utilized for driver displays and a touchscreen infotainment unit. Beneath the touchscreen, you'll find controls for heating, ventilation, and AC.
Battery Range and Performance:
This electric SUV carries the same battery setup as the EQS, yet it's designed to fit the cells in a unique pack positioned between the chassis rails. The vehicle houses a robust 116kWh battery pack, claimed to offer a driving range of 473 km per charge (WLTP cycle). Remarkably, its battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes using a fast charger.
Spin 360 Degrees on the Spot:
Boasting a water wading capacity of 850 mm—exceeding the standard G-Class by 100 mm—the highlight is its G-Turn function. This feature enables an impressive 360-degree rotation in place. A G-Steering feature is also present, reducing the turning circle by pivoting around a single wheel.
This SUV is also a standout in terms of pickup. Mercedes claims it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h. Its electric motor delivers a power output of 587 HP and a torque of 1,164 Newton meters.
Mastering Offroad Legendary:
The G-Class is globally renowned for its robust offroad capabilities. Maintaining the front suspension, it's complemented by a rear rigid axle and virtual mechanical differential lock that ensure optimized torque vectoring. Additional features include a low-range transmission and an off-road crawl function.