Electric cars lack soul and character since they are just about acceleration along with nothing else. Hence, when Mercedes-Benz announced that they would launch an electric G-Class, it was concerning as to how this iconic off-roader will enter the electric era along with keeping what its icon status is all about. The G Wagon as you see is not just another SUV and exists in a different realm with its own fan following. However, a day spent with the G580 has revealed that Mercedes-Benz has kept the essence of this off-roader while only making it better.

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ: Massive Ground Clearance 

For starters, it has a ladder frame chassis along with independent front suspension with the battery pack somehow added into all of this. It is the most complex electric car and along with the battery pack, there is also a layer of underbody protection so that you can go off-road without a worry. We tried taking it through mild off-roading and the massive 250mm ground clearance means you literally can take it anywhere without an issue.

The other talking point is the low-range and of course the G-Turn, which has an actual use rather than showing off on social media. Under rock mode, you can turn clockwise or anticlockwise with the car turning 360 degrees instantly while it is for narrow off-road trails where space is less. It feels invincible and with four electric motors, quite fast too while again having something like off-road cruise control.The driving position is as you would expect and climbing in a task-even for a six footer like me plus closing its doors regularly will give your arms a thorough exercise as most of the time you have to slam the door shut. You sit very high and that stance is unlike anything else along with the upright windscreen. The four electric motors are near the wheels and performance is instant. With 580hp and 1164Nm torque, the big G580 at a staggering 3.5 tonnes moves like a much smaller car. It is quick and ridiculously so with 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Plus with the G Roar feature, there is a sound which somewhat is the best EV sound mimicking an engine- you can turn it off but we kept it on.

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ: Range And Fuel Efficiency

The comfort mode though is a bit toned down and it is calmer along with being easier to drive than the petrol G63. The big G580 may be very heavy but it moves and does not feel so huge because it is not a very long car but only in terms of width that it feels big. Compared to the G63 which could be too fast, the G580 is more calm and like the new  G Wagon, the ride is now much better too. That said, it still is a bit bouncy at low speeds and there is a shudder at potholes. However, it feels tough and can go anywhere-which remains.

The massive 116kwh battery pack has a claimed range of 467km which is a lot less than what you would expect but again the focus here is not on range but performance along with off-roading. Plus, with the way the G63 drinks, it is a lot more than what the G63 drives until it finishes a full tank of fuel! Real-world expect 350-400km range depending on the way you drive.In other words, it is a proper G Wagon and Mercedes has gone to extreme lengths to make sure it stays that way. The interior feels bulletproof and the classic noise of the way the door locks or closes is there. It is modern and has a high quality cabin but space is not much at the rear but again owners don't care.

The G Wagon is not about features or tech but with the G580 there is a lot that has been put in. It continues to be a tough, go-anywhere luxury SUV with plenty of charm and that is why celebrities buy them. With the G580, it looks like a proper G Wagon save for some aero tweaks and it is arguably a better car with a linear power delivery along with superb off-road capabilities. Add in the fact that at Rs 3cr, it is a lot cheaper than the G63 and it is a no-brainer along with explaining why the first batch sold out quickly even at this price. As far as electric cars go, this car has a lot of emotion!

What we like- looks, quality, toughness, capability, performanceWhat we do not like- range could be better, rear seat space 

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