Electric off-roader perfect for tarmac too

Mercedes-Benz's G580 is a characterful addition to the distinctive G-class family

- Lee Nian Tjoe

After more than 40 years spewing exhaust while crossing harsh terrains like savannahs and sitting in traffic jams, the Mercedes-Benz G-class has gone electric.

Called "G580 with EQ Technology", which sounds like a 1990s CD player, the electric G-class is the first quad-motor electric vehicle (EV) to be sold in Singapore. In many ways, the vehicle feels exactly how an electric G-class should—like an unusually characterful vehicle.

The G580 is one of three versions of the facelifted G-class on sale in Singapore today. It costs as much as the 3-litre G500 and is positioned below the million-dollar hot rod AMG 63, which has a twin-turbo, 4-litre engine.

The most obvious way to tell the electric from the non-electric version of the G-class is the blanked-out front grille. Instead of having horizontal bars, the electric G-class has a glossy black panel with an illuminated border.

This treatment is similar to the brand's other electric models, ranging from the EQA to EQS.

The G580's aluminium bonnet has a pronounced bump in the middle and is not flat like with the petrol versions.

The striking metallic blue, which is a pricey $50,200 option on the test car, is unique to the G580.

The product expert at Mercedes-Benz says the front pillar has been tweaked for the 2025 facelift. But, chances are, few will be able to tell it apart from the version that was launched here a few years ago.

Come to think of it, most people will struggle to differentiate the latest version from the ones Mercedes-Benz made decades ago. Given how unique the G-class is—having morphed from a tough military machine to a modern status symbol—it is almost understandable why Mercedes-Benz is preserving the design this way.

The front windscreen looks as upright and flat as it always did.