Mercedes G 580 EG Technology

FIRST DRIVE Electric version of iconic German SUV is largely successful, but there are there are drawbacks

- Alastair Crooks

THE Mercedes G-Class is a true icon, and with unmistakable looks paired with real off-road ability, it’s tallied up over half a million sales throughout its 45-year history. During that time the G-Class has transitioned into something of a fashion accessory for the rich and famous, but now we're welcoming the biggest change to the model yet, with the first all-electric version.

Having driven the G 580 with EQ Technology in the UK for a week or so, we noticed most people referred to it as the ‘electric G-Class’, which is what we'll do here. While the electric version might have an entirely different powertrain to the combustion-engined model, what it does share is astronomical pricing. A diesel G-Class will set you back just over £140,000, with the V8-powered G 63 coming in at just under £190,000. The EV splits the two, at £154,870, and comes in just one trim level: the G 580 with EQ-Technology AMG Line Premium Plus.

The electric G-Class shares its styling with its petrol and diesel counterparts. This is in keeping with Mercedes’ statement of “G-Class first, EV later”, so the characterful boxy proportions remain, along with lots of details that mark the retro-styled G-Class out from more contemporary luxury SUVs.