Electric car Mercedes G 580 EQ: First electric G-Class arrives in summer

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The familiar G-Class models will be joined by the battery-electric G 580 EQ model in the middle of the year. Equipped with a battery pack of over 100 kWh, which is securely protected in the ladder-type frame, it should achieve electric ranges of over 400 kilometers. An electric motor works on each of the four wheels, the best prerequisite for transferring drive power to rough terrain, which is so important for off-road use.

In total, they deliver 432 kW and thus reach the level of the new AMG version. In terms of maximum torque, the electric drive with 1164 Nm even surpasses the AMG's generous 850 Nm. However, these values are not directly comparable, as the combustion engine torque is significantly increased by the transmission and, if necessary, off-road gear ratios - up to more than three times the wheel torque, depending on the model and drive level.

Aerodynamic fine-tuning

Visually, almost nothing has changed compared to the previous model with a combustion engine. A new A-pillar, the modified front mask and modified headlights are intended to contribute to the aerodynamic fine-tuning. Measures that seem almost comical on a car that is primarily cubic in shape. The combustion engines are slightly improved, but retain their ladder-type frame with rigid rear axle and independent front suspension, off-road transmission and three mechanical differential locks.

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In the combustion engines, the engine power is brought to the appropriate torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission and then transferred to the two drive axles via a transfer case. A planetary gear set, which can be influenced by a multi-disc brake, works in the transfer case and normally distributes 40 percent of the drive torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. The multi-disc brake prevents the possible loss of traction through one axle by bridging the planetary gear set until it is completely locked. In the G-Class, this works automatically on demand; the person at the wheel does not need to do anything. If a single wheel spins, the respective axle differential can also be locked. This complex, heavy and agility-limiting mechanism is superfluous in the four-engine electric model.

Steerability is fully retained

Even without an intelligently controlled multi-plate clutch, the 4.62-metre-long electric G-Class always offers maximum traction and remains fully steerable as usual. Each of the four electric motors is controlled separately and therefore only receives as much power as the wheel can transfer to the ground. Without the corresponding differential locks, the car no longer strives to drive only straight ahead as soon as they are activated. The G 580 GQ therefore remains fully maneuverable.

It is even better because the individual motors can also be used as a steering aid. In extreme cases, this goes so far that the electric G-Class can turn on the spot in a so-called G-turn, when the left and right drive wheels rotate in parallel in different directions. The turning circle is then reduced from 13.6  meters to almost zero.

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If required, the electric G 580 EQ can climb gradients of up to 100 percent. Mercedes-Benz gives the G-Class a maximum slope angle of up to 35 degrees, as well as a fording depth of 85 cm. "Thanks to the individually controllable electric motors and the low center of gravity, we believe that the electric G-Class is even more capable off-road than the combustion engines," says chief developer Fabian Schossau.

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Weight eats into the advantage of the drive

The powerful battery pack makes the Mercedes G 580 EQ weigh at least 3085 kg. Depending on the terrain, this can be a noticeable disadvantage that eats up many of the advantages of the electric drive. In addition, the weight limits the payload to a maximum of 415 kg, as Mercedes-Benz wanted to keep the total weight below 3.5 tons. The load compartment offers a volume of 555 to 1990 liters. New features include heated armrests, keyless access and, for the first time, the MBUX operating system. Prices are not yet available.

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