The primary all-electric model of one among Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic fashions reportedly isn’t promoting effectively.
Launched final week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Expertise, because the G-Class electrical automobile (EV) is named, was revealed in 2024 because the manufacturing model of the 2021 EQG idea.
Whereas the G-Class (sometimes called the G-Wagen or Geländewagen) has lengthy been a favorite of celebrities, for a few years it’s additionally been inextricably linked with the V8 engine below the bonnet of the brawny Mercedes-AMG G63, which prices a cool $365,900 earlier than on-road prices.
The transfer to electrical energy within the lengthily named G580 with EQ Expertise has reportedly not solely been met with a collective yawn from customers, regardless of its considerably decrease beginning worth ($249,000 in Australia), however may additionally influence the German automaker’s future product plans.
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“The automobile is sitting like lead at sellers; it’s a whole flop,” an unnamed Mercedes-Benz govt instructed German enterprise newspaper Handelsblatt.
“Folks need an actual G-Class – with six or eight cylinders,” reads one other quote from an nameless supply.
One other insider had a extra glass-half-full rationalization, telling the media outlet: “It’s a distinct segment mannequin; manufacturing numbers are very low.”
In accordance with the German publication, Mercedes-Benz is now contemplating launching the upcoming ‘little G’ – a smaller SUV with equally boxy styling – with a petroleum engine as an alternative of providing it completely with electrical energy.
This mannequin is due for launch in 2027.
This unhealthy publicity over weak demand for the G-Class EV follows the response to the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Efficiency, which has been dogged by stories of weak demand and heavy discounting in markets like Germany, in addition to repeated rumours of a return to V8 energy (or at the very least the adoption of a turbocharged inline six) for AMG’s arch-rival to the BMW M3.
In contrast to the C63, during which a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain fully changed a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes-Benz’s electrical G-Wagen didn’t come on the expense of much-loved combustion-powered variants of the legendary off-road wagon.
To that finish, Mercedes-Benz can regulate its manufacturing combine to match purchaser demand.
“Mercedes-Benz is ready for all market eventualities. Into the 2030s, we are able to flexibly provide autos with each a totally electrical drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson instructed Motor1.
“Our clients determine what fits them finest. This is applicable additionally for the G-Class.”
This yr to the top of Might, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 23 examples of the newly-released G-Class EV in Australia, in comparison with 133 combustion-powered variants in the identical interval.
In accordance with Handelsblatt, Mercedes-Benz had bought 1450 G-Class EVs worldwide to the top of April, in opposition to round 9700 petrol and diesel G-Class autos.
Regardless of this, a spokesperson instructed the publication “[we are] on the right track with our gross sales figures”.
And regardless of its high-tech powertrain, the electrical G-Class is cheaper than each the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany, although it additionally lacks a towbar possibility and has a most payload of solely 415kg.
However Mercedes-Benz hasn’t provided a non-AMG, non-electric G-Class in Australia because it dropped the G400d in 2022, therefore the $115,000-plus worth hole between the G580 and G63 right here.
Powering the G580 are 4 electrical motors able to producing as much as 432kW and 1164Nm, propelling the circa-3000kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and permitting it to carry out ‘tank turns’ on the spot.
An enormous 116kWh battery provides energy to the blocky EV, which has a claimed driving vary of 473km on the WLTP check cycle.
The dual-turbo V8-powered G63 AMG, in distinction, produces 430kW and 850Nm. It’s good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks largely to weighing round 400kg lower than the electrical mannequin.
