REVIEW I Mercedes-Benz G580 Edition One: the silent G-Wagon revolution

It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, it’s one of those cars that is so recognisable with such an iconic reputation that it’s used by armies and the Pope.

We’re talking here, of course, of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, G-Class or as it’s more commonly known, the G-Wagon.

Conceived initially as a rugged military-focused 4x4 in 1979, it is one of only a handful of cars that has retained the same exterior shape and purpose, and fortunately hasn’t succumbed to the whims of designers and engineers to make it more “friendly”.

Yes, it’s not as utilitarian anymore, having gone through many upgrades over the decades and various engines, but the 4x4 DNA still runs very deep.

Yes, standing at the top of the G-Wagon triangle is undoubtedly the AMG G63 with its “wake the devil” roar from the sidepipes, but it was only a matter of time before Merc started tinkering with electrification, which saw the Edition One G580 parked in my driveway in magnificent MANUFAKTUR south sea blue magno.

Exterior

Well, what’s to say? It’s big, it’s shaped like a brick outhouse and has the aerodynamics of an open umbrella.

That being said, it still has the classic round headlights with adaptive multibeam LED lights and because it’s an EV, Mercedes have given it a slightly raised bonnet and “air curtains” in the rear wheel-arch flares.

On the rear door of the test unit was the optional rectangular design box where the charging cables are stored, with a place for tools and other odds and ends. Personally, I’d opt for the traditional spare wheel because being stuck with a puncture on the 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloys far from civilisation would be more than a slight inconvenience.

Interior

There’s not that much to distinguish the interior between the ICE G-Wagon and the electric version. 

Square-edged air vents and the passenger grab handle bear the typical G-Class signature, while the trim elements are finished in open-pore natural walnut wood, the heated and cooled seats are covered in leather, and the chunky multifunction steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather.

Dual 12.3-inch digital driver and media display with the MBUX infotainment system dominate the dashboard, and it’s obviously Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and dialogue-capable. It really is exactly as you would expect an executive interior would look and feel after paying R4,647,456. 

Drivetrain

There are four individually controlled electric motors integrated in the ladder frame chassis close to the wheels, and it is the first mass-produced vehicle from Mercedes-Benz with individual-wheel drive. 

They are driven by a 116kWh two-tiered lithium-ion battery with 216 cells installed in twelve cell modules between three cooling levels integrated into the ladder frame. 

Each motor provides 108kW and 291Nm for a total output of 432kW and 1 164Nm, which they say provides a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 180km/h.

Real-world range fully charged is closer to 400 kilometres rather than the claimed 473 kilometres, but because it’s so much fun to push the pedal, expect around 350 kilometres.

It has a maximum charging capacity of up to 11kW for AC charging and up to 200kW for fast charging, which will get from 10% to 80% in about half an hour.

Off-road trickery

It may be a fully electric vehicle, but because it’s a G-Wagon, it still needs to have all the off-road goodies that made it the legend that it is.

Yes, there are buttons for all the different modes and transfer cases, the difference being that there are no mechanical components involved.

You see, it’s all virtual, like driving a Sim car.

It uses torque vectoring to generate virtual differential locks, making it possible to precisely meter torque to each individual wheel.

With EQ Technology, the G580 has a switchable low-range off-road gear reduction. Each motor close to the wheel has its own transmission, which is shifted centrally. At each axle are two electric motors, their gearboxes and a double inverter in a shared housing.

This configuration facilitates an off-road reduction ratio that equips it to tackle the most difficult terrain as befits a G-Wagon.

I was sorely tempted to take it to an off-road track, but discretion was the better part of valour, considering repairing a scratch or ding to the rims is probably a lot more than my salary.

I have no doubt, though, that even with those rims and road-biased tyres it will canter up a mountain goat track with no hesitation.

Driving

It feels odd climbing into the G580 and not hearing the rumble of a V8 or clatter of a diesel.

It takes off like a stabbed rat and if you feel you’re missing the roar of the V8, it has G-ROAR that pipes the soundtrack into the cabin. Slightly corny, I know, but there you have it.

On one occasion a youngster in a Suzuki Swift Sport was having some fun with me from robot to robot and noting the complete silence every time we pulled away asked if it was electric.

“That’s so cool,” he responded.

I suppose it is in its own way and while the centre of gravity is low as a result of the batteries, it’s definitely not something you want to be throwing around twisty roads.

The electrically adjustable suspension does a fantastic job but at 3 085kg it’s asking a bit much to expect it to be scything through corners.

If that’s what you’re looking for then Mercedes-Benz has a host of other AMG products that will definitely float your boat for significantly less money.

Verdict

Even taking the price out of the equation, the Mercedes-Benz Edition One G580 is a very niche product. Reports indicate that since its introduction only a few thousand have been sold globally and that the “real” AMG G63 is outselling it at a ratio of close to 7:1.

In this case, I think Merc completely overestimated the public’s willingness to accept an electrified icon.

Still, I did have a lot of fun driving something unique for a week.