Iconic car brand's new £155k EV ‘is a complete flop' after iconic model loved by celebs is reinvented

The Sun

3 days ago

STAFF at Mercedes have admitted that the electric version of an SUV popular with celebrities has been a "complete flop".
The German manufacturer had high hopes for the £154,810 EV, but it has not had the desired impact on the car market.
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An electric version of the popular Mercedes G-Class - often referred to as the G-Wagon - has not proved successful among customers.
Reports show that, since the G 580 was introduced in April last year, the original G-Wagon has almost seven times more sales than its electric counterpart.
German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that one Mercedes executive had labelled the motor a "complete flop".
They added: "The car is sitting like lead at dealers. It's a complete flop."
Another manager admitted the volume of sales for the "niche" EV had been "very low".
It is understood that only 1,450 electric G-Wagons had been sold over a 12-month period, compared to 9,700 sales of the regular version.
Despite having the same silhouette, the G 580 has proved difficult to sell against its iconic predecessor, which is substantially cheaper.
The latter retails from £133,500, which is £20,000 less than its electric alternative.
Customers have also been put off by the EV's EPA-certified range, which sits at just 239 miles from a single charge.
And it could affect Mercedes plans for a downsized version, the "Little G", which is set to be released in 2027.
Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with 'superscreen' passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move
It was initially rumoured to be an EV-only model, but the motor giants might have to rethink these plans following the damning data and offer the vehicles with combustion engines.
First designed in the 1970s, the G-Wagon was originally conceived as a military vehicle.
But it has garnered a reputation for ferrying around famous faces and the super-rich, including Megan Fox, Britney Spears and Kendall Jenner.
Speaking to Motor1, Mercedes' Markus Nast, global communications manager for compacts, midsizers, and the G-Class, said the company was "prepared for all market scenarios".
He added: "Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine.
"Our customers decide what suits them best. This also applies for the G-Class."
The G 580 features a three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function, which can drag the car through ditches and ravines.
It can reach 62mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 112mph.
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Like a regular G-Wagon, the electric G has a ladder-frame chassis with low-range, off-road gearing and trick suspension.
And with an impressive 587hp, the three-tonne tank is as quick as a Porsche Cayman off the line.
But reports have shown that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the market, with customers still favouring the iconic original motor.
The Sun contacted Mercedes for comment.