2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

7 hours ago

Overview
Over the decades, the Mercedes G-wagen has slowly evolved from a military truck into a well-loved luxury off-roader, and now it's entering yet another new era. This new version is officially called the G580 with EQ Technology, but that's quite a mouthful so we call it G-class EV. Four electric motors combine for 579 horsepower and can spin the G-class EV in place by operating the left- and right-side wheels in opposite directions. It's a hoot, but operating each electric motor independently also gives this SUV an advantage when traversing tough off-road trails. The electric G's cabin is riddled with luxuries just like its gasoline-powered siblings, but the lack of engine noise delivers an extra dose of elite ambience.
What's New for 2026?
The G580 is still very fresh, having been introduced just last year, so we expect to see no significant changes for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV is expected to start around $163,000.
G580
$163,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k
The electric G-class comes in just one trim—G580—which makes ordering one fairly easy. We would add the AMG Line and Night packages, which include 20-inch wheels and other exterior trim painted in high-gloss black. We'd also recommend the Active Multicontour Seat Plus package, which features eight massage programs for the driver and front passenger.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The G580 with EQ Technology differs from its gas-powered siblings primarily due to its electric drivetrain. Four electric motors—one for each wheel—combine for 579 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque. Each motor can be individually controlled, which Mercedes has taken advantage of to give the electric G-class some new-age off-road tricks. For one thing, the SUV can spin itself 360 degrees within its own length—what's known as a tank turn—by powering the right and left wheels in opposite directions using a feature called G-Turn. G-Steering is another function that is intended to improve off-road maneuvering by varying the power of each motor to help reduce the turning circle. Virtual differential locks, torque vectoring, and an off-road crawl function are also on hand to help maintain typical G-class-like all-terrain capability. The G-class EV rides on a ladder frame chassis, just like the gas-powered model, and features an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. During our test drive, which took place both on- and off-road, we were impressed with the G580's maneuverability and capability on the trails. On the pavement, it still feels commanding like a G-wagen should, with the main difference being that the electric motors provide more instantaneous thrust compared with the ICE model's gas engines.
0–60-MPH Times
In our testing, the electric G-class got to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. That's plenty quick, but we still think the gas-powered AMG G63 will be quicker.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Incorporated into the G-class EV's frame is a large, 116.0-kWh battery pack. The EPA-rated range is 239 miles per charge, but we haven't yet gotten a real-world range result in our testing. DC fast charging can be done at a max of 200 kW, and Mercedes-Benz estimates that on such a connection, the battery can be juiced from 10 to 80 percent in about 32 minutes. In our real-world testing, the G580 charged from 10 percent to 90 percent in 46 minutes. The electric G also features special underbody protection plates to make sure no damage can be done to the battery while tackling rough terrain.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 G580 yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 68 MPGe city, 56 MPGe highway, and 62 MPGe combined. When we get a chance, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with real-world test results. For more information about the G-Class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The G580 EV's cabin is predictably deluxe, and high-end finishings abound. Nappa leather upholstery is standard, and integrated ambient lighting can be adjusted to the colors of your choice. The dashboard is upright and tall, with little space between the base of the windshield and the steering wheel, giving the driver a commanding view of what's ahead. Massaging seats are part of the Active Multicontour Seat Plus package, and the adjustable side bolsters can be set to hold you a little more snugly when driving off-road. The rear seat isn't as spacious as the one in the larger Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, but it's on par with what you'll find in other high-end off-roaders such as the Land Rover Defender. The cargo area, which is accessed by opening the side-hinged rear door, offers 19.6 cubic feet of storage space. That's less than the 38.7 cubic feet in the gas-powered model, and the difference is due to the space eaten up by the packaging of the EV SUV's rear electric motors and battery modules.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Two large, 12.3-inch screens stretch across most of the G-class's dashboard. The first serves as a reconfigurable gauge cluster, and the second as a touchscreen for the infotainment interface. That interface is Mercedes's latest MBUX system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and augmented-reality navigation. There's also a menu of gauges called the Offroad Cockpit that can be activated when off-roading. The setup includes a compass, an altimeter, an artificial-horizon display, a steering angle indicator, a tire pressure monitor, and more. A pair of 11.6-inch displays can be added to the back of the two front seats for rear-seat entertainment but all G's get a Burmester stereo system with Dolby Atmos technology as standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Standard driver-assistance features are plentiful in the G-class EV. Expected basics such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are on the list, but so too are more advanced features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, a self-parking feature, and traffic-sign recognition. For more information about the G-class EV's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes' warranty periods align with other luxury automakers', such as Audi and BMW. However, unlike those German competitors, Benz-branded models don't include any complimentary maintenance.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $162,650/$192,690
POWERTRAIN
Front Motors: 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 145 hp
Rear Motors: 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 145 hp
Combined Power: 579 hp
Combined Torque: 859 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 116.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW
Transmissions: 2-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Tires: Falken Azenis FK520
275/50R-20 113V MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 182.0 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 78.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/53 ft3
Cargo Volume: 37 ft3
Curb Weight: 6908 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 10.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.6 sec @ 108 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 128 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 46 min
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 62/68/53 MPGe
Range: 239 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs