KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia previewed the all-electric G-Class for the first time in the country, positioning the zero-emissions off-roader as the next chapter in the brand’s storied G-Wagon legacy.
Presented as the centrepiece of the marque’s latest automotive showcase, the electric G-Class made its appearance alongside a line-up of Mercedes-AMG models including the recently-launched GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupe, GT 63 S E Performance, SL 63 4MATIC+, G 63, A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition and EQE 53 4MATIC+.
The electric G-Class, initially anticipated to be called the EQG, is officially named the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology.
While the EQG name has been commonly used in concept and early discussions, Mercedes-Benz has shifted its naming strategy for this model, emphasising the G 580 with EQ Technology (G 580) designation to reflect it as a G-Class that happens to be electric rather than a completely separate EQ sub-brand model.
This name is used for the production version launched globally and in markets like Thailand and India.
It made its world premiere at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024. It is already on sale in Thailand, priced from 9.5 million baht (RM1.2mil). And images on Mercedes-Benz Thailand website leaves little to the imagination of how the all-terrain luxury SUV looks like - inside and out.
The G 580 marks a key step in the brand’s broader EV strategy in Malaysia.
The 5-seater retains the iconic boxy design of the G-Class with subtle EV-specific styling cues such as a closed-off grille and aerodynamic enhancements.
It features four independent electric motors — one at each wheel — producing a combined output of around 579 to 587hp and 1164 Nm of torque, powered by a 116 kWh battery pack.
A party trick in the G 580 is its ability to do a G-Turn or tank turn (something which some Chinese automakers have already incorporated into their cars). This maneuver allows the vehicle to spin up to 720 degrees on the spot, thanks to the four independently controlled electric motors. It's useful for tackling narrow urban spaces or maneuver out of tight, impassable spots quickly in offroad situations.
The vehicle is built on the traditional G-Class ladder frame platform modified for electrification, maintaining its legendary off-road capability.
The electric G-Class continues to be hand-built by contract assembler Magna Steyr at its plant in Graz, Austria, the same site where the combustion engine G-Class has been produced since 1979.
“The electric G-Class shows how icons can evolve — proving that timeless design and sustainability can progress together,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of marketing and sales Nadia Trimmel.
The debut took place during the return of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL), now in its seventh edition. Held at The Exchange TRX here from June 13 to 15, the event themed “The Icon” brought together fashion and automotive design, featuring 16 local and regional designers.
The fashion event also wrapped up a week-long Mercedes-Benz roadshow that ran from June 9 to 15, and included brand showcases and customer engagement activities.
