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I was in college when I first watched a YouTube video of Arnold Schwarzenegger taking his G-Wagen to a company in Austria, to have it converted it into an electric vehicle — a move that turned heads nearly a decade ago. Since then, battery technology and electric motors have evolved significantly, making the prospect of a factory-production G-Wagen all the more exciting. Well, after years of teasers, spy shots, and viral videos (remember the tank turn demonstration?), the electric is finally here. But does this electric version retain the soul of the iconic G-Wagen? Let’s go find out.

The automotive world is no stranger to icons, and few vehicles are as legendary as the G-Wagen. For decades, this boxy, rugged SUV has been a symbol of luxury, capability, and status. Now, Mercedes-Benz has taken the G into the future, with its first all-electric iteration — the G580 with EQ Technology. Breaking away from its ‘EQ’ naming convention, Mercedes has clearly opted for a slightly convoluted approach this time.

At first glance, the G580 looks almost identical to its combustion-engine siblings. Mercedes has wisely retained the G-Wagon’s boxy design, ensuring that it remains instantly recognizable. The only subtle hints of its electric nature are the small ‘EQ’ badge on the side fender and the absence of a traditional grille. Even the door handles and the signature bank vault-like ‘clunk’ when you shut the doors remain unchanged, maintaining that feeling of security the G-Wagen is known for.

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Despite its brick-like shape, Mercedes has made subtle aerodynamic improvements, such as smaller side mirrors to reduce wind noise and drag. Its bold stance is accentuated by huge wheel arches, a signature front grille with circular headlights, and sharp, angular lines that give it a commanding road presence (as always). These tweaks, while minor, give the SUV a slightly more refined and modern look, without compromising its off-road cred.

The cabin blends classic G-Wagen elements with contemporary Mercedes technology. The interior is dominated by the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a digital driver display. The system includes EQ-specific menus that display battery performance, range, and charging times, ensuring that drivers have all the information they need at their fingertips. The G580’s interior is as luxurious as you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz – in fact, this is the most plush G cabin ever. Premium materials, impeccable fi t and finish, and thoughtful details like the solid grab handles and Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos create an atmosphere of opulence. Despite its imposing exterior, the G-Wagen’s interior feels surprisingly compact. There’s adequate space between passengers, but rear legroom falls short of what you’d expect from such a large vehicle. It’s not exactly cramped, but it’s definitely not as spacious as its size suggests. However, what it lacks in legroom is made up for with headroom, thanks to its tall, boxy design.

Under the hood — or rather, under the floor — the G580 is powered by a 116 kWh battery pack, and four individually controlled electric motors, one for each wheel. This setup delivers a combined output of 579 bhp and 118.69 kgm of torque, making it just as powerful as the V8-powered G63 AMG. The G580 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.7 seconds, proving that electric power doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Acceleration is tremendous, but it lacks the drama that we have come to expect from the G-Wagen.

The real star of the show is the G580’s off-road chops. With approach, departure, and break-over angles of 32°, 30.7° and 20.3° respectively, it’s built to tackle the toughest terrains. The inclusion of a low-range mode and the much-hyped tank turn feature further cement its status as a true off-rad legend. Executing a tank turn is a complex process, but it’s a testament to the engineering prowess that went into this electric beast. For the uninitiated, this manoeuvre allows the vehicle to rotate 360 degrees in place, mimicking the movement of a tank. While it may seem like a gimmick, it’s actually very practical for off-road enthusiasts navigating tight spaces.

It involves switching to Trail Mode, enabling Low Range, and selecting either the 180° or 360° tank turn option. You then shift the car into Neutral to activate full low range, hold the appropriate paddle shifter (left or right), and press the accelerator — all while keeping the steering wheel perfectly straight, as any input will deactivate the feature. It’s good that Mercedes has made it a multi-step process; you really wouldn’t want it to be too easy to use, as it could become a nuisance and potentially even face regulatory bans. Once you’re all set, the G580 spins on its axis with precision, leaving a perfect doughnut on the ground. It’s a feature that’s as fun as it is functional, and it’s sure to be a hit at off-road adventures.

On the road, the G580 delivers a driving experience that’s both refined and exhilarating. The instant torque from the electric motors ensures rapid acceleration, while the lack of engine noise creates a serene cabin environment. Mercedes has even added simulated engine sounds to appease purists, though they feel somewhat out of place. The high seating position and excellent visibility make it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic, while its advanced suspension ensures a comfortable ride on highways. Off-road, the G580 truly shines. Its four electric motors provide mountain-goat levels of control and traction; driving to the ends of the earth will be a cinch in this thing. While driving, the hood-mounted turn indicators make it easy to position the car, and they clearly mark corners, helping you drive through traffic or park in tight spaces. They feel almost like target sights for dodging pesky rickshaws and two-wheelers! Handling is, predictably, on the ponderous side, but it has to be said that successive generations of G-Wagens have come with markedly improved cornering behaviour; the steering wheel is still on the numb side, however.

One of the most significant advantages of the G580 over its combustion-engine counterpart is its efficiency. The G580 boasts a WLTP-certified range of 473 km, which may not seem ground-breaking in today’s EV landscape. However, when compared to the G63 AMG’s paltry 340 km range on a full tank of petrol, the G580’s efficiency becomes apparent. Charging the G580 is also far more economical. A full juice-up at a fast charger costs around ` 2,100, while filling up the G63’s ginormous 100-litre tank will set you back over `10,000. For those who crave the G-Wagon’s performance without the accompanying fuel bills, the G580 is a no-brainer.

The G580 is priced at Rs. 3 crore (ex-showroom), placing it firmly in the uber-luxury segment. While it may not have the thunderous V8 engine of the G63 AMG, it offers similar performance with the added benefits of electrification. It’s a bit like comparing an analogue watch to a quartz movement. There’s always debate about which is better — quartz is easier to maintain and more accurate, but analogue has a certain character and charm. Similarly, with the electric G, while it may be more efficient and precise, it’s the character and experience of the original that enthusiasts truly appreciate. By retaining its iconic design and off-road capabilities while embracing electric power, Mercedes has created a vehicle that should appeal to both traditionalists and forward-thinking enthusiasts. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic vehicles can evolve without losing their soul (or not fully, anyway).