The Mercedes G-Class: The electrified G-Wagen is transforming

Driving a Mercedes G-Wagen is always an experience. The 45-year-old off-road 4×4 is undoubtedly an automotive icon and has barely changed its chunky silhouette whether, like Wallpaper*, you're driving both a 1980 combustion-engined version and a 2024 all-electric model from the range now more officially known as the G-Class. In fact, the full name of the new model is “Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ technology.”

The G 580 is the first electric Mercedes G-Class

During the first part of our road test behind the wheel of the original, schoolchildren noticed the boxy difference, smiled and twitched their thumbs for a ride, while elsewhere slightly dodgy characters on the back roads nodded in agreement to make this (temporary) driver feel very special. It's all down to its boxy and rugged Tonka toy truck vibe that suggests it can go anywhere.

Since its early beginnings in the commercial and military sectors, the G-Model has achieved just that through a combination of solid engines, reduction gears, generous wheel arches, good ground clearance and reasonable approach and departure angles at the front and rear.

In later decades, this functional aesthetic also appealed to those who were less likely to venture out onto remote, rocky slopes, but still liked to be in a vehicle that exuded strength, capability and presence in urban environments. Mercedes responded by offering more (often V8) power and AMG performance, as well as increasingly luxurious interiors to match the brand's broader offering.

Yet despite this growing appeal (and increased prices), driving a city-dwelling G-model might also anger some observers who see the gas-hungry, big-engined hulled cars as anything but environmentally conscious, and potentially aggressive (despite occasional high-profile fashion collaborations—see the Mercedes-Benz and Moncler artwork).

In some ways, the all-electric variant of the new G-model offers a partial antidote. Although it's just as fast and powerful as its AMG V8 sibling – the G 580 accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and has 587bhp – it's emissions-free and quiet too, unless the driver wants a little artificial engine noise piped into the cabin. It's just as capable off-road too, able to negotiate real rocks and boulders up steep slopes and down trails that drivers of all but the best-equipped 4x4s wouldn't dream of tackling.

The electric G-Wagen also makes it easier to tackle this terrain. Once the Rock drive mode is selected and the low-range off-road gear is chosen, the car will automatically proceed to steer itself, although even this activity is enhanced by the G-Steering function, which slows down the inner turning wheel while speeding up the outer ones to make tight turns easier.

To reassure the driver (and passenger), there is also a “transparent bonnet” function. This uses 360-degree cameras to show the terrain beneath the car that is otherwise invisible – particularly useful on extreme slopes – in real-time video on the central touchscreen, allowing the driver to steer more clearly.

Another EV-specific gadget on the G 580 that's both fun and functional is the G-Turn feature. Using four individually controlled electric motors, the G 580 can drive the left front and rear wheels in the opposite direction to the right wheels, allowing it to turn 360 degrees (or 720 degrees, if you prefer) almost on the spot on suitably loose gravel.

A bit like an enthusiastic metallic dog that wants nothing more than to chase its tail, this quick and literal turn also comes in handy for getting out of tight spots off-road. A note for future G 580 owners who want to show off this trick in parking lots or elsewhere: Mercedes' engineers warn against trying this maneuver on stickier asphalt surfaces to avoid tire damage.

On the road, the G 580's handling is decent, despite its high side walls, ground clearance, still steep front end and massive three-ton-plus weight (due to the hefty 116kWh battery pack it carries). Longer driving will compromise its maximum electric range of 294 miles, but its tremendous power and acceleration allow the G 580 to effortlessly stay ahead of fast-moving motorway traffic or negotiate winding roads with ease.

This is all aided by a high seating position, a downward-sloping hood and the trademark light markers at each corner. This is a good thing, because in most cases the G 580 will be used as an extremely comfortable cruiser that happens to be able to ford rivers and climb mountains, rather than one that can actually do it.

In that sense, the G 580 is a bit like an over-engineered and extremely expensive diver's watch that rarely goes swimming. But the experience of driving the G-Wagen and watching others (mostly) admire it is still fun, while knowing that you can still drive it anywhere, now with the benefit of better software and infotainment systems and zero emissions at the tailpipe.

Mercedes G-Wagen Edition One, from £180,860, Mercedes-Benz.com, Mercedes-Benz.com