All-electric G 580 with EQ Technology, G 500 and Mercedes-AMG G 63 launched in Singapore
Fans of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class (also referred to as the geländewagen or G-wagon for short) appreciate that it doesn’t change for the sake of change.
Sure, every iteration of this rugged off-roader may boast its fair share of technical improvements, but the core elements of what makes a G a G stay true to the original brief from 1979, which goes a long way towards explaining its timeless appeal.
Its evergreen silhouette is instantly recognisable, as are distinctive elements like the rear spare wheel cover, front indicator lamps, door handles and even the sound of its doors closing.
However, each generation is technically updated compared to its pre- decessors, with an emphasis on the go-everywhere mission statement of the G-Class.
The cabin is endowed with the latest digital tech, including the new Offroad Cockpit interface, yet features enough physical switchgear to keep things grounded, which we find is in sync with its rugged credentials.
See also: A brief history of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class : A star is born
The novelty model of the latest G-Class is the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology, which sees an advanced electric powertrain intersect with the model’s legendary design language.
Compared to its internal combustion engine siblings, the G 580 wears a prom- inent illuminated black panel radiator grille (pictured below) and features additional louvres and air curtains in its bodywork to enhance airflow and cooling measures.
See also: Mercedes-Benz G-Class launched at G-HAUS : Performance Art
Like its two ICE counterparts, the G 580 sits on a ladder-frame chassis,albeit one that has been modified and reinforced to integrate the electric drive. The electric drivetrain brings with its several exclusive features, namely G-Turn, G-Steering and Offroad Crawl.
The first is a showstopper, as the four independently driven wheels allow the G 580 to perform up to two complete turns on the spot as the car rotates about its own axis. Cool party trick aside, the G-Turn is particularly useful off the beaten path should you find yourself stuck in a dead-end or tight spot.
G-Steering may be less dramatic than the G-Turn, but is no less useful. It has the effect of reducing the turning radius of the G 580, especially in tighter bends and confined spaces.
Offroad Crawl operates as a cruise control when you are driving off-road — be it uphill or downhill — and can be left to its own devices so you don’t have to worry about balancing steering, brakes and throttle on slippery surfaces.
In addition to the (up to) 491km (WLTP) range on a full charge, the G 580 with EQ Technology also features the deepest wading depth of the three (850mm vs 700mm).
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The G 500 serves up the familiar G flavour with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder under its bonnet. Like its brethren, its confident stance on smart 19-inch 5-twinspoke rims brooks no nonsense, while the responsive 3.0-litre inline-6 petrol engine at its heart is capable of delivering a waft-worthy 449hp and 560Nm.
Augmenting the petrol engine is a mild hybrid set-up with an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt on-board electrical system, which has the happy consequence of serving up increased performance with reduced fuel con- sumption.
All G-Class models now feature the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.
This includes 12.3-inch touchscreen driver and media displays, as well as MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation as standard.
Additionally, all G-Class variants boast the “transparent bonnet” function. This works with the 360° camera to give the driver a virtual view under the vehicle’s front to assess how passable the route ahead is, especially when encountering obstacles.
The stormbringer of the range is the Mercedes-AMG G 63 (pictured above), especially with a fan-pleasing biturbo V8 under its bonnet and accompanying strident soundtrack to boot.
Visually, the G 63 is distinguished from the G 500 and G 580 by an AMG-spe- cific bumper that features three vertical louvres in front of the air intakes, as well as the trademark side-exit exhaust tailpipes.
The loud and proud 4.0-litre is tuned to deliver 585hp and 850Nm, which sees this beast demolish the 0–100km/h sprint in a blistering 4.3 secs.
Across the entire product range, the AMG variants have always been about controlled excess. The G 63 is no exception, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension aiding and abetting the enthusiastic driver by offering a dynamic chassis that can cope with the engine’s rousing performance.
Naturally, all G variants can be personalised to the highest levels of luxury through the brand’s MANUFAKTUR individualisation programme (with over two million combinations) or by selecting one of the Line packs to endow it with one’s desired personality.
