With its G-Turn double-axel and its BEV edition, the new G-Class gets set for superstardom.
Mercedes-Benz mints money with the G-Class. At one point a late-1970s leftover in its model plan, the G has rocketed in status to become one of its bestselling and most profitable—and glitziest—Benz vehicles.
“If the G can go electric,” Mercedes marketing vice president Bettina Fetzer told a group during a background session a week before this test drive, “any car can go electric.” There was much less need for concern on the street loop that followed. The turbo-6 spins up in whorled of incredibly smooth torque, while the G 550’s multi-contour seats pumped up their bolsters as the G’s weight shifted into the steeply curved roads that link the lakes and valleys of this corner of Occitanie. The power delivery’s not so different from the former V-8, and neither is the manner in which the G 550 bounds over dodgy runs, leaning and bracing its passengers from harsh transitions.
I’m laughing at the whole ridiculous idea of a 6,000-pound SUV doing all of this, or needing to do this, but not when it’s my turn to do this. Not when my co-pilot turns traction control down to a 3, and the G 63 AMG wags its tail like a newborn guppy through an off-camber descent. I slide through turns, wait a half-century for the wipers to clear the tidal wave of muck kicked onto the flat windshield, and peg it again, then position it for a hillclimb.
A quartet of 108-kw electric motors puts out 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, and each gets its own transmission for a true low-range mode. The electric motors also eliminate the need for locking differentials since each wheel’s torque can be controlled individually. The specs end up in sync with the AMG 63: the G 580 hits 60 mph in less than 4.7 seconds, though top speed gets capped at 112 mph.An hour’s street drive warms the impression of the battery swap.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2025 Mercedes G-Class EV vs. 2025 Mercedes G550: How They CompareThe legendary G-wagen keeps its classic SUV looks but now offers a 579-hp quad-motor electric powertrain alongside a pair of internal-combustion engines.
Read more »
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a few tiny modificationsGet in-depth info on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class including prices, specs, reviews, options, safety and reliability ratings.
Read more »
New Headrest Cushions: 2025 Mercedes S-Class Refresh Is A Major SnoozePhoned-it-in update also includes more video streaming options, automatic lane change function for Europe and two new paint colors
Read more »
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV packs 116-kwh battery, quad-motor powertrainThe electric G-Class matches and in some cases surpasses the capability of its gas-powered sibling.
Read more »
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet First Drive: Expectations FulfilledMercedes’ new midsize drop-top is an ideal vacation-mobile for two.
Read more »
Annual Fintech Summit 2025 (Fintech Week 2025)Annual Fintech Summit 2025 (Fintech Week 2025) is an annual conference that brings important figures from the financial technology industry to talk about new trends, connect with others, and learn from each other.
Read more »