2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 With EQ Technology Up Close: G-reat

Now that’s how you electrify an icon: no conceptual or futuristic styling, no brand dilution, no messing about. The G-Wagen gets an all-electric variant for the 2025 model year, and the resulting G580 with EQ Technology looks — well, it looks like a darn G-Wagen. It’s a wonderful thing that is certainly something to celebrate, and Mercedes agreed; I got the first zap of the new battery’d G at a ritzy, star-studded debut event in the heart of Hollywood Hills. Here’s what you can expect when the Benz box takes over your local charging station.

Related: 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 With EQ Technology: The Clumsily Named Electric G-Wagen

Before we kick off, what should we call it? The official name is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology. Yes, the whole phrase. Yes, that includes the “with EQ Technology.” My guess is we’re just going to refer to it as either the G580 or the G580 EQ. Or, maybe you’re like me and will just stick with “the electric G-Wagen.” Either way, it’s a shame that Mercedes already technically has an “E-Wagen,” else that’d be a heck of a name.

Not Many Stylistic Differences

Regardless of what you call it, the new plug-in brick-on-wheels is a capital “G” in the fullest sense. Other than a complete lack of the rumble from a V-8 (or inline-six) under the hood, good luck picking out the new G580 from Beverly Hills’ platoon of AMG G63s. Without Mercedes stepping us through exactly what’s changed, it’d be a challenge to pick out most stylistic differences — not that there are many.

From the front, the most obvious difference is the LED-outlined grille insert. The familiar round headlights are now recessed into a stretch of plastic trim that is either body-colored or optionally black. Mercedes says the rake of the hood is slightly more aggressive for improved airflow, but I’d need to see it directly next to a gas-powered 2025 G-Wagen to make that assessment.

Speaking of airflow, the G580 shares all the aero tweaks implemented by the updated 2025 G550 and G63, with its revised A-pillar trim and subtle roof lip spoiler. The G580 deviates slightly with the addition of air-curtain vents on those swollen fender flares, providing just a smidge more slip for maximum range.

Other than some EQ badges and exterior configuration changes, that’s it. Oh, and the famous spare tire is now optional, as buyers can replace it with a square-ish box that can hold, among other things, the G580’s charger.

Considering the G580 is some 8 inches shorter bumper-to-bumper against the other 2025 G-Wagens, it’s surprising it still looks nearly identical. Those dimensional changes likely come from the revised bumpers, as the 113.8-inch wheelbase remains unchanged, though the electric G is a little shorter in height.

Tech-Heavy Inside

It’s essentially a wash inside. Other than a claimed cargo volume loss of 3 cubic feet compared to the revised gas versions, it’s the same tech-heavy cockpit. A pair of 12.3-inch displays serve both the driver and the infotainment readouts, and leather upholstery, a primo Burmester sound system and doors that shut like bank vaults are standard.

One of the easiest tells that you’re in the G580 is a peek at a trio of hard buttons on the center of the dash; without any physical differentials to lock, the electric G does away with the beloved diff-lock controls, replacing them with toggles for the electric vehicle’s simulated low-range mode, G-Turn (tank turn) and G-Steer functions.

Is the —  deep breath — 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology nice? Of course. Cool? Oh, you betcha. Fun to drive? Not sure yet. We’ll likely get our first crack of the all-electric G sometime later this year, where we look forward to (silently) terrorizing Rodeo Drive and the Mojave Desert in equal portions.

More From Cars.com:

• Electric Six: 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Offers Its First Six-Cylinder
• 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV Review: A Taller, Better Take on the EQS Sedan
• Electric Cars With the Longest Range
• First Test: What It’s Like Using Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot Automated Driving System
• 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 Review: A Better Baller Box

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.