Whether it be from a styling, engineering or driving experience standpoint, there is truly nothing like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, especially the latest generation. This venerated off-roader has evolved from simple military vehicle to luxurious statement SUV without losing its charm or capability, amassing a huge following of diehard fans along the way. I’m one of them — the G-wagen is always my answer when asked what car I would want to only drive for the rest of my life.
So as you can imagine, I’m pretty stoked to be in Montpellier, France to drive the entire 2025 Mercedes G-Class lineup. The updated G550 now uses a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-6 engine in place of the outgoing V8, while the Mercedes-AMG G63 has a hybridized V8 and new hydraulic suspension tech. The star of the show is the G580 with EQ Technology — yup, that’s the actual name, sadly — the first fully electric G-wagen in the model’s history and definitely the most important and interesting one of the bunch.
The G580 EV has a quad-motor setup with 579 hp and 859 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and its 116-kWh battery pack is stuffed in the same ladder frame as every other G. The electric powertrain allows for virtual differential locks, the G-Turn that can spin the car in place, and a G-Steering function that provides a much smaller turning radius. Compared to the other G-wagens, the electric one also has more ground clearance, more water fording depth capability and better approach and departure angles than a G550, plus a host of other impressive off-road features and stats. It should be the best one to drive, and the most luxurious, too.
What would you like to know about the updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class? I’ll get to drive all three versions of the new G, plus a bunch of vintage models as well, and I’ll have time to chat with product experts and engineers. Ask me your questions in the comments below, and I’ll answer them.