The Mercedes G-Class Electric is a monumental flop

If it were to revolutionize the luxury electric SUV sector, the G-Class does not seem to have found its clientele.

The Mercedes G-Class, that good old 4×4 resembling a massive wardrobe on wheels, continues to attract… in its thermal version! For the electric model, the G580 equipped with EQ technology, enthusiasm is notably more subdued, to say the least.

Since its launch a little less than a year ago, fewer than 1,500 units have been sold worldwide. Meanwhile, the gasoline or diesel version has found 10,000 happy owners. Yes, that’s nearly seven times more. Enough to make a few people in Stuttgart grind their teeth.

In some markets, the situation is even more brutal, particularly in the United States, where not a single unit has been sold to date. Remembering that the model was presented with great fanfare in Las Vegas, this is quite embarrassing. Confidential sales; nothing alarming for a very special version of the G-Class, but not really what we expect from a model supposed to embody the future of luxury SUVs.

You cannot deny your nature

Internally, the tone is bitter. The most vocal call it a “total flop,” while others cautiously refer to it as a “niche model.” The fact is, the high-end electric vehicle market has not exploded as expected, especially in China, where consumers favor more affordable models over giant electric behemoths at XXL prices.

Moreover, the electric G carries some burdens: it is based on the platform of the thermal model, which limits interior space. Its steel chassis alone weighs 350 kilos, not to mention the underbody protection plate (58 kg) and the 116 kWh battery. The result: a total weight of 3.1 tons, a range of 473 km, no towing hook… and only 415 kg of payload. To exaggerate, one could call it electrical Retrofit since this model retains all the flaws of the thermal version without really providing an upgrade that would justify paying more for less excitement.

Mercedes wanted to electrify its legend, but at nearly 180,000 euros, even fans are struggling to swallow the pill. When purchasing a G-Class, it’s often to be seen and noticed, and the silence of the powertrain doesn’t really contribute to that. It retains some qualities like the ability to turn on itself, but that’s not enough to hope for longevity like the authentic G. As for the “small G,” planned for 2027 and initially announced as fully electric, its future is already hanging by a thread.

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