In China, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first electric model, the G-Class, the offroader Icon.
On the 24th, Benz revealed the G-Class electric vehicle, “The All New Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology” (from now on referred to as the G580), at the World Premiere event in the Art District 798 in downtown Beijing.
The G580 is equipped with individually controlled electric motors near each of its four wheels. These four motors implement the G-Turn, which rotates the vehicle in place on hard or unpaved surfaces, and the G-Steering function, which significantly reduces the turning radius during off-road driving.
The G580 has a maximum output of 432 kW (about 579 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 1164 Nm (about 859 foot-pounds). It takes 4.7 seconds to go from a standstill to 100 km/h (about 62 mph). It also features a 3-stage intelligent off-road crawling cruise control that maintains optimal propulsion while driving at a fixed speed of 2-8 km/h (about 1.2-5 mph). At the same time, the driver focuses on terrain handling.
Through these features, the G580 can drive stably on slopes with a maximum angle of 35 degrees. It has a 116-kWh high-voltage battery, and the maximum driving distance based on European (WLTP) standards is 473 km (about 294 miles). The rapid charging system takes 32 minutes to charge up to 80% of the battery.
According to Benz, the exterior of the G580 shows an ‘electric vehicle atmosphere’ with design elements such as a black panel radiator grille and a slightly raised grille, following the existing ‘family look.’ Benz plans to target China’s premium electric vehicle market with the G580.
The G580 is scheduled to be launched in Korea in the second half of this year. The G-Class’s domestic sales volume has surged from 374 units in 2019 to 2013 units in 2021, and last year, it set a record high with 2169 units.
Markus Schäfer, a member of the Board of Directors and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Benz Group, said, “With an electrified powertrain, state-of-the-art MBUX entertainment system, enhanced comfort, and off-road capabilities, we will continue the success story-worthy of the name “Geländewagen” (a car that travels in areas without roads).”
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