WeeklySA_AdminICON: The G-Class is now getting the silent treatment, with electricity running through its veins and comes with interesting software called G-Steering and G-Turn, resulting in a full 180-degree G-Turn
By Ali Mphaki
Just when you thought you were nearing your dreams of purchasing the G-Class were about to be realized, Mercedes-Benz has shifted the goalposts with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz G580 Electric.
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz G580 Electric has arrived in South Africa! In South Africa, the G580 is also being offered in a special “Edition One” trim, which as its name suggests, is a limited-edition model.
The new models feature a closed front grille with four louvres, a black badge, and illuminated surrounds, which complements a pair of circular daytime running lights and adaptive LED headlights.
It wears an 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design with a high-gloss black finish, and side mirrors with puddle lamps displaying the G logo.
This version has five exclusive paint schemes, including Manufaktur South Sea Blue Magno, Obsidian Black Metallic, Manufaktur Opalite White Magno, Manufaktur Opalite White Bright, and Manufaktur Classic Grey Solid.
As we’ve come to expect, the G-Wagen can hardly be described as a modest vehicle. And in case you wondering what it will cost you, the battery-powered SUV is priced at R4,647,456 and offered alongside the petrol-powered G63 AMG (R4,414,916) and the diesel G450d (R3,557,169).
Interestingly, this comes as Mercedes-Benz has “silently” introduced price cuts to some of its models, but not for their EVs. But that’s a story for another day.
As to be expected. the technical details for the G580 are deeply impressive. Zero to 100 kph is dispatched in a claimed 4.7 seconds and it’ll run to a limited top speed of 180 kph.
No need to worry because the G580 still boast the same outputs as the G63 AMG with 432 kW and 1164 Nm heading to all four wheels.
And when it comes to range, the electric G with 4 motors won’t offer much range but with a battery capacity of 124 kWh (116 kWh is usable) a range of 473 km is claimed.
Cars.com suggests you consider 450 km as a more realistic range, which is probably about the same range as the biturbo V8 petrol G63 if you’re driving in Sport mode.
Granted its an electric G, but like other EVs it’ll charge from 10-80% in about 30 minutes if you’re using a high-power charger. But then, this shouldn’t be a concern, since people who can afford this kinda vehicle should have other jalopies in their garages.
As has come to be widely accepted, the G-Class is not only exceptionally built, it is a statement. In South Africa, the G580 is also being offered in a special “Edition One” trim, which as its name suggests, is a limited-edition model.
This version has five exclusive paint schemes, including Manufaktur South Sea Blue Magno, Obsidian Black Metallic, Manufaktur Opalite White Magno, Manufaktur Opalite White Bright, and Manufaktur Classic Grey Solid.
Inside, the setup is very similar to the petrol version with a Nappa leather steering wheel, keyless start, electric front seats, leather upholstery, a Burmester 3D stereo good enough even for a street bash, ambient lighting, temperature-controlled cupholders, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, and two entertainment screens on the back seats.
It also has a dual 12.3-inch driver and media display running the brand’s latest MBUX software with onboard navigation, voice commands, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Assistance features then include adaptive cruise control, crawl control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera with a transparent bonnet function that can show what’s going on underneath the car. Again, the new G-Class is powered by no less than four electric motors placed over each corner, which the company describes as “individual-wheel drive.”
Each motor produces 108kW, which contributes towards an impressive combined total of 432kW and 1,164Nm. Regarding its off-road capabilities, the new G-Wagen has a ground clearance of 250mm and can wade through up to 850mm of water. It also boasts an approach angle of 32 degrees, a break-over angle of 20.3 degrees, and a departure angle of 30.7 degrees.
The SUV’s ladder frame chassis has been reinforced to accommodate the new battery, and it features the same adaptive damping suspension as the combustion-engine models. The active suspension can respond to road conditions in real time and works in tandem with the car’s roll and pitch stabilization to maintain optimal comfort levels.
While the G580 is electric, it still features a low-range “gearbox” function, which creates a lower power ratio with better temperature management when tackling difficult terrain.
The individual-wheel configuration also means owners can make use of G-Turn and G-Steering to rotate 360 degrees on the spot in tight conditions.
Inside, the setup is very similar to the petrol version with a Nappa leather steering wheel, keyless start, electric front seats, leather upholstery, a Burmester 3D stereo, ambient lighting, temperature-controlled cupholders, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, and two entertainment screens on the back seats.
It also has a dual 12.3-inch driver and media display running the brand’s latest MBUX software with onboard navigation, voice commands, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Assistance features then include adaptive cruise control, crawl control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera with a transparent bonnet function that can show what’s going on underneath the car.
The first locks the inside rear wheel while cornering to allow for tighter turning circles while the G-Turn has one side of wheels turning forwards while the opposite wheels turn in reverse, resulting in a full 180-degree G-Turn.
It can complete two full 360-degree rota-tions on the spot. plete two full 360-degree rota-tions on the spot.
Pricing includes a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
Motoring: Briefs
BUYERS LOVE MAHINDRA
The Indian manufacturer has just announced a record-breaking March, shifting an impressive 2 253 vehicles over the course of the month and reflecting a whopping surge of over 600 units from the previous month.
This milestone not only marks their entry into the coveted 2 000-unit-per-month club but also propels them to the eighth-largest vehicle manufacturer in the country, a remarkable ascent just two months after breaking into the top ten.
Over the past financial year, Mahindra has also set a new sales benchmark, delivering 15 088 vehicles. A closer look at the numbers highlights Mahindra’s rapid expansion. In March alone, the brand recorded its highest-ever monthly sales for SUVs (1 000 units) and bakkies (1 256 units). The Scorpio-N SUV also had a personal best month, with 145 units sold. Mahindra suggests that these figures prove it is gaining traction among both individual buyers and businesses, challenging long-established competitors.
The new Mahindra XUV 3XO has also demonstrated a positive sales trend, indicating its growing popularity. In March, Mahindra sold 774 units of the XUV 3XO, marking an increase from the 656 units sold in the preceding month of February. This consistent rise in sales figures suggests that the XUV 3XO is resonating well with buyers and contributing to Mahindra’s overall strong performance in the market.
GRINDING NOISES AT STELLANTIS
Stellantis is already wounded. The conglomerate watched as sales and revenue nosedived through 2024, eventually leading to the abrupt resignation of its former CEO, Carlos Tavares. This was supposed to be a year of rebuilding for the company, but with Trump’s steep tariffs now in effect and no indication of stopping, things at Stellantis may soon get much worse.
Particular attention falls on Alfa Romeo and Maserati, two brands struggling more than most. In the US, Alfa Romeo sold just 8,865 cars for the entire year. That’s a 19 percent drop from 2023, but things are far worse at Maserati. The luxury brand sold 11,300 cars globally, with just 4,819 sold in the United States. Now that tariffs of at least 25 percent are in effect for anything imported to the States—which includes every single Maserati and Alfa Romeo model—it’s no surprise that Stellantis is left wondering what to do. -Motor1.com
ANOTHER LAMBO SUV?
The Lamborghini Urus has been a massive success for the Italian automaker. It accounted for more than half of the brand’s sales last year and has been a best-seller since its launch. However, the chances of Lamborghini adding another SUV to its lineup are slim.
Lamborghini Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Federico Foschini told CarSales.com.au that a larger SUV wouldn’t be as sporty. “It’s too easy for it to be too big,” he told the publication. “It’s not a Lamborghini.”
Buyers shouldn’t expect the brand to launch something below the Urus, either. He said Lamborghini can’t offer a product that’s “under-resourced.” To him, the Urus is the perfect size with “the driving experience of a super sports car.” The Urus is “the sweet spot.”
It’s also very popular. The Urus is sold out until 2026, with Lamborghini struggling to meet demand. It’s also now offered as a plug-in hybrid. It’s been about a year since Lamborghini introduced the Urus SE, paring the 612-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with an 189-hp electric motor.
