Mercedes-Benz’s electrification of its legendary G-Class is encountering major hurdles as the newly launched all-electric variant of the iconic model struggles with sales.
Introduced last week in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz G580—known as the G-Class EV with EQ Technology—was unveiled in 2024 as the finalized production version of the 2021 EQG concept.
According to Tech Story, citing German newspaper Handelsblatt, the G580 has failed to capture consumer interest despite its strong brand legacy and cutting-edge technology. Since its launch nearly a year ago, only 1,450 units have been sold, leading insiders to label the electric G-Class a commercial failure. Meanwhile, the ICE G-Class recorded around 9,700 sales, nearly seven times higher than the sales of its electric counterpart.
Although equipped with an advanced powertrain, the electric G-Class is more affordable than the combustion-powered G450d and G500 in Germany.
A German publication reported that Mercedes-Benz is contemplating releasing the upcoming ‘little G’—a compact SUV with the same boxy design—with a petrol engine rather than making it exclusively electric. The model is expected to debut in 2027.
The G580’s struggles stem from several factors. One major challenge is its price, as the electric model is more expensive compared to its six- and eight-cylinder counterparts. Practicality is another drawback—the EV variant lacks a towbar and has a limited payload capacity of 415 kg, making it far less versatile than its combustion-powered predecessors.
Weight and range limitations add to the concerns. Weighing in at 3,085 kg (6,746 lbs in the U.S.), the G580 is notably heavy, which affects its efficiency. Its driving range is also restricted, offering just 239 miles on the EPA cycle—considerably less than its WLTP-rated 294 miles.
By the end of May 2025, the G-Class had registered only 156 sales, accounting for less than 2% of Mercedes-Benz’s total yearly sales. Year-to-date figures indicate a 20.8% decline compared to the same period in 2024.
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