2025 MERCEDES G-CLASS EV VS. 2025 MERCEDES G550: HOW THEY COMPARE
Mercedes-Benz has revitalized its iconic boxy off-roader for the modern era by introducing the electric 2025 G580 with EQ Technology. Expected to go on sale early next year, the G-class EV will live alongside the traditional gas-powered G-class in the Mercedes lineup, with the internal-combustion variant also receiving a refresh for the 2025 model year. This now means that customers can choose from three G-wagen variants when it comes time to show off at the country club: the electric G580, the six-cylinder G550, and the fire-breathing V-8–powered AMG G63. We've broken down the details of each below to understand the differences.
Dimensions and Styling
The electric G580 doesn't stray too far from the classic G-class look, retaining the boxy, upright body, bulky wheel arches, and bold trim pieces breaking up the flat sides. But there is a new interpretation of the face, with the same circular headlights now housed within an optional full-width black trim piece that includes an LED outline in the shape of a grille and two thin slots on either side of the three-pointed-star emblem. The standard front end sees the grille panel painted in the body color.
The rear is mostly unchanged, but the circular spare tire holder is replaced by a nearly square storage compartment that Mercedes says can be used to hold a charging cable, tools, or snow chains. Mercedes also says the hood is raised slightly and the rear wheel arches have been restyled with a small vent to improve aerodynamics in order to eke out as much range as possible.
While the wheelbase of the G550 and electric G580 are identical at 113.8 inches, the EQ model's length is listed at 182 inches, eight inches shorter overall than the gas-powered SUV. The track width and overall vehicle width are nearly identical between the two G-class variants, while the EV is slightly taller. Moving inside, the claimed cargo volume for the EV is three cubic feet less than the G550 at 19.6.
Mercedes didn't include a curb weight for the G580 with EQ Technology in its U.S.-market specs, but the European model is listed at a whopping 6801 pounds. That's 1250 pounds heavier than the listed curb weight for the 2025 G550. This also means that the gross vehicle weight rating—the weight of the vehicle plus the maximum amount it can carry—is higher, at 7716 pounds for the G580 versus the G550's 6614 pounds.
Powertrains
Unsurprisingly, the G-class models are vastly different under the hood. For 2025, the Mercedes G550 switched from the previous eight-cylinder engine to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Mercedes also added a 48-volt hybrid system that assists the gas engine but cannot power the SUV on its own. The six-cylinder pumps 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic.
The 2025 G580 with EQ Technology is also all-wheel drive, but instead uses four permanently excited synchronous electric motors mounted near each wheel and hooked up to a 116.0-kWh lithium-ion battery. The powertrain spits put 579 hp and 859 pound-feet of torque, putting it more inline with the internal-combustion AMG G63 model. That gas-powered AMG variant uses a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 to produce 577 ponies, but the electric G580 still vastly outclasses the G63's 627 pound-feet of torque. The EV's quad-motor setup also allows for advanced torque vectoring, with the G580 able to distribute torque to each individual wheel as needed.
Performance
With such a potent powertrain, Mercedes estimates that the G580 EV will dash from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds before hitting its electronically limited 112-mph top speed. The less powerful G550 is quoted at a 5.3-second run to the mile-a-minute mark but can stretch its legs to 130 mph. Stepping up to the AMG G63 shaves the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.2 seconds and allows the boxy behemoth to top out at 137 mph.
The G580's electric motors connect to a two-speed transmission, which in the "Rock" drive mode can activate a low range gear that boosts drive torque; this mode limits the top speed to 53 mph. We estimate the G580 will be able to travel 240 miles on a charge. When the G580 needs more juice, the battery can recharge at up to 200 kW. On a DC fast-charger, Mercedes says it can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in around 32 minutes, and the EQ model can also regenerate up to 217 kW under braking. The G550 and G63, meanwhile, can refuel in, well, however long it takes the gas to pump into the fuel tank—let's call it seven minutes.
Along with the "Rock" setting, the G580 comes with a new G-Turn function that can rotate the SUV on the spot when on low-traction off-road surfaces. Mercedes says this allows drivers to reverse course easily "if an obstacle ahead makes it impossible to continue forward" along with looking "spectacular." Mercedes says the G-class EV is not recommended for towing, while the G550 can pull up to 7,716 pounds.
Interior
The cabin looks pretty much identical between the gas-powered G-class models and the G580; both are fitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch center touchscreen as standard. As on the internal-combustion 2025 models, these displays are running the latest MBUX infotainment system, which has a built-in voice assistant as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A Burmester 3D surround-sound system is standard, just like on the G550, and a rear-seat entertainment package is available on all G-class variants.
Price
Mercedes hasn't officially announced pricing for the G580 with EQ Technology, which will be exclusively offered as the Edition One launch model in the U.S. for 2025. We estimate that it will start at around $180,000, with 2026 models likely starting a bit lower than this early-bird special. That puts it around $30,000 higher than expected pricing for the 2025 G550, with the 2024 model costing $144,150. The 2025 AMG G63, meanwhile, will likely go for $190,000, with the 2024 model starting at $184,150.
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