The Roaring G-Wagon Goes Silent: Meet the Electric G 580

Mar 14

There is no surprise that most cars are turning to electricity, whether through hybrid engines or fully electric variants. But there have been, and will continue to be, some shocks because, let’s face it, some cars are iconic because of their screaming combustion engines. It almost feels sacrilegious to imagine an electric Porsche 911. But do you know what is even more ridiculous?

A fully electric G-Wagon.

Sure, there are great electric SUVs and trucks out there, like the Cybertruck and the Rivian, but these were designed as EVs from the ground up. The G-Wagon, on the other hand, has always been defined by its twin-turbo V8, its noise, and its ruggedness. For car enthusiasts, hearing that there is now an electric variant almost feels absurd.

That said, electric power actually enhances performance, just at the expense of a car’s personality. But no matter what powers it, you cannot take away what a G-Wagon is. Its road presence and unmistakable looks remain. So, let’s dive into the G 580 and see what an electric G-Wagon is all about.

Design: Subtle Changes, Same Iconic Look

Not much has changed, and thankfully so. The G-Wagon’s design is unique and timeless as it is. Electric cars have no need for a large grille to feed air into the engine, so this is one of the few changes made to the G 580. It features a minimal grille with black surrounds that also extend over the headlights. The grille has an LED strip around it which makes it stand out.

Other changes are subtle, such as an additional lip above the windscreen to improve airflow and small air vents by the rear fenders, also for better aerodynamics. One noticeable change, however, is the rear. Instead of the traditional circular spare wheel cover, there is now a smaller, rounded square compartment that houses the charging cables.

Another tweak is the slightly raised bonnet, a design element that subtly enhances the G 580’s rugged appeal while improving aerodynamics. All in all, the exterior remains largely unchanged, and that is great news for fans of the G-Wagon’s classic shape.

The interior has little to no change at all. In the Edition One variant, you get blue stitching and styling on the seats, carbon fibre with blue highlights on the centre console, and other interior elements. As expected, the display now includes information on charging status, power distribution, and nearby charging stations on both the infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster.

Power: More Than Enough

The G 580 is powered by a 116 kWh battery and four electric motors, one on each wheel. This setup delivers 580 horsepower (432 kW) and an impressive 1,164 Nm of torque. That is more than enough for an off-roading session, so there are no concerns about power. But the real question is, how far can you go?

Electric vehicles achieve their best range when they are lightweight with a sizeable battery pack. While the G 580 has a large battery, there is no denying that it is a hefty machine at 3085 kg. So, how far can it travel on a single charge? The quoted range is 473 km, meaning that in real-world conditions, you can expect at least 400 km.

For charging, the G 580 supports both AC and DC charging. With AC charging, it can charge at 11 kW, while DC fast charging allows speeds of up to 200 kW.

Party Tricks: The 360 G-Turn

One of the standout features of the G 580 is its ability to perform a 360-degree tank turn, known as the G-Turn. Thanks to its four independent electric motors, the G 580 can rotate on the spot by spinning the left and right wheels in opposite directions. While it may seem like a fun party trick, it actually has a practical use; helping the G-Wagon manoeuvre out of tricky off-road situations. Whether you’re stuck on a narrow trail or wedged between obstacles, the G-Turn allows the vehicle to pivot in place rather than attempting a multi-point turn. This ensures that the G 580 retains the off-road capability the G-Wagon is known for, even without a roaring V8 under the bonnet.

Price: Who Even Cares?

The G-580 starts at R4,560,000. Not exactly pocket change. But let’s be honest, the clientele for this vehicle isn’t concerned with the price tag and more with the statement it makes; they’re already reaching for their card before they ask. The G-Wagon has always been, and will continue to be, a vehicle that justifies its price tag through sheer road presence and the attention it commands.