Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric Vs G63: Four Powerful Electric Motors Vs The Soulful V8!

G-Wagens are historically known for their capable powertrains, rugged and boxy silhouette and impressive off-road capabilities. The year 2025 has started a new chapter in the iconic SUV’s book as the moniker now gets an all-electric version as well. The G-Class Electric and the G63 are both based on the same ladder frame chassis, but what’s underneath is what sets them apart! So what all is different about the electric iteration, and how does it create its own image? Let’s find out! 

Design - No Radical Changes 

Why change something that is loved by millions? Mercedes-Benz has therefore kept a similar if not the exact same design language for the electric G! The G-Class Electric gets the same boxy silhouette thereby staying true to its roots and looking as magnificent and gorgeous as its ICE counterpart. Up front, there are minor tweaks to set it apart. These include a new grille with horizontal inserts instead of the vertical slats on the G63. 

The G63 sports more blacked-out elements including a blacked-out bumper and a black strip running across the length of its profile. The G63 gets larger 22-inch alloy wheels, while the electric version sits on 20-inch wheels. The rear looks almost identical, save for the badging that sets them apart. The V8-powered G-Wagen gets the G63 lettering and AMG badging on the right side of the rear, while the electric version gets the G580 lettering on the left side. 

It's good that the styling has been carried over, as it would be strange to see a G-Wagen in a different design. What do you think about its styling? Let us know in the comments. 

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Interior - Tech-laden And Suave

Step inside and you will realize that the electric G-Class’ cabin reflects that of the ICE-powered beast. Everything is identical, right from the dashboard design and layout, to the dual screens for the infotainment and driver display to handle for the co-driver. It also gets the quirky looking turbine-inspired round AC vents. However, being an AMG, there are some AMG-specific bits on the G63. The standard interior theme for both SUVs is the same, but you get plenty of customization options to choose from giving you the freedom to choose the interior theme of your choice. Apart from having a rugged feel, the cabin of both these SUVs is full of soft-touch premium leather materials that add a nice feel inside. 

Both run on the latest MBUX infotainment, with the G-Class Electric displaying EV-specific graphics as well. A premium 18-speaker Burmester sound system is offered on both these SUVs for a completely enriching audio experience. Features such as an ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, powered and ventilated seats and a sunroof are offered with both these SUVs. 

The Major Difference 

With the downsizing of engines and the electrification of vehicles, automakers are ditching soulful and mighty V8s. However, the G63 still gets the goodness of the V8, which with its roar and raw power is capable of even making the most serious men smile once they are behind the wheel. Getting to the specifications, the G63 comes with a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 which makes 585 PS and 850 Nm, and you also get a power boost of 20 PS thanks to the mild-hybrid setup. 

The electric G-Wagen is for those who prefer silence and want something that is more future-proof. Its specs are impressive though, thanks to the massive 116 kWh battery pack which ensures a WLTP-claimed range of 473 km on a single charge. It features a quad-motor setup which powers individual wheels churning out a 587 PS and 1,164 Nm. 

Yes, the electric version makes the greater output, but is also much heavier than the G63 (2640 kg vs 3085 kg) which makes it a bit slower than the ICE version. However, it cannot be called slow in any language, as the electric G-Wagen manages to get to the 100 kmph mark from a standstill in just 4.7 seconds! The G63 reaches the three-digit figure in a quicker time of 4.3 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker). 

The G-Class Electric, just like the G63, is a very capable SUV on uncharted territories as well. Its quad-motor setup allows it to efficiently send power to each wheel and enables it to perform a cool 360-degree tank turn as well. Whether you opt for the ICE or the EV, you do not need to worry about challenging terrains with either one. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Price And Verdict 

The G580 is priced at Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom), while the G63 is priced from Rs 3.6 crore. The electric version is more affordable by around Rs 60 lakh, and you will end up saving a lot on fuel costs as the V8 engine has an infamous drinking habit.

All in all, Mercedes-Benz has done a commendable job with the electric version of the G-Wagen. It gets a few new tricks up its sleeve, and offers the modern-era buyer a chance to own something that blends legacy and sustainability! However, for an old-school car enthusiast, the V8-powered G63 might still be more tempting and rewarding at the end of the day. Which side are you on? Let us know in the comments below.