Much like the four-cylinder AMG C 63, Mercedes had high hopes for the electric G-Class. The company naively believed that customers would easily switch to an electric version, believing that the advantages of the iconic SUV would outweigh the disadvantages of electrification. However, a new report paints a bleak picture of how the market has reacted to the G 580 with EQ technology.
According to German business newspaper Handelsblatt (subscription required), Mercedes executives have openly admitted that the electric G-Class is a commercial failure. One executive, who understandably wished to remain anonymous, explained: “The car is sitting like lead in the dealerships, it’s a complete failure.” Another executive was quoted in the respected publication as saying: “It’s a niche model, the sales figures are very low.” Handelsblatt examined the figures and found that by the end of April, almost a year after its market launch, only 1450 units had been sold. The regular G-Class with petrol and diesel engines had achieved around 9700 sales, making it almost seven times more popular than its electric counterpart.
Despite the poor numbers, a Mercedes spokesman said sales for the luxury brand were on track, but declined to provide details. Another top Mercedes official was more candid, admitting: “People want a real G-Class – with six or eight cylinders.”
But why is the electric G-Class so hard to sell? There are several reasons for this. Price is not the reason: in Germany, the G 580 is barely more expensive than the petrol G 135.000 at around 500 euros. The European model has a maximum load capacity of just 415 kilograms and no towing device, making it much less practical than the combustion engine model. The latter has enjoyed a reputation for being an all-rounder that can do everything for decades.
In addition, the G 580 EQ weighs a whopping 3.085 kilograms in Europe. Range is another weakness, although this is not surprising considering the high weight of the vehicle. The G580 with EQ technology achieves 473 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
Handelsblatt also reports that low demand is forcing Mercedes to rethink plans for the so-called “Little G.” While a smaller version is expected later this decade, it may not be a purely electric model as originally planned. Rumor has it that the smaller G will offer internal combustion engines to increase its appeal.
According to one company executive, they are currently “looking into” a combustion engine version, while one engineer said the additional R&D costs would be “manageable.” The little G is set to hit the market in 2027 as an electric car, but it’s increasingly likely that a combustion engine version will follow, likely in the form of a hybrid.
