FIRST DRIVE: Merc EQG - The Apocalypse Proof EV G-Wagen! | Top Gear
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Electric vehicles are having a tough time currently, but what should the verdict be when contemporary battery and motor technology improves an old-school SUV in nearly every way? That’s what an EV powertrain potentially does to the Mercedes G-class…
On the road the new G580 (née EQG) is quieter, quicker - thanks to 858lb ft - and produces zero tailpipe emissions. And off-road, its quad e-motor set-up means it can use anything down to just one wheel to crawl its way out of trouble. It can wade deeper than a G63, too, while ‘G-Steering’ means it can do super-tight turns, and ‘G-Turn’ sees it pivot on the spot, just like a tank.
Then again, the G580 weighs over three tonnes and can’t tow a thing given it’s already so heavy.
So, is the electrified Geländewagen the future, or an archaic SUV made even more obscure and obsolete? Top Gear’s Tom Ford has been to find out…
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Chapters:
00:00 Road Drive & Stats
02:51 1982/83 G-Wagen Drive
04:34 The Stats
05:52 Driving Modes
07:05 Off-road Drive
09:24 G-Turn
11:32 Conclusion
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So this, or a G63?
Why do you call yourself "top gear" when 99% of the dumb EVs on your show have one gear? You should rebrand to "top golf cart" or "top wheelie laptop" or "top money waster" or something more accurate.
@MrProy33, what's wrong with you?
Did you just drink some gasoline, or chewed an 18650 Li-ion?
Please don't spread your toxicity, keep it for yourself, or see the doctor, or psychiatrist
@TopGear, I prefer this G-EQ truck
All the capabilities without the gas guzzling engines. This 99%
G63 till the apocalypse!
They will be doing the school runs in Monaco, London, LA etc, so range won't be an issue
I am completely shocked that top gear tv was cancelled when they can make content like this. Ditch the studio and a few quality segments like this with these lads makes for very watchable telly for car people. Grateful it lives on with youtube.
This is gonna sell like crazy in Norway
Very true, new gas G-wagons are taxed heavily. A new G63 with full rear seats (no rear seats gets a “van” tax reduction) is about KR 2.5 million or about $250k.
Whats with Norway's obsession with evs?
how many car afford it? 20? lol
@@TheBorz0 They are a better car for most people if the charging infrastructure is there, like it is in Norway. They also have plenty of cheap renewable energy.
@@premonemo Pretty much the same in Austria, where a G63 starts from around 295k€ whereas the G580 is the cheapest available G class here and starts at 147k€, less than the Diesel at 165k€
"It's just a shame so few of them are going to be put to the test" shots firedddd hahaha....I love it!
Why not put solar panels on that gigantic flat roof?
That will be in the next update lol
solar panels will gain you about half a mile, assuming ur even parking outside
Yeah, put more weight into it. Less load capacity
Its not a Toyota
And wind turbines that create enough power at 30mph for all usage. Also K.E.R.S. which have been on trains for the last 10 years. Also dynamos fitted to all 4 wheels which fully power it at 30mph. You would only need to charge it once, after that it will charge itself while moving at 30mph.
4 Motor Torque Vectoring is black magic for Off Roading Vehicles. EVDrive TerraTorque first developed it on SideBySide ATVs in 2013. Awesome to see it in a production 4x4 other than Rivian.
Has shown to be less capable than mechanical lockers.
@@boostav By whom, how and where? I would like to see those tests. Not saying this because I doubt you, just genuinely interested
Anyone who can afford a £180,000+ G-Wagon, isn't taking it off road, they'll be using it to drop their spoilt kids off at private school
It's like having 1.000 hp; it's not to use, it's just to know it's there if you wanted it
How original
well you're clearly not in the demographic anyway, so why would they be worrying about what you want?
Nah, there's always a few bonkers lads who actually use what they buy.
It’s funny the ppl that can afford it won’t use it for what’s it’s for and the ones that can’t buy lesser or beater suvs and make em into sick overlanders
The G ' turn and G' steer features sounding like amazing
I’d take that old ‘82 wagon over the new ANY DAY!!! 😮💨
No you wouldn't
Same!
Oh stop it
Blah blah
Owner of a 1989 G230 and I approve of the new G
Another great video Tom, love that you got to du first drive of EV G-WAGON. 😊😊😂😂 now we just need comparison test G-Class vs Rivins R1S vs Hummer SUV 😊😊.
Keep up with great work
Thank God for keeping grill regular
8:40 Excellent videography showing the off roading closeups. Nice one.
Thanks for the video
GELÄNDEWAGEN, EQ. nice!
Please make another video overviewing the undercarriage, suspensions,
especially the rear "solid axle"
This is a nice service he’s done G Wagen owners. Now they can see what their vehicles are like off-road. Otherwise they’d never know.
Wow, the ignorance.
Hmm, I'm stuck in the middle of no where. Have I got more chance of getting a bev moving with solar or more chance of using my magic portable oil refinery to produce more fuel for an ice vehicle?
Just think how cheap it'll be to maintain, maybe more expensive to buy than the base diesel and petrol g wagons but the running costs will make it the cheapest in the long run by far
The problem is that real life range will be max 250 kilometres since it has a shape of a refrigerator. I should know since I drive an EV. I belive the ride must be amazing. I would love to have one.
A comparison with R1S would be EPIC!
What an impressive G Wagon. So cool.
the brown colour of the seat is very classy.
I kinda want to try that G-turn to spin the car around in a driveway or tight parking lot. Does modulating the throttle change the rate of rotation?
No, the throttle is basically an on/off switch when executing the G-turn
@@hummerltheOh darn, I guess it’s still useful for turning around on a tight trail, though seems a bit imprecise unless you got familiar with the timing of it all.
Bring a barf bag.
What do you even put in it being so close to the 3.5T weight limit?
That grill is a 1900€ option.
'nough said.
everything is an option on top trim lol
So?
Definitely including that in my order. How does MB keep those options so reasonable vis a vis Porsche?
As we all know, charging stations will be operational during the Apocalypse
So will the gas pumps be totally operational during an apocalypse
@@thedumbconspirator4956 I didn’t claim gas powered cars are apocalypse proof like the title of this video did for this G. But would gas powered vehicles be in better shape during such an event... Uh, yeah.
@@blumpkinexcalibur7523 This is such a dumb take to have. In an apocalypse you would rather have an electric vehicle since you can charge it directly from the sun if you can find a house with solar panels or even carrying portable panels yourself. Whereas gas would run out quickly and you would be helpless unless you siphon gas from other cars which all has a limit. Don't forget that gas pumps need electricity to operate as well. Gas powered vehicles might be better for the first few days but once the gas runs out you are gonna wish you had an EV.
@@BlazeBaron22323 You know there are gas reserves right? You know there are millions of Americans that keep their own reserves on their own land right? How you gonna use a solar panel when the sky goes grey during an "apocalypse"?
@@BlazeBaron22323 "Solar panels alone won't work during a power outage-but when paired with solar battery storage, they can" Solar battery storage runs dry fast. You're clueless.
That g turn is so cool! To have an infinite amount of funds 😭😩What I’m looking to buy is a 2002 GMC envoy and turning it into an overlander. Someday I’ll get a g wagon 🫡
Like all new toys they are expensive to start. But as this technology drifts across to other auto companies and battery technology continues to improve in range, lower costs, increased lifespan, faster charging, less weight and greater safety. I can see 4wd enthusiast being quickly converted
The v8 is not just about the noise it’s about the felling and the way the chassis moves especially the G wagon
Wookey loving the G turn!
It's so strange that they didn't put this sound in to electric AMG's.
THIS is what TG telly should've been. Great review, as always.
It's what TG TV used to be, pre series 10
@@edkwon This is certainly better than what's been produced, after the golden trio left.
i think it’s pretty surprising how seemingly easy the electric motors (and the tires!) carry that enormous weight up the hill
I rather the old ones tho... They're just so damn tough. Unlike the soccer mom newer models😢
Now we need a 4x42 electric lol
Sickest vehicle yet
Is this filmed in Croatia?
It's a first gen product so shout out to all the beta testers that's going to purchase one of these. If I really had to have one of these, then give me the base model one. You're absolutely right on EVs being well fitted for off-roading applications. Just needs higher range figures and it desperately needs to lose some weight.
WHAT'S THE SONG PLAYING? @5:00 It's so prettyyyy
G-Turn is sick
Perhaps literally. G-Turn sick. Driver really sick!
AWESOME
I can understand the bit about electric engines being "more finessed " for offloading, and enjoyed the take. But have to disagree that they're better overall, because they're not as easily repaired, especially when remote.
Anyone know where he is driving?
Rather have one of the 90s Gs
would take that 1982 no questions asked
Passing you by in my trusty 80 series Land Cruiser.. while the world is ending 👋🏼🫠
I'd be worried about features hidden behind pay-walls
I also feel invisible in bad weather in my Subaru
09:03 “I’ve spent a long time trying to get good at off-roading … “ Yet you still don’t know the first rule of where your thumbs should be: 07:07 being a prime example of where they shouldn’t be when on anything that isn’t level tarmac.
This must have been a pre-production model, after seeing that front bumper flex at 7:18 when he entered the water. 😳
Front bumpers are designed to flex so they can withstand low-speed impacts without damage.
@@matthewp9015he must be American. They don’t care about other people
The perfect car for Beverly Hills school runs...
Crazy how none of the experts here mentioned the old g’s were actually PUCH’s.. easy way to build a 300k vintage for 25k…. That’s free for ya
Can't see the current G wagon customers ie the folks of Bradford and the Gulf states rushing out to buy one. It may bring some new customers to the G class range.
Another insightful and intelligent review from Tom Ford, interlaced nicely with his customary humour. Thanks, mate!
So ‘insightful and intelligent’ that he likes fake vrooming noises 🙄
fabulous
Yeah? How do you stop a hacker? How do you stop corporate espionge? The computer is vulnerable to attack, making the entire thing a deathtrap during a conflict.
The 1983 model but with diesel engine is the origilnal G
Missed opportunity, should have called it the G-point turn instead! 👍
Better still, the G-Spot Turn😎
Lada niva?
So you gotta fight a few zombies for 31 minutes whiles it's charging at the charging station?
I like the old green one best. The best part is that the old diesels can run on Bio-diesel. When the US grid goes down, which it will, (by design) you'll really wish you had the old one. Thanks.
G Steer ?
Toyota LC 200 have that since 2012
This is so much better than the cybertruck
It’s double the price 🙄
Double the price
Less range
Slower
Less room
Less capable off road.
Less advanced.
@@fredbloggs5902 and three times better looks
@@carsonj1and yet despite that most of us would still pick the G Wagen. We have them CyberTruck all over the place in Southern California now, they're awful looking and interior is terrible, and far too large to drive/park in most places
@@carsonj1 looks like turd that point you forgot
how would you Charge a EV in an Apocalyptic scenario
I shall call it Gelände-Wegan
You have to know the real meaning of creek word Apocalypse😂👍
No electricity?
Try Greek.
@@GF-mf7ml ( revelation) Is the real meaning, but electric cars are not a revelation in my opinion
FIRE🖤
Unless it gets cold,,,,, or hot
I’m shocked at how much it is leaning in the corners! Looks like it’s going to topple over! 😮
It won't even topple over at 35° roll angle, so no worries 😉
The range is crap because it’s a big heavy box. We really need to think more about aerodynamics with trucks and SUVs.
it's a status symbol, not a practical vehicle.
This is an example of what not to produce as an EV! No range, boxy and way too heavy…. Still using the ICE platform so was designed to fail.
Please no, the rest of the Mercedes EQ lineup are already hideous aerodynamic blobs. Let the G wagon stay a box.
This POS is over 3t............making the edges more curved isn't going to change the fact it has to carry an additional 1.2 - 1.5 tonnes of battery around. EV's are idiotic to start with.....this thing takes it to new levels of stupidity. For every tonne of lithium you need about 30 million L of water. It'll also need tyres every 12 months, take for ever to charge and the battery will be fingered within 10 years......apparently this is sustainable.
Or stick to what works...diesel the problem has already been solved
Merc really need to have a relook at their EV play.
I dont think waiting for hours plugged into a charging station powered by electric grid will be a thing in an apocalypse but it will be a beast on the mean streets of Beverly hills. Accidentally turned onto a street full of homeless addicts? Just engage 360 spin mode and get out of there in a jiffy
Well if it ain’t gonna float thru like BYD u8 then it ain’t no apocalypse rubbish, calling a spade a spade mate.
Technically it probably can float as it’s completely water-tight. But Mercedes hasn’t decided to make it a feature because it’s such a stupid idea in a car.
I'm very surprised myself but... I think id take this over a G63!? 😮
nope. I love the 4x4 electric drive but want to see MB implement it as a hybrid powered up by Gas engine charging electric battery which powers the 4 drive motors. In this way one could get more than 190-200 miles. This whole thing powered by a battery won't fly in real harsh terrains where there are no charging stations.
It’s not built for wilderness safaris, though.
The OG
Rap video G is crazzzy to say
Its an E-WAGON now
this song... 3.00m what's that?
2:11 that's the saddest thing I've ever heard of. This is like being served a plant based "steak".
Good to know the electrical grid will survive the Apocalypse too.
About the same chance that your gas station will have fuel shipped half way across the world.
@@Vamsee_K First of all nobody claimed that normal cars were apocalypse-proof. But all things being equal they still go further on one tank of gas. And the gas wouldn't just all be gone, certain people in certain places would be able to get their hands on some for a while still at least, unless they have enough intelligence to restrict it to generator use (which wouldn't be capable of charging the EV either). Plus for some there will e eventually be the option of bio-fuel. Finally though both cars are computerized to hell these days I still feel a conventional car would have a better time if it loses the ability to phone home. But hey before all of that it depends on what kind of apocalypse it is anyways.
@@88Opportunist electricity is something we can produce at home. Can't say the same about gas.
@@88Opportunist Off-grid home produced solar and wind turbine power.
You can produce Electricity from Wind Turbines, Solar PV and Micro Hyrdo Power. Then store it in batteries. Good Luck REFINING YOUR OWN 90 octane FUEL in the apocalypse. The Electric Grid is Not necessary.
Last time I checked there were no charging stations in the bush.
There are no gas stations either
Pack a huge backup battery for charging on top of the roof lol
@@NRF787 Yeah but a diesel has a LOOOOT more range, plus you can bring some jerry cans with diesel.
@@breathofawareness7903 I never said it didn't. Why are you bringing up diesels anyway?
@@NRF787 Cause it is an offroader. People been overlanding in them forever. Not really doable in an electric car.
What's Hammond
It is not the EV G, but it the G’s Chinese cousin!
Why would the G turn be illegal on a public highway?
Because it works by sustaining a loss of traction - or what one might call a “burnout”. Something that is illegal in most countries.
@@matthewp9015 thanks makes sense
Worldwide EV Sales up 19% in March for third highest month in history
The Electric Viking
212K subscribers
Should have taken it to the mall
I am wondering how Brabus can make this better?
this might be the first g wagon that sells below msrp. resale will be horrible
A go anywhere car which is essentially tied to the charger network you might as well imagine an 100 mile long electric cable coming out the back that's as far as you go away from a charging point 😂
@12xenn45 the charging problems outside urban areas are very well known I remember audi having a disastrous lauch of their super ev a few years ago in the North of Scotland all the journos were limited to a little loop and back to the hotel to charge probably from diesel generators 😆
@12xenn45 Ah yes commiefornia the failed state everyone is fleeing, not sure they are an example to follow tbh.
It’s not called EQG…..
it's the G 580 with EQ Technology
@@dr-ok3sn Exactly, so not an EQG.
Like it or not EQG is a better name than G 580
No but it’s an EQ G
@@miguelmc2289 It isn’t
Looks great
You buy a G63 for the V8 sound and classic shape with modern touch but they ride terrible. So how many are gonna buy a silent Gwagon that is 3 ton???
"This is not your rap video G".......Ok.......
Forza horizon 5 needs this
German car make tank staff. Just like in 39' 😂
Regards from Poland 😅
You i....iot!
Who cares about this bull...it, dude??!
We have 2024! Forget about this WWII shit comment about a G580 video, you as....ole!
"Greetings" from Germany!
(I've just polished my Königstiger in the garage..... ho ho ho ho....🤦♂)
Ten years of ev development from the SLS.
The individual motors don't make up for a lack of diff locks. With diff locks you can effectively send the entire vehicle's torque to one wheel, however with an electric motor per wheel and no ability to mechanically connect those motors you're limited to the maximum torque an *individual* motor can produce being sent to a wheel, ie you can only ever send the output of one 145hp motor to a wheel, not the system total of 580hp, and that single motor output may well not be sufficient to shift the vehicle if only one wheel has traction.
It’s not about the bhp it’s about the torque and the torque of each one of those motors is massive
@@jryalls Agree re the torque of the electric motor, however a single motor's torque may still not be enough. That said, my comment was more intended to correct statements made that imply the total system output can be sent to a single wheel (as is the case with the ICE G and its three diff locks). Not knocking the vehicle or EVs at all, rather just wanted to clarify things.
You clearly don’t know how difflocks work.
@@thomasjackson4743 I do. With a locked diff, a wheel in the air, so with zero traction, receives zero torque. Yes the wheel RPM is the same as that of the other wheel (because the diff is locked), but 100% of the torque coming into the diff will go to the wheel with traction. So if you have three locked diffs (front, center, and rear), and only wheel has traction, that's where the entire's vehicle's torque will be. With a locked diff, zero traction means zero torque. Here's a direct quote from Eaton: "Locking differentials (generically referred to as “lockers”) can lock the axles together to provide 100% of available torque to the wheel with traction."
Why would anyone ever put a black roof on an SUV?
This thing weighs 3 tons, absurd