Video: Mercedes G580 EQ debuts at 2024 Festival of Speed

Because no, this doesn’t have a petrol V8, or even a diesel six, or even a four-cylinder mated to a hybrid system. This is the full shebang, all-electric G-Class, with a motor on each wheel and a big battery feeding them.

As a result, it’s really quite powerful. Like, G63 powerful. But without the full gurning AMG body kit the ferocity with which it launches from the line on the Hill does come as a bit of a shock, sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Do that too many times and you won’t see the claimed 294-mile battery range.

Of course, because it’s a G-Class, there’s the expectation of an extra bit of off-road capability and as such, the driver takes some creative lines on his way up the Hill. Some of the Duke’s grass that flanks the Hill route therefore became ‘the line’ as the G stomped its way up the Hill in near-silence. Indeed without an engine we only hear the roar of air being battered out of the way by its brick-like aerodynamic constitution and the roar of its tyres bearing three tonnes of curbside mass attacking the course at speed.

Does an electric G-Class make sense? In terms of efficiency, perhaps not. It’s far from the most streamlined (‘optimise’ all you want, Mercedes. It’s no EQS) or efficient object.

But in ways, it does. Think how many of the existing combustion G-Classes spend most of their time in cities at under 40mph. In these scenarios, an all-electric G is going to be in its absolute element, probably eeking out every one of those 300 claimed miles, or more.

Then of course there’s the showboating aspect of G-Class ownership. While G63 owners have to stab the throttle and make their side pipes throb to get people’s attention, the G580 has its own party piece. With its independent motors it can simply do an outrageous tank turn, turning 360 degrees on the spot by spinning each wheel independently.

In terms of common use cases, then, the G-Class and electrification are a match made in heaven. We just hope the driver stops for a tank turn on the Hill at some point over the weekend…

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!