Does the electric drivetrain of the G 580 improve or deteriorate its off road capabilities?
Mercedes has long brought exceptional off road prowess in the form of the G Wagen, and now it’s bringing that into the electric age with the G 580 Edition One. Off road performance is one of the areas that the switch to an electric drivetrain brings both potential benefits and drawbacks. Electric motors give instant torque and good control and might be an advantage in tricky terrain. Additionally, there is no traditional engine to cause weight distribution issues and therefore possibly improve approach and departure angles. But there are negatives, such as the heavy battery pack, and worries about range anxiety in rural areas. While there are plenty of off road enthusiasts who think the electric powertrain will make the G Wagen even more capable, others are not convinced that it will match the capabilities of the combustion engine predecessors when the going gets tough.
Off-roading is definitely an upgrade from the electric drivetrain. Rock crawling will be a breeze due to instant torque and precise control. And the battery pack's low center of gravity will make it more stable.
I'm skeptical. There’s no doubt about range anxiety, especially when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. You don’t want to run out of juice on a trail.
It's a mixed bag. If the batteries are heavy, they will be an issue in soft terrain, but the electric motors will be fantastic for low speed maneuvers. I’d like to see some real world tests before I make a judgment.
How many G 580 owners are actually going to take it off road? Let’s be real. I think the electric drivetrain will be more than capable for the few that do.
In fact, the lack of engine noise might actually be a good thing for the off road experience. You will be able to hear the terrain better and communicate better with spotters.
Electric motors are exciting for the potential of individual wheel control. That could be some incredible traction management in tough spots.
It will be a real test when I start taking long range off road trips. This could be a game changer for Mercedes, if they can solve the charging issue for remote areas.
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