Mercedes-Benz announced that the 600,000th unit of the G-Class SUV has just rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria. The model that marks a historic milestone is the G580, featuring EQ technology, the 100% electric version of the well-known off-road classic launched last year.
Currently known as a luxury all-terrain SUV, the G-Class is one of the longest-running passenger car model series in Mercedes-Benz history.
Launched in the spring of 1979, at that time, customers could choose from four engine variants, covering a power range from 72 hp to 150 hp. Additionally, convertible versions with a short wheelbase and cargo versions with either a short or long wheelbase were available.
Over the past four decades, the G-Class has evolved from a commercial vehicle to a lifestyle object. However, it has maintained its unmistakable character and typical appearance to this day. All-wheel drive, differential locks with full locking capability, and the robust ladder frame have been part of the G-Class since the beginning.
Iconic design elements, such as the round headlights and the clear silhouette, ensure that the off-road icon is still recognized today as a direct descendant of the first G Model.
The well-known all-terrain model from Mercedes is currently available with diesel and gasoline engines, the latter also in the form of a particularly powerful AMG version, with 605 hp. In addition, a version with 100% electric propulsion has been available since the end of summer 2024. However, the G 580 with EQ technology has been a sales failure so far: nearly a year after its launch in the European market, Mercedes sold only 1,450 units by the end of April 2025. In contrast, dealerships sold about 9,700 units, nearly seven times more, of models with combustion engines.