Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Tech: Real Road Trip Experience Revealed

We took the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Tech on a long road trip to see if it lives up to the G-Class legend. From charging stops to comfort and real-world range, here’s what stood out when this luxury EV met the highway.

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQG

So, the G580 EQG… honestly, I didn’t get it at first. Big, boxy, electric? But after a few hundred miles, I was like, ohhh, it’s a luxo-bunker with vibes. Four motors doing that clever torque shuffle, the artificial “G-Roar” sound that’s kinda silly but fun, and the cabin… it’s like a leather-clad panic room. Range is decent-not-amazing, but the charging stops became part of the ritual snacks, stretch, watch people stare. Around $170,000 to $180,000 depending on spec, and yeah, pricey, but it feels like a statement piece that also climbs rocks and curbs like they’re suggestions. I kept laughing at how calm it felt at 80 mph on knobby-ish tires. Weirdly soothing.

Range Rover Electric

The Range Rover Electric well, it’s more zen than the G. Softer ride, quieter road noise, and that lounge-like cabin that makes you sit straighter. I swear the seats hug you better. It’s probably around $130,000 to $150,000 when you stack options, and you can tell it’s meant for long, glide-y cruising. If the G580 is a tuxedo with combat boots, this is cashmere with slippers. I kept switching in my head: do I want drama or serenity? Most days, probably the Rover. But then I see the G in the mirror and… yeah.

BMW iX M60

Not gonna lie, the BMW iX M60 surprised me. It’s like a tech loft on wheels crystal controls, crazy punch, and that instant shove that makes you giggle. About $110,000-ish, and honestly it’s the quietest of the bunch at highway speeds. The ride is pillowy but planted, and the efficiency is better than the G’s, no contest. But the presence? The G still wins. With the iX you look like a successful architect; with the G580 you look like you wrestled a glacier and kept the trophy.

Audi Q8 e-tron

I mean, the Audi Q8 e-tron is kind of the stealth choice. It’s comfy, predictable in a good way, and the interior just works no weird gimmicks, just clean lines and nice materials. Around $75,000 to $90,000 depending on battery and trim. On the road trip it felt like the “ahh” car low stress, tidy range planning, easy charging ports. Does it feel special like the G? Not really. But it’s the one I’d hand to a friend and not worry about a single thing.

Tesla Model X Plaid

The Model X Plaid is like boom speed for days. The falcon doors still draw a crowd, even if they occasionally argue with low garages. Around $95,000 to $120,000 depending on timing and spec, and the Supercharger network just… wins road trips. I kept thinking, if this were purely about time saved and sheer acceleration, the Tesla would take it. But the G580 has that thick-door, vault-y clunk and I… kind of love that more than 0-60 bragging rights.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

So the Taycan Cross Turismo, especially in 4S or Turbo trim, is just delicious. Low-slung, precise steering, and the wagon-ish practicality that makes you feel clever. Prices swing from about $110,000 to $190,000 depending how wild you go. On a winding back road, it just dances—where the G sort of stomps. Different energy. I kept catching myself wanting to ditch luggage and find corners, which is not the point of a road trip… or is it?

Lucid Air Touring

The Lucid Air Touring (or Grand Touring if you’re fancy) is like a glassy spaceship with couch-level legroom. Around $95,000 to $140,000, and the efficiency is ridiculous compared to the G—like, you start judging other EVs. The ride is supple, the screens are pretty, and the trunk could probably house a small band. But off pavement? Nah. The G580 laughs at ruts the Lucid would politely avoid. Depends if your “road trip” includes… roads.

Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is the one that actually makes me think twice about the G. It’s around $80,000 to $95,000, looks properly outdoorsy, has clever storage, and the drive modes make you feel like you know what you’re doing off-road even if you, uh, don’t. On washboard trails the air suspension did its magic, and the instant torque felt super controllable. The G still has that tank-like swagger, but the Rivian feels more eager to play in the dirt.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV is like the G’s quiet cousin who reads architecture magazines. Around $105,000 to $130,000, and it’s borderline whisper-quiet at speed. Hyperscreen is flashy, rear-wheel steering makes parking comically easy, and the ride is soft enough to put you to sleep—in a good way. But when I hopped back into the G580, I was like, oh yeah, that upright windshield and brick-aerodynamics drama… I kind of missed it.

Cadillac Lyriq

The Lyriq keeps surprising me. For around $58,000 to $75,000, you get this elegant interior, strong range, and a ride that feels way more premium than the price tag says. On the highway, it did the serene glide thing almost as well as the fancy Europeans. It doesn’t have the G’s theater, but dollar-for-dollar, it’s a killer. If someone told me, “I want 80% of the luxe for half the price,” I’d point here with both hands.

Genesis Electrified GV70

The Electrified GV70 is the “oh that’s nice” car. Around $65,000 to $75,000, punchy acceleration, cozy cabin, and design details that feel boutique. It’s not huge on range, but it’s comfy and easy to live with. On the road trip it felt like the friendliest companion no drama, just does the thing, looks good doing it. Then the G580 rumbles well, hums back into your life and you remember why people pay G-money.

Ford F-150 Lightning

The Lightning is a vibe shift. Around $55,000 to $95,000 depending on trim, and it’s a rolling tool belt. The frunk is absurdly useful like, why doesn’t every big EV have this? Towing nukes range, yeah, but for normal hauling and home energy backup it’s just smart. Parking it next to the G580 felt like choosing between function and theatre. The Ford gets stuff done; the Mercedes makes everything feel like an entrance.