Iconic car brand’s new £155k EV ‘is a complete flop’ after iconic model loved by celebs is reinvented
STAFF at Mercedes have admitted that the electric version of an SUV popular with celebrities has been a “complete flop”.
The German manufacturer had high hopes for the £154,810 EV, but it has not had the desired impact on the car market.
An electric version of the popular Mercedes G-Class – often referred to as the G-Wagon – has not proved successful among customers.
Reports show that, since the G 580 was introduced in April last year, the original G-Wagon has almost seven times more sales than its electric counterpart.
German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that one Mercedes executive had labelled the motor a “complete flop”.
They added: “The car is sitting like lead at dealers. It’s a complete flop.”
Another manager admitted the volume of sales for the “niche” EV had been “very low”.
It is understood that only 1,450 electric G-Wagons had been sold over a 12-month period, compared to 9,700 sales of the regular version.
Despite having the same silhouette, the G 580 has proved difficult to sell against its iconic predecessor, which is substantially cheaper.
The latter retails from £133,500, which is £20,000 less than its electric alternative.
Customers have also been put off by the EV’s EPA-certified range, which sits at just 239 miles from a single charge.
And it could affect Mercedes plans for a downsized version, the “Little G”, which is set to be released in 2027.
It was initially rumoured to be an EV-only model, but the motor giants might have to rethink these plans following the damning data and offer the vehicles with combustion engines.
First designed in the 1970s, the G-Wagon was originally conceived as a military vehicle.
But it has garnered a reputation for ferrying around famous faces and the super-rich, including Megan Fox, Britney Spears and Kendall Jenner.
Speaking to Motor1, Mercedes’ Markus Nast, global communications manager for compacts, midsizers, and the G-Class, said the company was “prepared for all market scenarios”.
He added: “Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine.
“Our customers decide what suits them best. This also applies for the G-Class.”
The G 580 features a three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function, which can drag the car through ditches and ravines.
It can reach 62mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 112mph.
Like a regular G-Wagon, the electric G has a ladder-frame chassis with low-range, off-road gearing and trick suspension.
And with an impressive 587hp, the three-tonne tank is as quick as a Porsche Cayman off the line.
But reports have shown that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the market, with customers still favouring the iconic original motor.
The Sun contacted Mercedes for comment.