Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric Review UK

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric Review UK: My First Drive of the G-Wagon EV at Estelle Manor

By Vehicle Consulting East Anglia (VCEA)

There are certain vehicles that stay with you throughout your life. Cars that you admire from a distance, stop to look at when they pass by, and quietly promise yourself that one day you'll own.

For me, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been one of those vehicles.

Its unmistakable shape, commanding road presence and legendary reputation have made it an icon for more than four decades. Whether parked outside a country hotel, climbing a mountain pass or cruising through London, the G-Wagon has always stood apart from every other SUV on the road.

So, when Group 1 Mercedes-Benz invited us to Estelle Manor to experience the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, it wasn't an invitation I was going to turn down.

After spending time behind the wheel, I can honestly say the drive exceeded every expectation.

An Icon Reinvented

Very few manufacturers could take such an iconic vehicle and completely reinvent it.

Mercedes-Benz has somehow achieved exactly that.

At first glance, you'd struggle to tell the electric G-Class apart from its petrol-powered siblings and that's entirely intentional.

The upright windscreen.

The exposed door hinges.

The distinctive side mouldings.

The unmistakable silhouette.

Everything that makes a G-Wagon instantly recognisable remains intact.

Mercedes clearly understood that you don't redesign a legend you evolve it.

Arrival at Estelle Manor

The setting couldn't have been more fitting.

Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, Estelle Manor provided the perfect backdrop for experiencing one of the most luxurious off-road vehicles ever produced.

The event was exceptionally well organised by Group 1 Mercedes-Benz, bringing together customers, automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals to experience the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Seeing the electric G-Class lined up in person immediately reminded me why I've wanted one for so many years.

It simply has presence.

Photos never quite capture the sheer scale of the vehicle.

It looks purposeful from every angle.

First Impressions

The vehicle I drove was finished in a striking Copper Orange, a colour that perfectly suits the bold personality of the G-Class.

It's impossible not to smile as you walk towards it.

Despite being fully electric, nothing about the design feels compromised.

In fact, Mercedes has managed to make it look even cleaner than before.

Small aerodynamic improvements help improve efficiency without changing the vehicle's unmistakable character.

This is still every inch a G-Wagon.

Climbing Inside

Opening that solid door is an experience in itself.

The reassuring "clunk" as it closes reminds you immediately that this is engineered differently from most modern SUVs.

Inside, the cabin combines traditional G-Class design with Mercedes' latest technology.

Premium leather, beautifully finished switchgear, ambient lighting and twin digital displays create an environment that's both luxurious and contemporary.

The seating position is exactly what you'd hope for.

You sit high.

Visibility is superb.

Everything feels substantial.

It immediately gives you confidence.

The Moment I'd Been Waiting For

I've driven many exceptional vehicles over the years.

Performance cars.

Luxury SUVs.

Electric vehicles.

But the G-Wagon was different.

This wasn't simply another test drive.

This was a car I'd admired for years.

As I selected Drive and gently accelerated away, there was a brief moment where I almost expected to hear the familiar growl of a V8.

Instead...

Silence.

It was surreal.

Yet within seconds, it felt completely right.

How Does the Electric G-Wagon Drive?

In one word?

Effortless.

The first thing you notice is the instant torque.

Despite weighing well over three tonnes, the electric G-Class moves away with remarkable urgency.

Acceleration is smooth, progressive and deceptively quick.

You never feel like you're asking the vehicle to work hard.

Everything simply happens.

The steering feels lighter than I expected, yet still communicates enough to inspire confidence.

Ride quality is exceptional.

The suspension absorbs poor road surfaces with ease while maintaining the planted, reassuring feel you'd expect from such a substantial vehicle.

What surprised me most was just how refined it is.

Around town and on country roads, the absence of engine noise transforms the experience.

The iconic G-Class shape remains, but the driving experience becomes far more relaxing.

It Still Feels Like a G-Wagon

One concern many enthusiasts had was whether electrification would dilute the personality of the G-Class.

Having driven it, I don't believe that's the case.

It still feels commanding.

It still makes you feel like you're driving something incredibly special.

You still sit above almost everything else on the road.

People still stop and look.

Children still point.

Drivers still give it space.

The electric powertrain hasn't changed what makes the G-Class so desirable.

If anything, it enhances it.

Technology Without Losing Character

Mercedes has done an excellent job integrating its latest technology into a vehicle with such heritage.

The infotainment system is intuitive.

The digital displays are sharp.

Wireless smartphone integration works flawlessly.

Driver assistance systems operate discreetly rather than constantly demanding your attention.

It feels modern without becoming overwhelming.

Built for More Than Roads

Although our route focused primarily on public roads, it's impossible to ignore the engineering beneath the surface.

The electric G-Class retains the legendary off-road capability the model is famous for.

Permanent all-wheel drive, intelligent traction systems and advanced electric motor control mean it's every bit as capable away from the tarmac as previous generations.

For most owners, its toughest challenge may simply be negotiating supermarket car parks.

But it's reassuring to know the capability is always there.

Living with the Electric G-Class

The reality is that very few G-Class owners spend every weekend climbing mountains or crossing rivers.

Most use them as luxury daily drivers.

In that role, the electric version arguably makes even more sense.

Charging overnight at home means waking up each morning with a full battery.

The quiet driving experience makes commuting more relaxing.

Running costs can be significantly lower than the V8-powered alternatives.

For company car drivers and businesses, there are also attractive tax advantages associated with electric vehicles.

Is It Worth the Price?

The G-Class has never been bought purely with logic.

People buy it because of how it makes them feel.

It's aspirational.

It's iconic.

It's instantly recognisable.

The electric version continues that tradition while embracing the future.

Yes, it's a significant investment.

But it also offers something very few vehicles can.

A genuine sense of occasion every time you drive it.

My Verdict

I've wanted to own a G-Wagon for as long as I can remember.

Sometimes when you finally experience a dream car, reality doesn't quite live up to expectation.

That certainly wasn't the case here.

If anything, the electric G-Class exceeded my expectations.

Mercedes-Benz has achieved something incredibly difficult.

They've taken one of the most recognisable vehicles ever built and successfully introduced it into the electric era without losing the qualities that made it famous in the first place.

The all-electric G-Wagon still feels special.

It still turns heads.

It still delivers that unmistakable sense of occasion every time you climb behind the wheel.

But now it does so with near-silent refinement, effortless performance and the smoothness that only an electric drivetrain can provide.

Would I still like one in my garage?

Absolutely.

If anything, driving it has only strengthened that ambition

Thank You to Group 1 Mercedes-Benz

A huge thank you to Group 1 Mercedes-Benz for inviting Vehicle Consulting East Anglia to Estelle Manor to experience the incredible new all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Events like these provide an invaluable opportunity to drive the latest vehicles in real-world conditions rather than simply reading specification sheets or watching promotional videos.

The hospitality, organisation and opportunity to get behind the wheel were first class, and it was a pleasure to experience one of the most talked-about electric vehicles on the market.

If you're considering the move to an electric luxury SUV and want independent advice on leasing, funding or whether the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric is the right vehicle for you or your business, we'd be delighted to help.