Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class

What's the difference?

Imagine jumping in the time machine, zapping back to the late 1970s and bringing the team that produced the original Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into 2025 and showing them where their creation has landed close to half a century later.  

They’d be amazed a vehicle looking so much like their military-focused, first-generation model even existed! And once they’d absorbed that incredible fact they’d be stunned to see what lurks under its familiar bodywork. 

Because this is the most recent iteration of what’s now referred to as the G-Glass, the pure-electric G580 featuring four individually controlled electric motors - one at each wheel - collectively producing enough energy to power a small town. 

Stay with us as we explore this take-no-prisoners EV 4WD that has multiple show-stopping, high-tech party tricks lurking up its sleeve.  

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class van isn’t made for ferrying parcels from point to point. No, even though it is based on the Vito courier van, the V-Class is all about human cargo.

And let’s be clear, here: we’re not talking about chucking people in the back and hoping they get to their destination without cracks or breakages. This is a luxury van made to move people in comfort and style, with all the trimmings you’d expect of a vehicle bearing the three-pointed star badge.

So, is it any good? I played hire-car driver to find out.