The vice president of marketing &amp; sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on the new G 580 and more.

The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology brings the G-Class into a new era, keeping its character intact while introducing an all-electric powertrain. Now powered by four individually controlled electric motors that deliver precise control, it still carries the same confident, upright stance that makes it instantly recognisable. Features like G-TURN and G-STEERING give it a surprising agility, making it as at ease navigating city streets as it is tackling remote terrain. As Malaysians increasingly look for cars that combine presence, innovation and a sense of responsibility, the G 580 fits seamlessly into the urban luxury landscape.

Electric here doesn&rsquo;t mean stripped of personality. The iconic boxy shape, round headlights and solid door handles remain, paired with modern touches such as the transparent bonnet function and the latest MBUX infotainment system with OFFROAD COCKPIT. Familiar yet forward-looking, inside, it still feels like a G-Class. Personalisation remains central, with the Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR programme offering over a million combinations, from paint finishes to seat stitching. The result? An evolution that stays true to the G-Class identity while adapting it for the roads and the drivers of today.

L&rsquo;OFFICIEL There&rsquo;s an emotional element to the G-Class&rsquo;s signature engine growl. How is Mercedes-Benz translating that sense of presence and drama into an all-electric format?

NADIA TRIMMEL The emotional appeal of the G-Class has always extended beyond its performance. It&rsquo;s about presence. Inspired by the emotional V8 growl of its predecessors, the all-new electric G-Class comes with the G-ROAR, delivering a deep, sonorous tone with powerful bass that adds a dramatic auditory layer to the vehicle&rsquo;s acceleration. This acoustic design element ensures that the all-new electric G-Class evokes that same thrill and that same sense of power and adventure in electric form.
 
LO Malaysia&rsquo;s charging infrastructure is still in its early stages. How is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia addressing range anxiety for a vehicle traditionally seen as a globe-trotter?
&nbsp;
NT The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is equipped for real-world mobility. It offers a WLTP range of up to 473 km, supports 11 kW AC charging, and DC fast charging up to 200 kW, allowing a 10%&ndash;80% charge in just around 32 minutes.
&nbsp;
Beyond the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is actively supporting the EV ecosystem through collaboration with Gentari, EV Connection (JomCharge), and lifestyle partners like hotels and resorts. This helps bring charging to where customers go &mdash; supporting the national effort toward 10,000 public chargers by the end of 2025.
&nbsp;
As of 1H 2025, more than 30,000 all-electric and hybrid vehicles were sold in Malaysia. Our extensive portfolio is built to meet customers wherever they are in their journey, whether they favour internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, or are ready to embrace full electric mobility. This flexibility reflects our philosophy of empowering choice without compromise.
 
LO Design-wise, the G-Class has remained almost unchanged for decades. What liberties, if any, were taken to modernise it for the electric age &mdash; especially for a style-conscious audience?

NT We were deliberate in retaining the design language that makes the G-Class so iconic. The all-new electric G-Class introduces subtle, purposeful updates: a new Black Panel radiator grille with an animated LED light band, aerodynamic enhancements, and a unique rectangular design box on the rear, perfect for stowing charging cables or tools.
&nbsp;
Inside, the vehicle combines heritage and digitalisation with the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system, which has 12.3-inch driver and media displays, along with customisable displays tailored for both off-road and electric driving. Smartphone integration via Android Auto&reg; or Apple CarPlay&trade; enables seamless access to mobile functions, while USB-C interfaces provide convenient connectivity for other devices. These enhancements elevate the G-Class for today&rsquo;s discerning, style-aware audience without losing its core identity.

LO How do you foresee the G 580 fitting into Malaysia&rsquo;s growing eco-conscious yet status-driven luxury consumer mindset?

NT The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology underscores Mercedes-Benz Malaysia&rsquo;s alignment with the Group&rsquo;s global Ambition 2039 strategy. It reflects our vision to create the preconditions for a net carbon-neutral new vehicle fleet by 2039 through vehicle innovation, responsible operations and ecosystem development. It&rsquo;s important to note that net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced at Mercedes-Benz are compensated for by certified offsetting projects.
&nbsp;
This model is a natural fit for discerning Malaysian consumers who seek sustainability without sacrificing identity, performance, or exclusivity. With the all-new electric G-Class, they do not have to choose between progress and personality; it&rsquo;s a vehicle that delivers both. It also complements our broader approach of offering customers a full spectrum of mobility solutions &mdash; whether through internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, or fully electric models &mdash; ensuring that progress and personal expression can coexist.
 
LO Mercedes-Benz has a long history of automotive craftsmanship. How do you balance that heritage with the minimalist, digital-forward nature of EVs?&nbsp;

NT At Mercedes-Benz, digital innovation enhances &mdash; not replaces &mdash; craftsmanship. In the all-new electric G-Class, you will find high-quality materials, refined detailing, and handcrafted MANUFAKTUR finishes alongside cutting-edge technologies such as MBUX, MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation, and individual-wheel electric drive. This ensures the G-Class remains true to its roots while leading the way forward.
&nbsp;
At a local level, sustainability is embedded across our operations &mdash; from our LEED-certified Wisma Mercedes-Benz headquarters to renewable energy installations and water reuse at our Pekan production plant. Beyond products, we also support causes through our Grants for Good programme and continued partnership with the Nicol David Organisation, advancing holistic progress across the environment and society.

LO With the G 580 being a symbol of evolution, what does it signal about Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s long-term plans in Southeast Asia &mdash; not just in terms of technical advancement, but brand storytelling?

NT Malaysia&rsquo;s luxury automotive market is evolving, shaped by shifting customer expectations, increased environmental awareness, and a growing interest in future-ready technologies. As a brand, Mercedes-Benz has always stood at the intersection of prestige and progress, and we are evolving in pace with the landscape.
&nbsp;
The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology reflects our long-term vision to shape the future of luxury mobility. It unites cutting-edge technology, timeless design and a responsible approach to sustainability, while staying rooted in the values that define our brand: craftsmanship, performance and emotional connection.
&nbsp;
Mercedes-Benz is not just a carmaker but also serves as a mobility collaborator, working together with stakeholders to ensure Malaysia&rsquo;s shift toward electric mobility is inclusive, scalable and experience-driven.
&nbsp;
Malaysia is emerging as an important node in our regional electrification journey. That&rsquo;s why we endeavour to meet our customers&rsquo; needs through the &ldquo;Luxury of Choice&rdquo; &mdash; Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s commitment, which provides a full spectrum of drivetrain options. This flexibility allows every customer to choose the solution that best fits their lifestyle.
&nbsp;
Today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia proudly offers the most extensive range of battery-electric vehicles, providing greater flexibility than ever before, without compromising on performance, identity, or the driving experience.
 
LO What role do you see the G 580 playing in luxury lifestyle partnerships &ndash; beyond the car world &ndash; be it in fashion, sustainability, or design?
NT The G-Class has always been a design and cultural icon. With the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, we continue that legacy, but in a more sustainable and expressive way.&nbsp;

Fashion and automotive share a common foundation: both are built on design, detail and self-expression. Mercedes-Benz has long believed that a car is an extension of one&rsquo;s identity, much like what one chooses to wear. It opens doors to meaningful collaborations across fashion, art, sustainability and culture, each rooted in a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation.

The all-new electric G-Class was previewed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2025, a platform where timeless design and bold expression come together. From the first public reveal of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology to the runway collections that followed, it underscored how heritage can evolve with purpose, and how iconic forms continue to inspire across industries.
 
LO Do you believe the G 580 has the potential to become a new kind of cultural icon for a younger generation in Malaysia &mdash; one raised on both climate anxiety and TikTok?

NT The G-Class is already an icon, and with the all-new electric G-Class, we are introducing it to a new audience in a new context. The combination of legendary design, electric performance, and attention-grabbing features like G-TURN resonates with younger customers, many of whom are environmentally conscious and digitally native. It offers something rare &mdash; the ability to represent personal values while still making a statement. In that sense, the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is not just part of the cross-generational conversation; it&rsquo;s helping to shape it.

Visit <a href="https://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/">www.mercedes-benz.com.my</a> for more information.

Nadia Trimmel of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia talks about the future of EVs

Tags

Related Articles

Issues

Cover Story: MEOVV's GAWON on making waves in K-Pop, fashion and more

Watches & Jewellery

Longines debuts the reimagined PrimaLuna collection

Travel

Magic Mountain: Mount Pilatus has something for everyone

Recommended posts for you

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

I used the HP Omnibook X Flip 14 for 10 days — here’s my honest take

Fashion

H&M’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection is the dialogue between the past and present

Fashion

UNIQLO hosts “The Art and Science of LifeWear” at MoMA during NYFW

Fashion

UNIQLO taps KAWS as its very first Artist in Residence

Runway

LIVE: Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2026 show

Fashion

Longchamp teams up with Gloverall for their debut collaboration

Watches & Jewellery

Quilted Brilliance: Chanel’s Coco Crush gets the scarlet fever

Fashion

The Most Stylish Actors, Idols, and 'It' Boys at New York Fashion Week Spring 2026