This is an excellent question that gets to the heart of the evolution of the iconic G-Wagen! You're essentially asking about a drag race between:
Mercedes-Benz G550 (gasoline, likely the 2025 model with the new I6 engine)
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology (all-electric G-Class)
Mercedes-Benz G550 (gasoline) with some off-road modifications/setup, specifically for an off-road drag race.
Let's break down the expected performance in both on-road and off-road drag scenarios.
On-Road Drag Race: G550 (Gas) vs. G580 (Electric)
Based on recent testing by publications like Car and Driver, the G580 with EQ Technology is demonstrably quicker than the G550 in a straight line on pavement.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology:
Powertrain: Four individually controlled electric motors (one at each wheel).
Horsepower: 579 hp (combined)
Torque: 859 lb-ft (combined)
0-60 mph: As quick as 4.1 seconds (Car and Driver tested)
Quarter-mile: Around 12.6 seconds at 108 mph (Car and Driver tested)
Weight: Heavier than the G550 (around 6,746 - 6,801 lbs curb weight).
Key Advantage: Instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motors and superior weight distribution (battery low in the chassis) give it a significant advantage in acceleration and handling on pavement. It also benefits from virtual differential locks via torque vectoring.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 (with new I6 mild-hybrid engine):
Powertrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Horsepower: 443 hp
Torque: 413 lb-ft
0-60 mph: Around 5.0 seconds (Car and Driver tested)
Quarter-mile: Around 13.6 seconds at 100 mph (Car and Driver tested)
Weight: Lighter than the G580 (around 5,554 lbs curb weight).
Key Consideration: While powerful, the G550's traditional internal combustion engine and transmission can't match the immediate, seamless power delivery of the electric motors, leading to a slower acceleration time despite being lighter.
On-Road Drag Race Winner: Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
The electric G-Wagen's phenomenal torque and instant power delivery make it the clear winner in a pure on-road drag race. The weight penalty of the battery is more than offset by the efficiency and responsiveness of the electric drivetrain.
Off-Road Drag Race: G550 vs. G580 vs. G550 + Off-Road Setup
This is where it gets more interesting and the "off-road setup" for the G550 becomes crucial.
Mercedes-Benz G550 (Gas):
Standard Off-Road Capability: Comes standard with three mechanical differential locks (front, center, rear) and a low-range transfer case. This is its core strength.
Power Delivery: The gasoline engine delivers power more traditionally, with a torque curve that builds with RPM.
Weight: Relatively lighter, which can be an advantage in certain off-road situations (less likelihood of getting bogged down).
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology:
Advanced Off-Road Tech: While it lacks mechanical diff locks, its four individual electric motors can simulate them precisely through torque vectoring, allowing for incredibly fine control over each wheel's power. It also has a two-speed transmission for low-range functionality.
"G-Turn" (Tank Turn): Ability to rotate on its own axis, which is incredibly useful for navigating tight off-road obstacles.
"G-Steering": Dramatically reduces the turning circle at low speeds.
Offroad Crawl: Three low-speed control settings for challenging terrains.
"Transparent Hood": Provides a virtual view of the terrain immediately in front of and under the vehicle.
Instant Torque: The instant torque delivery is incredibly beneficial for climbing and navigating obstacles.
Lower Center of Gravity: The heavy battery pack mounted low in the chassis contributes to a very stable feel, reducing body roll.
Weight: Still heavier, which could be a disadvantage in deep mud or sand where flotation is key, but advantageous for maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz G550 + Off-Road Setup:
Potential Modifications: This "off-road setup" could include:
Aggressive Off-Road Tires: Knobby, high-traction tires specifically designed for dirt, mud, and rocks. This is the most significant factor for off-road performance.
Lift Kit/Upgraded Suspension: Increases ground clearance and wheel articulation.
Underbody Protection: More robust skid plates.
Winches, recovery gear, etc. (though less relevant for a drag race).
Advantage: With proper off-road tires, a modified G550 gains a massive traction advantage that can overcome some of the electric G580's technological prowess in a pure drag race over loose or uneven surfaces. The mechanical diff locks, combined with optimized tire grip, would be very effective.
Off-Road Drag Race Winner (Hypothetical):
This is highly dependent on the "off-road setup" of the G550.
If the G550 + Off-Road Setup means truly aggressive off-road tires and possibly a modest lift without compromising power delivery: The G550 with the dedicated off-road setup would likely have the edge in a drag race over a highly technical, loose, or muddy off-road course. Its mechanical locks and tire grip would be immensely powerful.
If the off-road course is more about precise control, rock crawling, or navigating tight spaces: The G580 with EQ Technology could surprisingly be a strong contender due to its individual wheel control (virtual diff locks), G-Turn, G-Steering, and low center of gravity. The instant torque would be fantastic for climbing.
If it's just a simple dirt straightaway: The G580 with EQ Technology might still win due to its sheer power and torque, as long as it can maintain traction on its standard tires (which are usually more road-biased).
Overall Off-Road Verdict:
For extreme off-road drag racing where raw traction and acceleration are key, a G550 with properly aggressive off-road tires would probably outperform both a stock G550 and even the G580 EV. The mechanical simplicity and robust nature of the G550's differentials, combined with superior rubber, would be hard to beat.
However, for overall off-road capability, maneuverability, and navigating diverse terrain (beyond just a drag race), the G580 with EQ Technology's advanced features like G-Turn, G-Steering, and precise torque vectoring could make it more capable and easier to handle in many challenging scenarios, potentially "better" for a wider range of off-roading.
In summary:
On-Road Drag Race: G580 with EQ Technology wins by a significant margin.
Off-Road Drag Race (stock vs. stock): The G580 might still have the edge due to its instant torque and sophisticated electronic traction control.
Off-Road Drag Race (G550 modified vs. G580 stock): A G550 with dedicated off-road tires and setup would likely be the king of the off-road drag strip.
Mercedes-Benz G550 (gasoline, likely the 2025 model with the new I6 engine)
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology (all-electric G-Class)
Mercedes-Benz G550 (gasoline) with some off-road modifications/setup, specifically for an off-road drag race.
Let's break down the expected performance in both on-road and off-road drag scenarios.
On-Road Drag Race: G550 (Gas) vs. G580 (Electric)
Based on recent testing by publications like Car and Driver, the G580 with EQ Technology is demonstrably quicker than the G550 in a straight line on pavement.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology:
Powertrain: Four individually controlled electric motors (one at each wheel).
Horsepower: 579 hp (combined)
Torque: 859 lb-ft (combined)
0-60 mph: As quick as 4.1 seconds (Car and Driver tested)
Quarter-mile: Around 12.6 seconds at 108 mph (Car and Driver tested)
Weight: Heavier than the G550 (around 6,746 - 6,801 lbs curb weight).
Key Advantage: Instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motors and superior weight distribution (battery low in the chassis) give it a significant advantage in acceleration and handling on pavement. It also benefits from virtual differential locks via torque vectoring.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 (with new I6 mild-hybrid engine):
Powertrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Horsepower: 443 hp
Torque: 413 lb-ft
0-60 mph: Around 5.0 seconds (Car and Driver tested)
Quarter-mile: Around 13.6 seconds at 100 mph (Car and Driver tested)
Weight: Lighter than the G580 (around 5,554 lbs curb weight).
Key Consideration: While powerful, the G550's traditional internal combustion engine and transmission can't match the immediate, seamless power delivery of the electric motors, leading to a slower acceleration time despite being lighter.
On-Road Drag Race Winner: Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
The electric G-Wagen's phenomenal torque and instant power delivery make it the clear winner in a pure on-road drag race. The weight penalty of the battery is more than offset by the efficiency and responsiveness of the electric drivetrain.
Off-Road Drag Race: G550 vs. G580 vs. G550 + Off-Road Setup
This is where it gets more interesting and the "off-road setup" for the G550 becomes crucial.
Mercedes-Benz G550 (Gas):
Standard Off-Road Capability: Comes standard with three mechanical differential locks (front, center, rear) and a low-range transfer case. This is its core strength.
Power Delivery: The gasoline engine delivers power more traditionally, with a torque curve that builds with RPM.
Weight: Relatively lighter, which can be an advantage in certain off-road situations (less likelihood of getting bogged down).
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology:
Advanced Off-Road Tech: While it lacks mechanical diff locks, its four individual electric motors can simulate them precisely through torque vectoring, allowing for incredibly fine control over each wheel's power. It also has a two-speed transmission for low-range functionality.
"G-Turn" (Tank Turn): Ability to rotate on its own axis, which is incredibly useful for navigating tight off-road obstacles.
"G-Steering": Dramatically reduces the turning circle at low speeds.
Offroad Crawl: Three low-speed control settings for challenging terrains.
"Transparent Hood": Provides a virtual view of the terrain immediately in front of and under the vehicle.
Instant Torque: The instant torque delivery is incredibly beneficial for climbing and navigating obstacles.
Lower Center of Gravity: The heavy battery pack mounted low in the chassis contributes to a very stable feel, reducing body roll.
Weight: Still heavier, which could be a disadvantage in deep mud or sand where flotation is key, but advantageous for maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz G550 + Off-Road Setup:
Potential Modifications: This "off-road setup" could include:
Aggressive Off-Road Tires: Knobby, high-traction tires specifically designed for dirt, mud, and rocks. This is the most significant factor for off-road performance.
Lift Kit/Upgraded Suspension: Increases ground clearance and wheel articulation.
Underbody Protection: More robust skid plates.
Winches, recovery gear, etc. (though less relevant for a drag race).
Advantage: With proper off-road tires, a modified G550 gains a massive traction advantage that can overcome some of the electric G580's technological prowess in a pure drag race over loose or uneven surfaces. The mechanical diff locks, combined with optimized tire grip, would be very effective.
Off-Road Drag Race Winner (Hypothetical):
This is highly dependent on the "off-road setup" of the G550.
If the G550 + Off-Road Setup means truly aggressive off-road tires and possibly a modest lift without compromising power delivery: The G550 with the dedicated off-road setup would likely have the edge in a drag race over a highly technical, loose, or muddy off-road course. Its mechanical locks and tire grip would be immensely powerful.
If the off-road course is more about precise control, rock crawling, or navigating tight spaces: The G580 with EQ Technology could surprisingly be a strong contender due to its individual wheel control (virtual diff locks), G-Turn, G-Steering, and low center of gravity. The instant torque would be fantastic for climbing.
If it's just a simple dirt straightaway: The G580 with EQ Technology might still win due to its sheer power and torque, as long as it can maintain traction on its standard tires (which are usually more road-biased).
Overall Off-Road Verdict:
For extreme off-road drag racing where raw traction and acceleration are key, a G550 with properly aggressive off-road tires would probably outperform both a stock G550 and even the G580 EV. The mechanical simplicity and robust nature of the G550's differentials, combined with superior rubber, would be hard to beat.
However, for overall off-road capability, maneuverability, and navigating diverse terrain (beyond just a drag race), the G580 with EQ Technology's advanced features like G-Turn, G-Steering, and precise torque vectoring could make it more capable and easier to handle in many challenging scenarios, potentially "better" for a wider range of off-roading.
In summary:
On-Road Drag Race: G580 with EQ Technology wins by a significant margin.
Off-Road Drag Race (stock vs. stock): The G580 might still have the edge due to its instant torque and sophisticated electronic traction control.
Off-Road Drag Race (G550 modified vs. G580 stock): A G550 with dedicated off-road tires and setup would likely be the king of the off-road drag strip.