AJAC’s 2026 Best Technical Innovation award goes to Mercedes-Benz. This year the judges have recognized the Quad-Motor system in the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology, which makes this famous off-road vehicle even more capable – and reminds us that we are still only beginning to discover what can be achieved with electric power.
Unlike most EVs, the G 580 has four electric motors, one at each wheel, and each one is paired with a two-speed transmission for low- and high-range operation. The result is no compromise to regular highway cruising, while enabling extreme off-road traction and control – for example, when rock-crawling.
859 lb-ft of combined torque means that the electric G-Class can scale a 100% grade – that’s a 45-degree angle – on suitable surfaces. It can wade through deeper water than the gas-powered versions and, thanks to Active Torque Vectoring, can send 100% of its power to the wheel with the most grip. It can even spin on its axis in a so-called ‘G-Turn’.
The Awards jury was impressed both by the ambition of the G 580’s powertrain, and the off-road performance that it delivers, voting it AJAC’s Best Technical Innovation for 2026. Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz for this achievement!
