Why the Mercedes G Class Electric (EQ Tech) is the 2026 luxury lease for your business

The 2026 luxury electric car lease for your business-Why it is the Mercedes G Class Electric (EQ Tech)

EVs are out and robots are in, so says yesterday’s BBC article on the Tesla organisation. Reporting on falling revenues for their electric car division, the group are instead focusing on their AI and robotics divisions, as part of future-proofing their global industries.

Recent worldwide economic and political changes, increasing competition from Chinese brands like BYD and European brands like VW and Renault, are putting pressure on Tesla’s profit capabilities. Announcing the end of the Model S and X, which have not been particularly popular in the UK, the group seem to be placing much of their faith in the Model 3 and Y for UK drivers.

Suggestions about an affordable and more accessible electric car seems to be no longer on the agenda. With billions now re-directed to xAI, Elon Musk is still on course for a trillion dollar pay-out in recognition of his efforts. A more pro-combustion Trump era, as well as a US shift away from the S and X (not unlike the UK), has brought about this new direction.

For companies like Mercedes, who are now pushing their prestigious G Class EV, the reduction in competition is great news. Perhaps 2026 will see a return to success for the original car makers rather than for the newer technological companies which have arisen? 

“Timeless design, now electrified” the G580 with EQ Tech is becoming the BEV of choice for CEOs, directors, dentists, doctors and entrepreneurs. Indeed, we have already delivered electric G Wagons to many companies based in the medical, cosmetic and engineering industries.

Essentially filling the space which used to be controlled by the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G Class AMG and Range Rover / Range Rover Sport, a “rugged”, yet luxury, SUV is high on the agenda for many of the leading businesses who are still enjoying considerable tax benefits from the electrification transition.

Where some cars in the world of BEV have lacked character, or the unique qualities which have made certain vehicles so iconic, the G Wagon is very much redressing this perception and bringing more attention to the pros of lithium-ion driving.

The exterior is very much the replica of the iconic G Wagon in combustion format, the cabin is underpinned with premium materials and refined elegance plus you do get an off-road performance via the G-Turn and G-Steering. The Merc engineering does not compromise with performance and the equipment; luxury and technology arrive in abundance.

However, when it comes to procuring a new G class EV the key question is  - why lease it? Dating back to 2020 / 2021, when mass-adoption arrived into the UK, the considerable tax breaks were introduced by HMRC with the effect that many limited companies shifted towards zero-emission products because they were simply the logical financial reason to do so.

Initially much focus was placed on the purchase of vehicles, as the tax relief open to these products was set at a Write Down Allowance rate of 100%. Historically, because special rules applied to company cars, capital allowances were treated a little differently compared to certain other fixed tools and machinery.

Tax relief on company cars was calculated as a qualifying capital expenditure by way of capital allowances and this was applied over a number of years. However, for a zero-emitting car (CO2), the WDA was changed to 100%, meaning that a company could purchase an EV and write down the full cost in year 1.

For a 1 - 50g/km car the WDA is set at 18% and for a car emitting above 50g/km the WDA is set at 6%. While cash-purchase, hire purchase and contract purchase do enable these tax benefits, which do save you some considerable tax commitments (Corporation Tax is now at 25%), the cons to the products are that some commit you to the vehicle and to the risks of depreciation.

In addition, the cost competitiveness of purchase is often less than the fleet discounts for contract hire and leasing. So although you get immediate tax benefits for that tax year, your business could essentially be over-paying for this underlying benefit.    

The clear pros to contract hire and leasing are that the risks of ownership and deprecation do not rest with the lessee; they remain with the finance company (lessor). For a luxury, and expensive option, like the G580 is, the propensity for financial loss and detriment is more apparent.

Most customers in this market will often operate to a fixed monthly cost that their business is comfortable with and will instead utilise a vehicle for a set period of 2/3/4 years. This is inherently beneficial to a lease, which is a fixed term agreement and based on the annual mileage you cover.

If you include the funder-maintenance package, which is an additional cost, all servicing, maintenance, tyres and breakdown are included. For complicated vehicles, with lots of technological features and robust batteries, having the support of the finance company maintenance team is somewhat essential! The only con compared to the purchase product on the G class is that the tax relief is a more gradual process.

As a 0g/km asset, an EV allows the company to offset the initial rental and monthly rental against Corporation Tax. VAT on the finance aspects are recoverable up to 50% with 100% of the VAT on the maintenance aspects also available too. At the end of the lease, our team will contact you to arrange the return of the vehicle or, where applicable, a 6 or 12 month extension.

With the increasing quality of batteries and tech, many businesses are enjoying the process of swapping their vehicle every 2- 3 years (which often coincides with the warranty period anyway).

So what did our business lease customer order?

In terms of the picture shown, this is a Mercedes-Benz G CLASS ELECTRIC STATION WAGON G 580 432kW EQ Tech AMG  Line Prem+ 116kWh 5dr Auto, based on the following configuration:

• Obsidian Black Metallic Paint
•  G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with red top stitching
• G manufaktur black flamed open-pore ash wood trim
•  20" AMG 10 spoke design alloy wheels aerodynamically optimised painted in high gloss black with high sheen finish          
•  Charging cable for wallbox and public charging station with 5 m

Key highlights of the vehicle are dark tinted  heat glass, privacy glass, AMG floor mats, wireless charging, 360 degree camera, active parking assist, MBUX augmented reality, navigation, smartphone integration, MBUX multimedia system, Burmester sound, electrically adjustable/heated/dimming mirrors, adaptive highbeam assist, 3-zone climate control, stowage space pack, heated front and rear seats, memory function for front seats, keyless go, Guard and 360 vehicle protection

But how does the G Class Electric perform?

The AWD SUV option will have a 116 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.7 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 432 kW (or 579hp). Expect a cold weather range of around 210 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270  miles – a combined range of around 245 miles on a full charge.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 12 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 200 kW DC maximum allowing 34 minute 10 – 80% times. This has a fuel equivalent of 85 mpg. A cargo volume of 555L is available with this car. This will have no Bidirectional charging capabilities.

Need more help and advice on your new G580 EV?

Just get in touch with our expert team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected] or browse our latest Mercedes-Benz G CLASS ELECTRIC STATION WAGON G 580 offers.