Upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class EV set to replace EQS sedan

ABU DHABI: Mercedes-Benz will unify the next-generation EQS and S-Class into a single model to align its internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) offerings more closely. For the eighth generation, the flagship S-Class will retain its internal combustion engine, even though there were earlier plans to replace it with a new EQS model by the end of the decade.

The next-generation S-Class, set to debut in 2030, will be available with both EV and ICE powertrains, dropping the EQS name. According to Ola Källenius, both versions of the S-Class will have similar designs. However, the EV and ICE models will use different platforms: the next-generation electric S-Class will be based on the MB.EA Large EV platform, while the ICE S-Class will utilize an updated MRA platform.

The decision to unify the EQS and S-Class models has been taken to deal with weak sales. The deliveries of S-Class dropped by 37% in Q1 2024. Due to this, the company decided to reduce the production of the S-Class at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany, where the EQS is also assembled.

Mercedes had estimated that EVs would comprise over 20% of its 2023 global sales, but they were able to achieve only an 11% share, despite a 73% increase in the sales of its electric vehicles compared to 2022.

Mercedes-Benz has postponed its goal of achieving a 50% EV share of sales from 2025 to 2030. The automotive giant has also postponed its previous goal to become an all-EV brand by 2030. By investing in their electrification efforts, the automaker will extend its key internal combustion engine model lifespan, ensuring they can meet emissions regulations by 2030.

The new S-Class EV will be launched with the next-generation S-Class, which is scheduled to debut in 2030. Until then, the EQS will get a refresh in 2025 and the current W223 S-Class will get a mid-cycle update by 2026.

Source: www.autocar.co.uk

 

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