Automotive
At Automotive Addicts, we’ve had our fair proportion of reservations in regards to the Mercedes EQS, an EV that, while technically impressive, never quite captured our imagination. Its bulbous design and the sheer disconnect from the S-Class lineage left us wanting more from a brand that has consistently set benchmarks in luxury. Nonetheless, recent announcements from Mercedes-Benz signal a shift that has us cautiously optimistic: the next-generation S-Class shall be offered with each internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric drivetrains, marking the tip of the EQS as we understand it.
A Lesson from BMW
This strategy mirrors what BMW has done with its 7 Series and i7, where the brand offers each traditional and electric powertrains under a unified design language. It’s a move that appears to be working well for BMW, and it’s no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is now following suit. Nonetheless, Mercedes isn’t just copying BMW’s homework; they’re putting their very own spin on the long run of luxury sedans.
In keeping with an interview with Autocar, as we discovered through Motor1, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius confirmed that the long run S-Class will are available each ICE and electric versions. While the BMW 7 Series and i7 share the identical platform, Mercedes is taking a special route. The electrical S-Class shall be built on the brand new MB.EA Large architecture, while the gas-powered version will use an updated version of the present MRA platform. This divergence in platforms suggests that while each S-Class variants may share the same design language, they may likely differ in dimensions and proportions, with the EV potentially offering more interior space due to the bespoke electric architecture.
A Farewell to the EQS
The EQS, while groundbreaking in lots of respects, never quite hit the mark when it comes to design. Its departure from the classic S-Class silhouette was a daring experiment, but one which left many, including us, craving for the timeless elegance that the S-Class has at all times embodied. With the EQS set to receive a mid-cycle facelift in 2025 before eventually being phased out, Mercedes is making way for a more cohesive design approach that aligns higher with its flagship sedan’s storied legacy.
Looking Ahead: The S-Class and Beyond
The brand new S-Class, in each ICE and electric forms, is anticipated to debut around 2030, replacing the present models. Within the meantime, the prevailing S-Class will receive an in depth update in 2026, with Mercedes reportedly spending significantly more on this revision than on a typical facelift. This investment underscores the importance Mercedes places on its flagship sedan, at the same time as it transitions to an electrified future.
Interestingly, Autocar hints that this strategy might extend to other models as well. Just because the S-Class can have each ICE and electric versions, the E-Class could follow suit, with an electrical variant replacing the EQE. This could not only streamline Mercedes’ lineup but additionally make financial sense by spreading development costs across multiple models.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these exciting developments, 2024 has not been particularly kind to Mercedes’ luxury flagships. Sales of the S-Class and EQS have seen significant declines, with production all the way down to a single shift. Nonetheless, Mercedes seems undeterred, pressing forward with plans to innovate and adapt to the changing automotive landscape.
As we stay up for the following chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s history, we will’t help but feel a renewed sense of pleasure. The transition from the EQS to an all-electric S-Class represents not only a change in technology but a return to the timeless design and engineering excellence that has at all times defined the S-Class. It’s a move that has worked well for BMW, and we now have high hopes that Mercedes will once more set the usual for luxury sedans—this time in the electrical age.
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