Mercedes plans to replace EQS with new electric S-Class

WEB DESK: Mercedes-Benz is set to revolutionise its flagship S-Class lineup by introducing a fully electric variant alongside the traditional combustion engine model in the next generation.

This move signals the end of the EQS after just one generation, although a mid-cycle facelift is planned before it bows out. The current S-Class will also undergo a facelift ahead of the new model’s debut.

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius confirmed the future of the S-Class in an interview with Autocar, stating, “There will be two S-Classes in the future – ICE and electric.” He added that both versions would share similar interior and exterior designs, though unlike BMW’s 7 Series and i7, which share the same platform, the two S-Class variants will not.

The fully electric S-Class is expected to be built on the MB.EA Large platform, while the combustion engine model will use an updated version of the existing MRA platform. Källenius refuted recent rumours of the MB.EA platform being scrapped, affirming its continued development.

Autocar also reported that the development of a new S-Class with a combustion engine implies the continuation of the E-Class, which will also feature an electric version to replace the EQE. The shared development approach between the E and S-Class models is expected to be a cost-effective strategy for the automaker.

Before the unified S-Class arrives, the EQS is slated for a facelift in 2025, with the current S-Class following suit in 2026. Unofficial reports suggest the facelifted EQS might adopt an 800V electric architecture, allowing significantly faster charging – potentially as quick as 21 minutes for a 10 per cent to 80 per cent charge.

Additionally, new battery chemistry could enhance its range. For the 2025 model year, the EQS has already seen a battery upgrade, increasing its capacity from 108.4 kWh to 118 kWh, resulting in a WLTP range of 511 miles. In the US, the most efficient 2025 EQS is rated at 371 miles.

Källenius also disclosed that Mercedes is making substantial investments in the upcoming S-Class, far exceeding the typical budget for a mid-cycle update. However, 2024 has been a challenging year for Mercedes’ flagship models.

S-Class deliveries fell by nearly 37 per cent in the first quarter, and combined sales of the S-Class, EQS, EQS SUV, and GLS dropped by 23 per cent in the second quarter. As a result of weaker demand, production of the S-Class has been reduced to a single shift, which a supplier described as a “catastrophe.”

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