Mercedes-Benz will retire the EQS sedan, replacing it with an all‑electric S‑Class. Discover the future of luxury EVs – read now!
Mercedes‑Benz is set to make a bold move for its flagship sedan lineup. The EQS – once billed as the brand’s pure‑electric flagship – will be quietly phased out and replaced by an all‑electric version of the legendary S‑Class.
EQS Phase‑Out
According to industry reports, the EQS never achieved the sales numbers Mercedes expected. Its rounded, “egg‑shaped” design failed to convey the traditional prestige associated with the S‑Class, prompting the automaker to rethink its electric‑car strategy.
New Electric S‑Class Design
The upcoming electric S‑Class will keep the classic, upright sedan silhouette that luxury buyers recognize, but underneath the skin it will sit on an entirely new electric architecture (MB.EA). This move mirrors BMW’s recent decision to fold its i‑series into its core model range.
Shared Name, Different Architecture
Although both models will carry the S‑Class badge, the internal‑combustion version and the electric version will be built on separate platforms. Mercedes confirmed that the two powertrains will not share components, underscoring a clear technical split.
Timeline and Technology
Mercedes is first rolling out a mid‑cycle refresh for the gasoline‑powered S‑Class. The fully electric variant is expected to debut with the next‑generation S‑Class, slated for launch around 2030. The electric model – tentatively called “S‑Class with EQ Technology” – will likely feature the new axial‑flux motor developed by Yasa, a compact yet high‑output solution that may first appear in high‑performance AMG models.
Why the EQS Fell Short
The EQS was intended to be the cornerstone of Mercedes’ independent electric lineup, but market feedback showed that premium buyers still prefer the familiar, aristocratic lines of a traditional sedan over futuristic, overly rounded designs. As a result, the EQS never captured the projected market share.
Mercedes’ Updated EV Strategy
CEO Ola Källenius explained that offering both internal‑combustion and electric versions of the S‑Class is essential until the market fully transitions to EVs. By anchoring both powertrains to the S‑Class badge, Mercedes aims to provide a seamless choice for customers without compromising brand identity.
When the electric S‑Class arrives, it will fully replace the EQS’s role, delivering a more prestigious appearance, advanced battery technology, and a motor that promises higher efficiency than current EQ models.