Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the EQS and launch an all‑electric S‑Class, blending classic luxury with cutting‑edge EV tech. Discover the future of premium sedans today.
Mercedes-Benz is preparing a major shift for its flagship sedan line.
The all‑electric EQS, once touted as the brand’s flagship EV, will be gradually phased out. In its place, a fully electric version of the iconic S‑Class is set to arrive, sharing the classic silhouette but built on an entirely new platform.
Why the EQS is being retired
Despite its advanced technology, the EQS never met sales expectations. Critics often described its rounded “egg‑shaped” design as at odds with the timeless, prestigious look associated with the S‑Class. Luxury buyers still favour a traditional sedan profile over futuristic styling.
Introducing the electric S‑Class
Mercedes will launch an electric S‑Class under the working name “S‑Class with EQ Technology”. It will sit on the brand‑new MB.EA electric architecture, distinct from the platform used by the current EQS.
The internal‑combustion S‑Class will continue to be produced on a separate chassis, meaning the two power‑train options will not share the same underpinnings. This mirrors BMW’s recent strategy of integrating EV variants into its core model lines.
Technical highlights
- New MB.EA platform designed for higher efficiency and modularity.
- Advanced battery pack and axial‑flux electric motor – technology developed by YASA, currently planned for high‑performance AMG models.
- Anticipated launch in the late 2020s, aligning with Mercedes’ 2030 goal for a fully electric S‑Class lineup.
Design continuity with a fresh underbody
Externally, the electric S‑Class will look almost identical to its gasoline‑powered sibling, preserving the elegant, squared‑off sedan outline that defines the S‑Class lineage. This deliberate visual similarity differentiates it from the EQS while keeping the brand’s heritage intact.
Market strategy
CEO Ola Källenius explained that offering both power‑train options is essential: “If you don’t believe the market will be fully electrified at the launch of the new S‑Class, you must provide both an electric and a combustion version. This is a key lesson from our first wave of EVs.”
The electric S‑Class is expected to become the new flagship, eventually replacing the EQS entirely. By centering the S‑Class around both internal‑combustion and electric variants, Mercedes aims to solidify its position at the top of the luxury segment while embracing the EV era.
Stay tuned for updates as Mercedes redefines luxury mobility.