At Automotive Addicts, we’ve had our fair share of reservations about 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. However, recent announcements from Mercedes-Benz signal a shift that has us cautiously optimistic: the next-generation S-Class will be offered with both internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric drivetrains, marking the end of the EQS as we know it.
This strategy mirrors what BMW has done with its 7 Series and i7, where the brand offers both traditional and electric powertrains under a unified design language. It’s a move that seems to be working well for BMW, and it’s no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is now following suit. However, Mercedes isn’t just copying BMW’s homework; they’re putting their own spin on the future of luxury sedans.
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According to an interview with Autocar, as we discovered through Motor1, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius confirmed that the future S-Class will come in both ICE and electric versions. While the BMW 7 Series and i7 share the same platform, Mercedes is taking a different route. The electric S-Class will be built on the new MB.EA Large architecture, while the gas-powered version will use an updated version of the current MRA platform. This divergence in platforms suggests that while both S-Class variants may share a similar design language, they will likely differ in dimensions and proportions, with the EV potentially offering more interior space thanks to the bespoke electric architecture.
The EQS, while groundbreaking in many respects, never quite hit the mark in terms of design. Its departure from the classic S-Class silhouette was a bold experiment, but one that left many, including us, yearning for the timeless elegance that the S-Class has always 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 better with its flagship sedan’s storied legacy.
The new S-Class, in both ICE and electric forms, is expected to debut around 2030, replacing the current models. In the meantime, the existing S-Class will receive an extensive 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, even as it transitions to an electrified future.
Interestingly, Autocar hints that this strategy might extend to other models as well. Just as the S-Class will have both ICE and electric versions, the E-Class could follow suit, with an electric variant replacing the EQE. This would not only streamline Mercedes’ lineup but also make financial sense by spreading development costs across multiple models.
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 down to a single shift. However, Mercedes seems undeterred, pressing forward with plans to innovate and adapt to the changing automotive landscape.
As we look forward to the next chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s history, we can’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement. The transition from the EQS to an all-electric S-Class represents not just a change in technology but a return to the timeless design and engineering excellence that has always defined the S-Class. It’s a move that has worked well for BMW, and we have high hopes that Mercedes will once again set the standard for luxury sedans—this time in the electric age.
