Mercedes-Benz is preparing for a new strategy that will combine gasoline and electric versions of the S-Class on one platform. The EQS model will lose ground with this, but will the new direction bring true innovation or just cost savings?
Who would have thought that Mercedes-Benz would discontinue its prestigious EQS after just one generation? It appears that the Stuttgart-based brand will follow in the footsteps of BMW, which already offers its 7 Series with both gasoline and electric engines. Mercedes' new approach to combining the S-Class with both drives looks promising at first glance, but is it an innovation or just a cost-saving measure? As always, the devil is in the details.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been synonymous with luxury, innovation and cutting-edge technology for decades. So it's no surprise that the decision to combine petrol and electric powertrains into one model was met with a lot of interest – and skepticism as well. EQS, the electric version of the sedan, is likely to remain only a short note in the brand's history, as the next-generation S-Class will be available with both powertrains, but on different platforms.
Two different platforms, one goal
At Mercedes-Benz, they decided that the gasoline and electric versions of the new S-Class will be based on different platforms. The petrol model will be based on an updated version of the current MRA platform, while the electric version will be built on the dedicated MB.EA Large platform. This means that the two cars will share design features and luxurious interiors, but the technical design will remain separate.
Unlike BMW, which uses the same platform for the 7 Series and i7, Mercedes-Benz is opting for a more specific approach. The MB.EA Large platform will allow the electric version to have shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase, providing more interior space and improved driving characteristics. Although the two vehicles will share a design, they are expected to have different proportions, giving both models a unique look.
Photo: Mercedes-BenzInnovation or savings?
The decision to use two different platforms can be seen as an attempt to maintain innovation while reducing costs. The bodywork and most of the design elements will be the same. So it won't be two model lines. In this way, Mercedes-Benz avoids the need for a completely new platform for the electric version - it is only fundamentally different, but the "known" is attached to it, which reduces development costs. Still, the key question will be whether such an approach will deliver the same ride quality and innovation that customers have come to expect from the brand. Will too many compromises be made to make the best car possible?
The new electric S-Class is expected to switch to an 800V electric architecture, which will enable significantly faster charging – up to 80 % battery capacity in just 21 minutes. In addition, there is talk of improved battery chemistry that could increase the vehicle's range, although details are still unclear. However, Mercedes-Benz will have to pay a fine in the bag of invasions if it wants to maintain its supremacy in the luxury sedan market.
First signs of trouble?
The year 2024 didn't get off to a promising start for the S-Class and EQS. Sales of these two models fell by nearly 37 %s in the first quarter, forcing Mercedes-Benz to limit production to a single shift. This is a near-disaster for the car industry, with premium models such as the S-Class and EQS expected to drive profits. Falling demand and reduced production may be a sign that buyers are not satisfied with the current offering, which calls into question the future of both models.
Conclusion:
Mercedes-Benz faces a challenging task: to combine gasoline and electric powertrains in the new generation S-Class without losing the prestige for which it is known. Despite the promises of greater efficiency and faster charging of the electric version, the question remains whether this move will really meet the high expectations of customers.
The EQS story may be coming to an end, but the new S-Class will have to prove it's more than just a collection of compromises. If Mercedes-Benz is not careful, it could follow in BMW's footsteps and create a vehicle that is simply too generic for its customers. The European car industry is facing increasing competition from China, which could take the lead if traditional brands do not adapt to the new conditions.
If Mercedes-Benz does not repeat BMW's mistake, the new S-Class could become a symbol of the transition to a new electric age. Otherwise, it could become the last nail in the coffin of the European car industry, at least as far as luxury sedans are concerned.
