The Future Of The S-Class: Mercedes-Benz Confirms Electric and Gasoline Models

Mercedes is planning to offer both electric and internal combustion engine variants in the next-generation S-Class. This move indicates that the EQS will be phased out after just one generation, with a mid-cycle redesign expected before it goes.

In preparation for the next-generation S-Class, the present model is also receiving an upgrade. In an interview with Autocar, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius made the announcement: "There will be two S-Classes in the future—ICE and electric." According to the Stuttgart boss, the gas and electric versions of the flagship would have identical concepts throughout. Undisclosed sources quoted by the British publication indicate that the S-Class will not share a platform with the BMW 7 Series or i7.

Assuming all goes according to plan, the S-Class electric vehicle will ride on the MB.The EA Large architecture will support the gas-powered model, while the present MRA hardware will be upgraded for this version. The MB.EA platform was reportedly canceled; however, Källenius denied the allegations at the end of June, stating that development on the platform "is running at high speed." In a recent interview with Autocar, he reiterated his denial of the story, saying, "We're already planning with MB.EA large." 

Autocar claims that the development of a gas-powered S-Class will give rise to the next-generation E-Class ICE, while an all-electric variant of this model will replace the EQE. Given the mechanical connection between the E and S, it makes financial sense to replicate the larger model's approach by spreading development expenses across multiple models. Meanwhile, the present S-Class will get an upgrade in 2026, while the EQS will get a makeover in 2025. Rumors suggest that the EQS will upgrade to an 800V electric design, enabling faster charging. 

The 2025 model year of the EQS implemented an increase in battery capacity from 108.4 to 118 kilowatt-hours, resulting in a WLTP range of 511 miles. The most efficient 2025 EQS in the US receives a maximum efficiency rating of 371 miles. According to Källenius, who announced this at the end of June, the carmaker is investing "a lot more" in the S-Class model update than they would on a facelift.

The unified S-Class will replace the current gas and electric flagships sometime around 2030. However, the performance of these two cars has not been particularly impressive in 2024. Deliveries of S-Classes decreased by almost 37% in the first quarter. Sales of the S-Class, EQS, EQS SUV, and GLS dropped by 23% in Q2 this year, though the full Q2 numbers are still pending release.