The Mercedes EQS Is Dead
Initially, Mercedes-Benz had planned for both an ICE and an electric S-Class. It got them. The regular ol’ S-Class stuck around with its V8, and the EQS filled the role of the EV.
Per Autocar, that won’t be the case much longer. The company alleges that an upcoming S-Class EV will replace the EQS, much maligned for its eggy looks and tech-heavy approach. According to the outlet, the new EV will sit on Mercedes’ MB.EA Large architecture, with the gas-powered model continuing on its current platform.
It’s easy to see why. Mercedes has recently cut production of the S-Class, and it appears demand simply isn’t what the Germans expected. Autocar’s reporting corroborates this, with the outlet stating a fall of 37% in the first quarter of 2024. Interestingly, the gas-powered S-Class’ survival may also ensure the E-Class’ continued use: “The S-Class and E-Class are closely related from a technical standpoint. To do one without the other would greatly affect the economies of scale enjoyed by today’s models.”
But we’re not done with the EQS and S-Class as a pair just yet. The two are due for a refresh, with the EQS getting a “major technical upgrade,” and a facelift for the S-class. Apparently, the EQS will move from 400v architecture to 800v architecture, enabling faster charging. Per Autocar: “Insiders suggest the 10-80% charge time is set to be reduced by up to 10 minutes compared with today’s EQS, taking as little as 21 minutes on a high-powered charger. Its 118kWh battery will also be uprated with new chemistry, which will increase the range by 37 miles to 535 miles in its most efficient guise. This technology will be shared with the upcoming electric CLA.” There’ll also be a new 2-speed transmission.
Meanwhile, the S-Class will net a new front end with new headlights and an optional Superscreen along with the latest MB.OS. Finally, Mercedes will enhance Drive Pilot, allowing hands-free driving up to 68 mph.
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Chase is an automotive journalist with years of experience in the industry. He writes for outlets like Edmunds and AutoGuide, among many others. When not writing, Chase is in front of the camera over at The Overrun, his YouTube channel run alongside his friend and co-host Jobe Teehan. If he's not writing reviews of the latest in cars or producing industry coverage, Chase is at home in the driver's seat of his own (usually German) sports cars.
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