Mercedes-Benz is reportedly planning to merge its S-Class and EQS sedan lines. Following the typical product cycle, a new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class would debut in 2030. However, both the EQS and S-Class are expected to receive comprehensive upgrades in 2025 and 2026, respectively, before that.
This information has been confirmed by Mercedes-Benz CEO, Ola Kallenius: “There will be two S-Classes in the future – combustion engine and electric”. These two versions are expected to feature similar exterior and interior designs, although they may utilize different platforms.
The S-Class will offer an electric and gasoline engine option, instead of being separated into a gasoline-powered S-Class and an electric EQS as it is currently. Image: Carscoops
Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Unification
Despite previous rumors of the cancellation of the MB.EA Large architecture, Kallenius confirmed that this platform is still in development. According to Autocar, this platform will underpin a fully electric Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while the combustion engine model will utilize an updated version of the current MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform.
In terms of design, previous comments from design chief Robert Lesnik suggest that Mercedes-Benz’s future gasoline and electric sedans will have a strong visual connection. This was evident with the updated G-Class, and it’s a similar approach to what BMW has done with the 5-Series/i5 and 7-Series/i7.
In addition to the merger of the S-Class and EQS, an internal source suggests that Mercedes-Benz may choose a similar path for the successor of the E-Class sedan. This would allow the manufacturer to reduce production costs, as the S-Class and E-Class share many technical similarities.
This change is aligned with the goal of having electric vehicles account for 50% of Mercedes-Benz’s sales by 2030, a shift from the previous target of 2025. Mr. Kallenius has also previously confirmed that the German brand will increase its investment in gasoline engines, or in other words, will keep gasoline engines alive longer than initially planned.
As the flagship model of the brand, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has seen a 22% decline in sales in the first half of 2024, while demand for its electric equivalent hasn’t exploded as expected. This could be addressed with the upcoming upgrade.
Upcoming Updates for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS
The current generation S-Class (W223) has been on the market since 2020. Following the typical cycle, Mercedes would introduce an upgraded version in 2024, but this update has been pushed back to 2026. This makes sense considering Mercedes-Benz’s decision to prolong the lifespan of this model until 2030, as the EQS is not yet ready to fully replace the S-Class.
Based on the available spy shots, renderings of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have surfaced. This rendering suggests that the S-Class could take inspiration from last year’s CLA Concept. Image: Kolesa.ru
The upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been spotted, and the captured images indicate that the front and rear ends will be redesigned, with the cabin featuring advanced technology and more advanced driver-assistance features – typical updates for a new-generation model. The combustion engine is expected to be refined to comply with stricter emission regulations.
The EQS facelift was introduced in China with improved styling, new features, and a larger battery. Another update is expected in late 2025. Image: Carscoops
On the other hand, the fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQS, introduced in 2021, received minor updates in 2024. A more comprehensive upgrade is expected in the second half of 2025, focusing on technical aspects. The updated model is rumored to utilize the current EVA2 architecture but with significant modifications, improving all aspects of electrification.
The new platform is said to adopt 800V technology (up from 400V), enabling faster charging. Additionally, a new battery chemistry is expected to increase the driving range by 37 miles (60km) to a maximum of 535 miles (860km) on a single charge. Another anticipated improvement relates to the electric powertrain, with a new transmission replacing the current one-speed gearbox.
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