Recent reports have sparked questions about the future of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric sedan, the EQS. Specifically, concerns are rising: is Mercedes discontinuing the EQS? This article dives into the details surrounding Mercedes-Benz’s evolving electric vehicle strategy, platform development adjustments, and what it means for the future of the EQS and its sibling, the EQE.
According to a report by German publication Handelsblatt, picked up by Autocar, Mercedes-Benz has reportedly decided to cancel the development of its next-generation dedicated EV platform, known as MB.EA Large. This platform was intended to underpin the successors to the current Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE models. This significant shift in strategy has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the long-term plans for these luxury electric vehicles.
MB.EA Large Platform Cancellation: Reasons and Implications
The cancellation of the MB.EA Large platform is reportedly a cost-saving measure. Sources cited by Handelsblatt estimate that Mercedes-Benz will save between $4.3 billion and $6.5 billion in development and retooling expenses by abandoning this project. This decision comes as Mercedes-Benz re-evaluates its investment in electric vehicles amid a fluctuating market and perhaps slower than anticipated adoption rates for high-end EVs.
This strategic pivot doesn’t mean the end of the line for the EQS and EQE. Instead of being built on the cutting-edge MB.EA Large platform, their next iterations are now expected to utilize an upgraded version of the existing EVA2 platform. The EVA2 platform currently underpins the present EQS and EQE models, meaning future versions will be evolutions rather than revolutionary leaps in platform technology.
Future EQS and EQE: Evolution, Not Discontinuation
Despite the platform change, Mercedes-Benz is still committed to the EQS and EQE model lines. The upgraded EVA2 platform is expected to bring significant improvements to these vehicles. Reports suggest that the next EQS and EQE will benefit from an upgrade to an 800-volt charging architecture, a notable advancement from the 400-volt system in the current models. This shift to 800V will enable faster charging times, a key factor in EV ownership satisfaction.
Furthermore, advancements in battery technology are anticipated, promising increased energy density and potentially longer driving ranges for the updated EQS and EQE. More efficient electric motors are also expected to be incorporated, further enhancing performance and energy consumption. These improvements indicate that while the dedicated platform is canceled, Mercedes-Benz is investing in significant upgrades to keep the EQS and EQE competitive in the luxury EV segment.
Broader Mercedes-Benz EV Strategy: Adjustments and Continued Investment
The decision to cancel the MB.EA Large platform is part of a broader adjustment in Mercedes-Benz’s overall electric vehicle strategy. The company has already pushed back its target for 50% of sales to be electrified vehicles, moving the goal from 2025 to 2030. Additionally, the ambitious plan to go fully electric by 2030 has been revised to “in markets where conditions allow,” signaling a more flexible and market-dependent approach to EV adoption.
While MB.EA Large is off the table, Mercedes-Benz is still moving forward with other EV platforms. The MB.EA Medium platform remains in development and is slated to underpin future models like the electric C-Class equivalent, potentially under the new naming convention incorporating “EQ technology.” Platforms like MMA (for compact models) and MB.AMG (for performance EVs) are also still in development, indicating a continued, albeit adjusted, commitment to an electric future across various vehicle segments.
Sales Context and Market Reality
This strategic recalibration comes against the backdrop of the current EV market. While Mercedes-Benz saw a significant increase in EV sales in the US last year (a reported 248% increase, totaling 43,202 units), these numbers are still considered modest compared to overall sales volume and in relation to pure EV manufacturers. For example, Rivian, despite being a newer company, surpassed Mercedes-Benz in EV deliveries in the same period. Furthermore, the first quarter of this year saw a decrease in Mercedes-Benz’s US EV sales, highlighting the volatile nature of the current EV market and potential challenges in the luxury EV segment.
In conclusion, to answer the core question: is Mercedes discontinuing the EQS? The answer is no. Mercedes-Benz is not discontinuing the EQS or EQE. However, the cancellation of the MB.EA Large platform signifies a strategic shift. Future generations of these models will evolve on an upgraded existing platform rather than a brand-new dedicated architecture. This adjustment reflects a pragmatic approach to EV development in response to market conditions, ensuring the continued presence of the EQS and EQE in the Mercedes-Benz electric lineup with enhanced technology and performance.
