Mercedes Insider Says Big Updates Coming For S-Class And EQS

An anonymous source at Mercedes-Benz has confirmed big changes are on the horizon, with the S-Class and EQS luxury sedans preparing for a significant update.

Per Car and Driver, the automaker is rushing to make changes to its lineup following changes in the electric vehicle market. The Three-pointed Star once had plans to go all-electric in the next decade, but EV strategies have been adjusted to meet demand.

While Europe will phase out the sale of traditional combustion-powered cars, China has extended its deadline to 2060. However, this is limited to biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic alternatives. If Mercedes wants to lead the luxury field, it must adapt and accommodate numerous global market needs.

Changes Coming To The S-Class

According to the report, the first facelift will be a significant upgrade. The front and rear fascias will be restyled, and the interior will be improved.

Related

Driven: 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Proves Gas Is Still King

Still a better product than the EQS, the S-Class delivers absolute serenity.

A new dashboard design will arrive with an enhanced Hyperscreen and an optional passenger display, previewed by the current generation EQS and the latest E-Class sedan. The touch controls on the steering wheel will likely be replaced with more user-friendly wheels and buttons, although some haptic elements may carry over.

The 2029 facelift will likely be a light refresh to keep the S-Class at the top of its game. It will eventually be replaced in 2033, but whether its successor will arrive as an all-electric luxury sedan remains to be seen. It’s worth noting that Audi also has plans to prolong the life of its A8 luxury sedan. This suggests both brands aren’t ready to invest in an ICE-powered successor but aren’t yet prepared to introduce all-electric replacements.

And What About The EQS?

With the EQS, Mercedes must bring the all-electric sedan up to the same level as its ICE-powered compatriot. While it is a perfectly comfortable luxury vehicle with loads of tech, the EQS misses the mark on several levels. For one, it’s not particularly attractive, and customers have responded by not buying it. Dealers are struggling to move these cars off showroom floors.

The automaker has attempted to correct some of these wrongs by introducing several updates. In the coming months, the EQS lineup will benefit from a bigger 118 kWh battery, plusher Executive rear seats, and subtle styling changes. Further down the line, the 400-volt architecture will be swapped out for a more sophisticated 800-volt setup, allowing for improved range and much faster charging.

Related

Mercedes-AMG Vision Concept Coming In 2025 As Electric AMG GT 4-Door

The GT63 4-Door will make way for an electric beast with futuristic style.

Elsewhere, Mercedes will introduce its own eATS 2.0 electric motors, a two-speed transmission, and the cell chemistry from MMA-based electric models. These small changes should make for larger improvements. Destined for replacement in 2028, the new model will arrive with a more traditional design, more high-end materials, and customization options akin to Rolls-Royce’s offerings.

The unnamed source said the next-generation EQS needs to “underpromise and overdeliver, or even newcomers like Lucid and Yangwang will eat us for breakfast.” This goes to show that the automaker is aware of the current EQS shortcomings. The new model will be based on the MB.EA-L platform will feature a more upright grille inspired by Mercedes aesthetics years gone by.

CarBuzz has reached out to Mercedes-Benz USA for comment on the matter, and will update the article once we receive a reply.