One high-ranking insider with key knowledge of Mercedes’ future model plans told Autocar that the decision to develop an eighth-generation combustion-engined S-Class will almost certainly ensure the E-Class continues into a seventh generation with the choice of petrol and diesel engines alongside an electric-powered version that will be a successor to today’s EQE saloon.
Our source said: “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.”
Despite the differing platforms, the eighth-generation S-Class is planned to unify the look of both combustion-engine and electric models in a move mirroring that of their closest rivals, the BMW 7 Series and i7. As with the G-Class, each model is expected to feature its own individual grille but have common bodywork.
EQS, S-Class in line for refresh
Before the next- generation S-Class arrives, Mercedes-Benz is committed to implementing a range of revisions for the existing EQS and S-Class flagships.
Under the current plans, the electric EQS will gain a major technical upgrade during the second half of 2025 and the combustion-engined S-Class saloon is set to be facelifted in 2026.
The EQS has recently received mild styling revisions as part of a so-called “running change” for the upmarket electric saloon but the upgraded version will adopt a heavily modified version of the EVA2 platform.
The reworked platform will receive an 800V electric architecture instead of the 400V system in use today, which will endow it with faster charging times.
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.
