MERCEDES IS TAKING A LEAF OUT OF BMW'S BOOK FOR NEXT-GEN S-CLASS

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an icon in the automaker's lineup and the greater luxury car segment. So it was rather strange when Mercedes-Benz decided to introduce the all-electric EQS and sell it alongside the Sonderklasse. But the Stuttgart-based brand has learned from its mistakes, with CEO Ola Källenius telling Autocar that the next-generation S-Class will be offered with ICE and electric drivetrains.

"There will be two S-Classes in the future - ICE and electric," said Kallenius. The chief executive said both models will boast similar exterior and interior styling, much like the new G-Class and the electric G580 with EQ Technology. And while they will look the same - and share the same legendary nameplate - the luxury sedans will be underpinned by different platforms.

• 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

  Base MSRP $117,300

  Engine 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

  Horsepower 442 hp

  Fuel Economy 20/28 MPG
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan

  Base MSRP $104,400

  Engine Electric

  Horsepower 355 hp

  Fuel Economy 95/98 MPG

MB.EA Large Platform Will Underpin Updated EQS

Whereas the battery-powered S-Class will use the MB.EA Large platform, the gas-powered variant will make use of an updated version of the MRA architecture. This is rather interesting, as an earlier report out of Germany suggested that the Three-pointed star had scrapped plans for MB.EA Large due to poor sales of the current EQS and EQE electric luxury sedans. The updated EQS - due to arrive next year - will be the first Mercedes to make use of the MB.EA Large platform.

The decision to combine the two models is a result of slow EQS and S-Class sales. While poor EQS demand has been well-publicized, the once-mighty S-Class has also suffered a sales slump, with deliveries falling by 37% in Q1 2024. As a result, Mercedes has reduced production to just one shift at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany.

New S-Class Means Another Gas-Powered E-Class Is Likely

An unnamed Mercedes insider told the UK-based publication that the decision to develop an ICE-powered S-Class means a new E-Class is a very strong possibility. Like the big S, the next generation of the executive sedan will also combine ICE and EV drivetrains, effectively killing off the EQE sedan, too. "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," said the source.

In other words, the S-Class would get more expensive if a new E-Class were not also produced. Before this happens, the current S-Class and EQS will be updated to remain competitive. This year, the EQS received a facelift, but Autocar reports that a "major technical upgrade" is due to arrive in H2 2025. Similarly, the S-Class also benefited from minor improvements this year, but a deeper facelift is expected to follow in 2026.

Big Updates Coming To Current EQS And S-Class

The 400-volt electric architecture currently in use in the EQS will make way for 800V technology which will provide faster charging times, making the luxury car more competitive. While Mercedes hasn't confirmed details, insiders told the publication that the 10-80% charging time will be reduced by 10 minutes, needing just 21 minutes. The 118 kWh battery will also benefit from new chemistry, boosting the range by as much as 37 miles (likely calculated on the WLTP cycle). Aside from this, the EQS will make use of the eATS2.0 electric motors (produced by Mercedes), replacing the Siemens Valeo units used in the existing car. A two-speed transmission is also expected to make an appearance, which could bring performance improvements - particularly for the AMG-badged variants.

As for the S-Class, the facelift will bring rejuvenated styling, aimed at shaving years off the imposing face. Changes will include a more prominent traditional grille and a new headlight design, while the MBUX Superscreen will be available as an option for the cabin. The turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that powers the S580 is also set to receive 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, improving performance and efficiency. With these changes, Mercedes is likely hoping the S-Class will retain its reputation as segment leader, and hope the EQS can gain a following.

Source: Autocar

2024-08-31T03:15:07Z dg43tfdfdgfd