Mercedes-Benz is turning a corner with its flagship electric vehicle, reuniting its top-selling battery-powered sedan with the revered S-Class badge. Instead of keeping the EQS as a standalone high-end electric flagship, the German automaker will unify electric and combustion powertrains under a single nameplate family that will span the globe. That approach recognizes lessons learned during early EV sales, and it also reflects a backward step, though, by moving away from the EQS’s radical egg-shape design, and embracing the conventional three-box profile favored by traditional luxury sedans. At the same time, Mercedes will keep separate powertrain platforms for the traditional combustion engine and the new electric model, and it will keep specific technology tailored for the range of battery-driven vehicles.

Going forward, the new electric S-Class will bring this legacy of luxury and refinement together with the latest in electric technology. Mercedes is already working on the new dedicated MB.EA Large platform and is developing new drive tech, an 800-volt power supply, and a potential all-solid-state battery developed with partner Pro Logium. The current combustion-powered S-Class will continue to be made with significant investment as well, with updated engine tech and electrification. Alongside the all-electric EQS and the new S-Class, that will be replaced in or around 2030, Mercedes-Benz is repositioning its flagship model family under one family of S-Class models.

1. Mercedes-Benz Brings the Electric Flagship Back to S-Class

Mercedes is now a rear engine sports car, yet with more power Mercedes-Benz is set to redefine its flagship electric segment by reinstating its best-selling battery-powered exec into the S-Class portfolio. Instead of balancing the EQS flagship next to the familiar luxury saloon, the Germans will unify two of its most popular names under the same global model. It might sound a bit familiar compared to the bold egg-shaped style of the EQS, but Mercedes-Benz will rethink and prepare a more familiar execution, sticking to the conventional executive role of its flagship luxury saloon. With an integrated approach to powertrains that also includes a battery set of incredible range, a seamless user experience, and the familiar styling expected of a Mercedes flagship, the automaker hopes to set the right course for the future.

Key Flagship Changes:

• Electric returns to S-Class
• EQS nameplate reaches retirement
• One globally recognized nameplate
• Flagship strategy becomes unified
• Luxury remains the priority

The impact of that decision means the S-Class will be Mercedes’ flagship electric model and will not be sold as a stand-alone model. Instead, hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as pure-electric power, are to be combined in the same vehicles to create a model that benefits from its well established S-Class image, but is also engineered with technology that is specific to a battery-powered car. This decision also reflects the view of high-end buyers of the flagship car, who Mercedes-Benz says are less interested in cars that have a flashy, hyper-electric look and more attracted to a familiar limo shape. As such, Mercedes is bringing together its two sets of credentials, instead of two separate luxury-flagship identities, under one S-Class umbrella.

2. The EQS Nameplate Is Being Replaced by S-Class Branding

The stand-alone EQS badge was initially unveiled as a technological showcase for Mercedes-Benz’s electric-only phase, and while the model didn’t have the same emotional sell as the venerable S-Class sedan did, it still lacked global prestige. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kollenius has confirmed that the company’s upcoming flagship sedans will be solely sold under the S-Class name which means the EQS will be discontinued when its lifecycle is complete. S-Class has been the flagship executive luxury and automotive tech for over five decades now and retains strong loyal followings in Western Europe and the US. This heritage will give the future EV flagship instant recognition.

Why S-Class Branding Matters:

• Five decades of heritage
• Millions of global sales
• Strong customer loyalty
• EQS identity reaches conclusion
• Electric joins established branding

Under the unified naming structure, the electric flagship will be designated as an S-Class Electric or could feature EQ Technology branding. Merging the two parallel models allows Mercedes-Benz to streamline its lineup and concentrate its marketing and heritage around a singular, iconic banner. Instead of asking customers to associate a newer standalone EQS badge with the highest level of Mercedes-Benz luxury, the company can connect the electric model directly with the S-Class name. This gives the future electric flagship access to an established identity that has represented executive luxury for decades. The strategy therefore keeps the electric technology while changing the way the flagship is presented to customers. The EQS nameplate’s lifecycle will end, while its electric technology and role will continue through the future S-Class family.

3. Electric and Combustion S-Class Models Will Share Their Design

Return to conservatism Among the more striking of new flagship the next-generation flagship will be a return to a more traditional die-cast executive shape. Initially, the EQS’s smooth cab-forward aerodynamic profile disappointed traditional luxury buyers who prefer a more conventional three-box style; the all-electric model will have an exterior design very close to that of the internal combustion one. Both gasoline and electric versions will share the same bodywork and have similar stance and glasslines and a luxurious cabin arrangement. Only a difference in the design of the chin will cue a customer to the fact that the car employs the different powertrain, while underpinning everything is a common Mercedes-Benz Powerhouse visual identity.

Unified Design Strategy:

• Traditional executive proportions return
• Electric mirrors combustion styling
• Similar stance and glasslines
• Shared luxurious cabin layouts
• Grille details distinguish versions

His unified styling plan has already been proven on the latest G-Class, where gasoline and EV versions are virtually indistinguishable, and it will be the case for the mid-size EQ series as well. Mercedes’ interpretation of a true flagship model will see both the future S-Class sedans continue to share the same large digital displays and luxurious interior appointments, meaning the EV S-Class shouldn’t be anything short of a top executive car. The two powertrains could be distinguished in the subtle exterior details without bringing the separation between the two flagship models. The shape of the body may be similar, and the iconic proportions will be returned, but the two flagship Mercedes sedans could have distinct but similar identities without having to settle for a compromised EQ take on an iconic luxury sedan.

4. Separate Platforms Will Support the Two S-Class Powertrains

Despite nearly indistinguishable external appearances between the electric and combustion versions of the next S-Class, both will be on completely different architectures underneath. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius and other leaders have argued that the MB executive target audience will not accept a package that is compromised to hold one very different type of powertrain on the same platform. The internal combustion S-Class will utilize a slightly lightened iteration of the tried-and-true MRA architecture, as it allows sufficiently sized internal combustion gasoline and diesel powertrains to fit. The electric S will instead utilize a dedicated BEV battery-electric architecture that prioritizes interior space and ideal battery placement.

Platform Engineering Highlights:

• Two separate platforms remain
• MRA supports combustion powertrains
• EV receives dedicated architecture
• Rear-seat space stays protected
• Battery placement gets optimized

Cheaper for one platform to be developed, Mercedes is prepared to invest in two-platform architecture, but the advantageous packaging of a dedicated battery-powered platform is seen as an essential part of the flagship experience. The EV architecture can be optimized for battery location, cabin space and electric drive, protecting the rear legroom and luxury interior Mercedes-Benz regards as core elements of the S-Class experience. Instead of having to compromise both the combustion and electric versions onto a common platform, the brand can keep the exterior design in close harmony, while the development of the engineering underneath remains diverse. As such the flagship will only have one dedicated model on a platform optimized for battery-electric driving, while the combustion model lives on with its development of the MRA.

5. Mercedes-Benz Continues Developing the MB.EA Large Platform

Even with rumors from the industry indicating these bespoke electric platforms will be scrapped, Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on its plan to develop the dedicated MB.EA Large platform. This dedicated platform is designed to underpin full-size premium battery-electric vehicles from the brand’s above-segment top-tier range. Ola Kallenius directly responded to rumors that MB.EA Large may not be developed, indicating that Mercedes-Benz is planning on utilizing MB.EA Large already for the EV version of the upcoming S-Class and possibly another EV successor in the above-segment. This confirms that Mercedes-Benz changing the EQS name does not mean the Mercedes-Benz is cancelling the dedicated electric architecture but still working on a foundation that can underpin next-generation Flagship EV models.

MB.EA Large Development Focus:

• Dedicated premium EV architecture
• Designed for full-size vehicles
• Supports upcoming S-Class EV
• Optimized battery integration
• Enables advanced charging capability

Employing MB.EA Large, the future electric flagship gets a platform that is tailor-made for all-electric Mercedes-Benz requirements. The platform promises the chassis to be set up for best dynamics, integrate batteries that fit the overall system, and ensure ultra-fast charging. By further developing the platform, Mercedes-Benz allows the future electric S-Class to receive a new foundation rather than be shoehorned into the architecture of combustion engines, with the name change being kept separate from the electric strategy. The luxury title remains on the version of the platform that is dedicated to large, premium EVs, like the S-Class, ensuring familiarity but also room for other large, premium EVs to follow in the future.

6. The Electric S-Class Will Gain More Advanced Drive Technology

Next Generation Electric Flagship of Mercedes-Benz will feature a new electric drive unit (EDU) to enhance the efficiency and output of the electrified model lineup. Mercedes-Benz will introduce its third generation of Electric Drive Unit (EDU 3.0), which will yield a more lightweight and efficient footprint than previously achieved by drive systems. Peak performance variants for the new electric flagship could also utilize the more compact, axial flux motors of Mercedes-Benz’s subsidiary Yasa, which was acquired in 2021. Mercedes-Benz will also update its high-voltage architecture across the electric segment with the introduction of its new eATS 2.0 that combines its in-house built motors, silicon carbide power electronics, and a two-speed transmission to deliver efficient operation as well as sustained top-end high-speed performance.

Electric Powertrain Advances:

• EDU 3.0 brings efficiency
• Lighter drive unit design
• Yasa motors support performance
• Silicon carbide electronics included
• Two-speed transmission supports operation

The electric flagship will rely on an 800-volt system that enables both superfast charging and long high-speed ranges. The higher-voltage architecture combines with the more recent drive units to enhance the performance of the entire electric powertrain, which features all-Mercedes in-house motors and silicon-carbide power electronics paired to a two-speed transmission with the eATS 2.0. So, Mercedes-Benz is really designing parts of the electric system concurrently, rather than waiting until the end to use one of them in a specific assembly, because the lighter EDU 3.0 can help boost efficiency, while the axial flux motors can be used for any high-powered variants, thanks to the 800-volt architecture that, on the other hand, increases charging speed and enables high-speed ranges. In the end, the future electric flagship will therefore have a suite of more recent drive technologies that have been designed around the needs of a large, premium battery-electric sedan.

7. Solid-State Batteries Could Transform Electric S-Class Range

Mercedes-Benz is also collaborating with Taiwan developer Pro Logium on all-solid state cell technology for energy storage for the electric S-Class, to be used in a handful of models in the latter half of this decade. This technology offers considerably higher energy density and the solid-state cells can get close to twice the range of current NCM 811 lithium-ion chemistry. The batteries used in EQS currently have a maximum WLTP estimate of around 510 miles, which is expected to be exceeded with solid state packs. Solid-state could enable Mercedes to shoot for even longer ranges without simply making the battery pack bigger.

Solid-State Battery Benefits:

• Higher energy density expected
• Nearly double potential range
• Smaller battery assemblies possible
• Lower battery weight potential
• More room for passengers

Potentially, the higher energy density of solid-state cells would mean the engineers could save space and weight on the battery pack and still enjoy the longer range. For the large executive sedan, that could mean more space inside without necessarily having to give up some of the scale we would expect from the flagship. Mercedes-Benz is exploring this technology as part of a broader strategy to make the electric flagship truly the top of the line for Mercedes. Collaborating with Pro Logium could provide a stepping stone to the final solution; solid-state cells offer the potential to meet the future electric S-Class’s needs for higher energy density, longer distances and keeping the flagship spacious inside.

8. Mercedes-Benz Is Also Reinvesting in Combustion Technology

Mercedes isn’t turning its back on petrol and diesel. If you decide to design a pure-electric S-Class, it doesn’t mean you’re turning your back on those familiar recipes. Kollenius said the carmaker allocated as much as 14 billion in 2024 for its passenger-car research and development arm and for its plants, much of it to invest in advanced combustion technology. That will enable petrol and diesel models to meet strict emission standards, even as the need for batteries to meet targets slows down through the start of the 2030s. Keeping combustion alive preserves sales in the US and China, where the pace of the electric shift has been slow, Merc said.

Combustion Strategy Highlights:

• Up to €14 billion budgeted
• Petrol options continue developing
• Diesel options remain supported
• Emissions compliance remains important
• Electric transition remains gradual

One of the other notable areas is the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which Mercedes-Benz intends to upgrade to the latest M177 48V mild-hybrid version, enabling the brand to continue refining conventional internal combustion while beginning to incorporate electrification into the drivetrain. The dual-path implementation preserves the high-margin internal combustion sales while EV penetration continues to grow around the world. Instead of phasing out internal combustion power entirely, Mercedes-Benz is simply extending the internal combustion development for the time being, keeping these options “in family” with the flagship strategy. The electric S-Class will therefore exist “next to” a stack of advanced gasoline and diesel options rather than obsolete them.

9. EQS and S-Class Updates Will Bridge the Road to 2030

Mercedes-Benz has created an interim product roadmap to maintain its flagship momentum before the eighth-generation launch target around 2030. In late 2025, the current EQS receives a major overhaul featuring a revised EVA2 platform with an 800-volt architecture and an updated 118kWh battery pack. These changes increase total range by 37 miles while reducing 10-to-80 percent fast-charging time to 21 minutes. The refresh gives the current electric flagship important technology updates before the future S-Class EV arrives. The combustion-powered S-Class will then receive its own extensive facelift in 2026, arriving roughly five and a half years into the current generation’s lifecycle.

Roadmap Before 2030:

• EQS refresh arrives late 2025
• 118kWh battery pack added
• Range increases by 37 miles
• Fast charging takes 21 minutes
• S-Class facelift follows 2026

The 2026 combustion S-Class facelift introduces a bold chrome grille and an optional MBUX Superscreen with MB.OS. It will also receive an upgraded Level 3 Drive Pilot autonomous suite that allows hands-off driving up to 68 mph. These updates provide important steps before the next-generation flagship arrives around 2030. Mercedes-Benz is therefore improving both sides of its current flagship lineup while preparing for the future unified strategy. The EQS receives improvements focused on electric range and charging, while the combustion S-Class receives changes to design, digital technology, and driver assistance. These interim updates help carry both model families toward the point where electric and combustion flagship versions can ultimately come together under the S-Class name.

10. The Future S-Class Combines Electric Technology With Luxury Heritage

Mercedes-Benz’s future flagship strategy brings several major developments together under the S-Class identity. The company is moving its electric flagship away from the standalone EQS name and back into the established S-Class family. At the same time, electric and combustion models will share similar exterior and interior design language while continuing to use separate engineering platforms underneath. The electric version will rely on the dedicated MB.EA Large architecture, advanced EDU 3.0 drive technology, an 800-volt system, and potentially all-solid-state battery technology. The combustion version will continue receiving investment in advanced gasoline and diesel technology. Together, these developments create a flagship family that combines familiar luxury design with different powertrain technologies.

The Future Flagship Formula:

• S-Class name unites powertrains
• Dedicated platforms remain separate
• Solid-state technology moves forward
• Combustion development continues strongly
• Luxury heritage remains central

The broader strategy is designed to maintain the S-Class identity while adapting the flagship to changing powertrain technology. Mercedes-Benz is bringing electric innovation and established luxury heritage into the same model family. The traditional three-box design addresses the expectations associated with classic luxury buyers, while dedicated electric engineering provides the technology required for the battery-powered version. Solid-state batteries could further improve range and packaging, while advanced combustion technology keeps gasoline and diesel options available. The combination of separate platforms, advanced electric drive systems, new battery technology, and continued combustion development creates the foundation for Mercedes-Benz’s future flagship strategy. The S-Class will therefore become the common identity connecting the company’s traditional and electric flagship technologies.