Mercedes States That The World Wasn't Prepared For The EQS | Carscoops

      The company may not have effectively marketed the EQS and states that it should not be regarded as an electric S-Class.

      Mercedes plans to replace the EQS with both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the upcoming S-Class.

      According to the brand's design head, the EQS was introduced a decade too soon.

      In 2024, the automaker aimed to enhance the sedan's appearance with an updated front grille.

      The Mercedes-Benz EQS was intended to be a strong competitor to the Tesla Model S, debuting when luxury brands were striving to establish a presence in the electric vehicle market. However, its design, characterized by the highly aerodynamic "jelly bean" shape, has faced considerable criticism, which has, to some extent, affected the sales figures that Mercedes anticipated. The automaker has now conceded that it fell short with the EQS.

      Mercedes-Benz's design leader, Gorden Wagener, recently indicated that the EQS might have been “probably 10 years too early” and recognized that its marketing could have been more effective. While many perceive the EQS as an electric version of the S-Class, Mercedes asserts that this was never the goal. The EQS was not designed to be a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan like its flagship counterpart, and its design clearly reflects that distinction.

      Wagener discussed this with Autocar, stating, “It’s a very, very progressive car and, of course, it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine. That was not the intention. Many people in this class expect a long hood and status from a chauffeur car, and the EQS differs in that aspect. It’s a completely different car. Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupé, or something along those lines.”

      In an effort to make the EQS more conventional, Mercedes-Benz implemented a slight facelift last year, featuring a new grille design. Nevertheless, the egg-shaped profile of the electric sedan remained intact.

      Consequently, Mercedes-Benz has decided against producing a second generation of the EQS. Instead, the company plans to combine the S-Class and EQS into a single model range that will offer both ICE and electric powertrains, akin to what BMW has achieved with the 7-Series and the i7.

      This new integrated model line may not debut until 2030, suggesting that the EQS could continue in production for several more years. In the interim, Mercedes-Benz will keep updating the EQS, with another substantial refresh anticipated as early as next year. However, significant design alterations are unlikely, as the focus will probably be on enhancing the car's features rather than changing its overall look.