Mercedes EQS successor may have traditional sedan shape

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the technology flagship of the Mercedes lineup, but its jellybean design is not winning over drivers. Mercedes sold 6,688 vehicles in the U.S. last year, almost half the sales of the S-Class.

To turn things around, Mercedes will adopt a more traditional three-box sedan form and classic upright grille when it redesigns the EQS in 2028, Car and Driver reported last week. Mercedes may also adopt the S-Class name, as the company is expected to drop its EQ naming strategy with the arrival of the next generation of electric vehicles.

According to Car and Driver, Mercedes had planned to phase out the gas-powered S-Class with the arrival of the EQS successor in 2028, but is planning at least two facelifts to keep it fresh until it is finally discontinued, with the 2033 The company will continue to sell gas-powered models all the way through to 2033. This will give the car a 12-year lifespan.

The reason for this stay of execution is that EV sales have been slower than expected. Mercedes announced in February that it plans to continue offering gas engine models for the next 10 years, rather than its original plan to phase them out by 2030.

The successor to the EQS will use a stretched version of Mercedes' upcoming MB.EA platform. This is one of several next-generation EV platforms from Mercedes. Others include MMA for compact EVs and hybrids, AMG.EA for AMG's high-performance EVs, and Van.EA for electric light commercial vehicles.

Mercedes plans to update the current EQS before its successor arrives. A camouflaged prototype of the updated car has been spotted and appears to feature new headlights and a new fascia design on both ends; according to Car and Driver, mechanical updates include a more efficient cell design for the battery, a new motor design, a two speed transmission for faster cruising.