Next-gen Mercedes S-Class planned with gas and electric power

• Eighth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class due around the end of the decade
• Gas and electric versions of new S-Class will feature similar styling but different platforms
• EQS likely to be phased out after current generation

Mercedes-Benz will develop its next-generation S-Class flagship sedan to offer buyers the choice of an electric powertrain or one still with a gas engine onboard.

The information was confirmed by Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius in an interview with Autocar published on Friday.

“There will be two S-Classes in the future—ICE and electric,” he said.

The strategy is in line with Mercedes’ announcement in February that the automaker plans to sell gas-powered cars well into the next decade. Previously, Mercedes planned to exclusively sell EVs by 2030.

Källenius while speaking to Autocar also confirmed that work on a next-generation EV platform for midsize and full-size models, known as the MB.EA Large, is proceeding, which is contrary to a previous announcement that the platform had been delayed.

The next S-Class, which will be the eighth generation of the iconic nameplate, is due around the end of the decade. According to Autocar, the gas and electric versions will feature the same design inside and out, but use separate platforms.

Reportedly, the gas version will use an updated version of the current S-Class’ platform while the electric version will use the new MB.EA Large. The strategy is different to the one used by BMW for its rival 7-Series, whose gas and electric versions share a platform. Similarly, gas and electric versions of Mercedes’ G-Class also share a platform.

With the next S-Class going electric, it means the EQS hatchback, Mercedes’ current full-size EV, will likely be dropped after the current generation.

Sales of both the S-Class and EQS have seen sharp declines this year. Mercedes only managed to sell 5,108 examples of the EQS in the U.S. over the first half of 2024, down 52% on the same period a year ago. Sales of the S-Class are even lower, coming in at 4,785 units for the period, down 33% from a year ago. The low S-Class sales prompted Mercedes this month to drop production from two shifts to a single shift.

Before the arrival of the next S-Class, Mercedes will give the current car a major facelift. The EQS will also be updated about the same time. Both updates are expected to be introduced for the 2026 model year in the U.S.