Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged shortcomings in the execution and marketing of its flagship electric sedan, the EQS, marking a rare public admission of missteps in its EV strategy. The German luxury brand now plans to discontinue the standalone EQS line and integrate it into a unified model family with the S-Class, offering both combustion and electric variants.
Gorden Wagener, the company’s chief design officer, recently told Autocar that the EQS’s design—defined by a smooth, ultra-aerodynamic profile—did not align with traditional expectations for luxury sedans. “It’s a very, very progressive car and, of course, it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine,” Wagener said. “Many people in this class expect a long hood and status from a chauffeur car, and the EQS is different there.” He added: “Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupé or something like that.”
Launched to compete with the Tesla Model S and assert Mercedes-Benz’s position in the EV market, the EQS instead drew mixed reactions for its so-called “jelly bean” design. Although the car received a minor refresh last year—including a redesigned grille—its overall shape and proportions remained unchanged. That, coupled with its unclear brand positioning, contributed to underwhelming sales.
Mercedes-Benz has now confirmed there will be no second-generation EQS. Instead, the company will follow BMW’s lead by offering a consolidated flagship line that includes both electric and internal combustion engine powertrains. The combined S-Class/EQS successor is not expected before the end of the decade, meaning the current EQS will remain in production with incremental updates through at least 2030.
Another refresh for the EQS is anticipated as early as next year. However, the revisions are expected to focus more on feature enhancements and interior refinements rather than major design changes.