The Mercedes-Benz EQS, envisioned as a futuristic electric S-Class, has faced headwinds in the market. Gorden Wagener, the chief design officer for Mercedes-Benz Group AG, recently suggested in an interview with AutoCar that the EQS may have been introduced “10 years too early.” This sentiment highlights a critical disconnect between the vehicle’s innovative design and the expectations of Mercedes-Benz’s traditional luxury clientele. The EQS, with its bold, spaceship-like aesthetics and emphasis on technology, diverged significantly from the classic S-Class formula, potentially alienating its core audience.
The design, while forward-thinking, didn’t quite resonate as the electric S-Class that customers anticipated. Instead of a stately and elegant sedan, the EQS presented a more streamlined, almost jellybean-like profile, complete with a dash-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen. This design direction, while technologically impressive, shifted the car’s appeal away from buyers seeking a traditional luxury experience, particularly those who prefer being chauffeured.
The EQS’s starting price of $104,400, climbing to nearly $180,000 with options, positions it in the same luxury segment as the S-Class, which starts at $117,750 and can exceed $235,000. Despite the comparable price points, the EQS failed to capture the same market share, leading to significant depreciation. This depreciation presents an opportunity for second-hand buyers, with used 2023 models available for as low as $33,000, according to Cars.com. This steep decline in value reflects the market’s tepid reception to the EQS’s design and positioning.
| Model | Starting Price | Potential Fully Optioned Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | $104,400 | $180,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | $117,750 | $235,000+ |
Mercedes-Benz appears to have recognized the need to recalibrate its approach. The next generation of Mercedes EVs will unify the EQS and S-Class into a single platform, as reported by InsideEVs. This strategic shift suggests a return to the S-Class’s roots, with both vehicles styled and badged accordingly. This unification signals the end of the EQS’s radical design language, indicating a move towards a more traditional and universally accepted aesthetic for its flagship electric vehicle.
By integrating the electric and traditional models, Mercedes-Benz aims to leverage the established prestige and recognition of the S-Class, while still offering an advanced electric powertrain. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between futuristic innovation and the expectations of luxury car buyers, ensuring that the next generation of electric vehicles aligns more closely with the brand’s heritage and customer preferences.
