Mercedes-Benz is charting a bold new course for its future, with a strategic shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and a significant reshaping of its lineup.
As the company moves away from the EQ badging, several exciting electric models are on the horizon, including a revamped CLA, a successor to the S-Class/EQS slated for 2028, and the possibility of a Gullwing SL.
Central to these developments is the MB.EA architecture, which will serve as the foundation for upcoming Mercedes EVs. One of the highlights in Mercedes’ electric roadmap is the anticipated arrival of a battery-electric SL before the decade’s end. This move signifies the brand’s commitment to embracing electrification across its portfolio.
Concurrently, Mercedes is poised to phase out its EQ line of EVs as it transitions its current range of gas-powered models to electric propulsion. In tandem with these EV-focused initiatives, Mercedes is streamlining its lineup by discontinuing low-margin models like the A-Class, which has already been dropped from the U.S. market.
Additionally, wagon variants are also facing the axe, indicating a shift towards prioritizing higher-profit segments. The impending launch of the new E-Class All-Terrain could mark the end of an era for longroofs in America.
The transition to EVs extends beyond Mercedes’ flagship models, as the company plans to leverage its EV-oriented MMA platform and the MB.EA architecture will introduce more accessible electric vehicles.
For instance, the next-generation CLA-Class, set to debut on the MMA platform, is expected to offer both traditional gasoline-powered and battery-electric variants. There’s even speculation about the potential introduction of the Shooting Brake version of the CLA in the U.S. market.
In terms of platform strategy, the upcoming C-Class will utilize the smaller version of the EA platform, known as MB.EA-S. Meanwhile, the flagship MB.EA-L platform will underpin the next iteration of the S-Class and EQS, scheduled for release in 2028.
At the pinnacle of Mercedes’ EV lineup, enthusiasts can anticipate the arrival of an electric SL in 2028, with the tantalizing possibility of a Gullwing coupe variant.
As Mercedes embarks on this transformative journey towards electrification, the gradual phasing out of EQ-badged electric vehicles reflects a broader strategic realignment aimed at aligning with the company’s overarching electrification goals.
This strategic shift underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility while delivering cutting-edge luxury and performance to discerning customers worldwide.