Rumour: Next-gen S-Class to be hybrid and all-electric only

According to a media report, the next generation Mercedes S-Class will be developed on two separate platforms. One of them will get only plug-in hybrid powertrains, while the other will be an all-electric EQ S model, which will come under the company’s electric vehicle sub-brand.

As the E-Class has grown in size, the next-gen S-Class could be offered only in the long-wheelbase option and is expected to be around 5,280 mm length. It might come with triple-beam LED headlights, a new grille and retracting door handles. Thanks to the lack of an engine upfront, the EQ S might have a shorter bonnet.

The regular S-Class is expected to use the MRA platform and get hybrid powertrains using the latest 3.0-litre petrol and 2.9-litre diesel six-cylinder engines. An AMG derived 4.0-litre V8 petrol is also expected to be offered. All the three engines are expected to be paired with a disc-shaped electric motor housed inside the gearbox and a lithium-ion battery on the boot floor. The hybrid variants could be capable of up to 100 km of all-electric range.

The EQ S might come with dual motors at both ends powering all four wheels. The combined power output could be over 400 BHP / 700 Nm in the base model, while a planned AMG model will develop over 600 BHP. The EQ S will be based on the modular electric architecture (MEA) with a flat floor to house batteries. The all-electric vehicle is reported to have a range of more than 499 km.

The EQ S is part of the German carmaker’s GBP 9 million plan to introduce more than 10 dedicated EVs in the UK market within the next 6 years.

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