The Mercedes-Benz EQS, a futuristic electric vehicle that was meant to be the S-Class of the future, has not been performing well in terms of sales. According to the brand’s design boss, Gorden Wagener, the car was introduced 10 years too early. In an interview with AutoCar, Wagener admitted that the EQS was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine, which may have been the reason for its lackluster reception among high-end buyers.
With a starting price of $104,400 and the ability to be optioned out to nearly $180,000, the EQS failed to resonate with buyers who were expecting a luxury electric S-Class. The design of the car, with its jellybean-like profile and futuristic MBUX Hyperscreen, did not cater to the traditional expectations of opulent buyers who prefer to be driven rather than drive.
As a result, the depreciation curve on the EQS has been steep, making it a more affordable option in the used car market. The brand has learned from the mistakes of the EQS and plans to unify the EQS and S-Class in the next generation of Mercedes EVs. Both vehicles will be styled and badged as an S-Class, moving away from the radical design language of the EQS.
In conclusion, the EQS may have been ahead of its time, but its design did not align with the expectations of luxury car buyers. Mercedes-Benz is taking steps to rectify this with the next generation of EVs, ensuring that future models appeal to their target audience.