Mercedes-Benz brings forward to 2027 the launch of the electric version of the new E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has decided to bring forward the launch of the successor to the EQE, its current luxury electric saloon, to the second half of 2027. That is, one year earlier than initially planned. According to some German media reports, this decision is motivated by the low sales volume of the EQE, well below the company’s expectations.

Initially, the successor to the EQE, inspired by the E-Class, was going to be developed on the MB-EA.L platform, designed to debut with the future electric version of the S-Class, which will replace the current EQS. However, since this platform is not yet ready, Mercedes-Benz has decided to use the MB.EA-M platform, intended for vehicles with more compact dimensions, which will debut next September with the presentation of the new GLC EQ, the electric version of the company’s popular compact SUV. This model we have just mentioned will reach the market in spring 2026, followed by the electric version of the C-Class roughly six months later.

The new MB.EA-M platform is compatible with rear-mounted motors of up to 250 kW and allows for the possibility of integrating an additional motor on the front axle, in which case it could offer a combined output of up to 360 kW. Despite its more compact dimensions, Mercedes-Benz believes this will not be a disadvantage for its customers, since models such as the GLC and the combustion-engine E-Class already share a platform.

A change of direction for Mercedes-Benz

As far as we know today, the successor to the current EQE will recover a more classic style, thereby addressing one of the main complaints from the brand’s fans and customers. The electric version of the new E-Class will be a business saloon with a three-box design and a vertical chrome grille, an iconic brand element for decades, which will also feature on the electric version of the new GLC. In addition, the new model is expected to be slightly longer, approaching five metres and exceeding the 4.95 metres of the current combustion-engine E-Class.

Neither the current EQE nor the EQS has managed to win over consumers, especially in key markets such as the United States and China, mainly due to their aerodynamic design with rounded, teardrop-style shapes. In the United States, the German manufacturer has decided to halt production of the EQE and EQS indefinitely from 1 September, probably due to a level of demand much lower than expected.

In China, the picture is even bleaker. As we already reported here at HighMotor, not a single EQE was registered in this market in October 2024 despite heavy discounts, while local competitors were selling thousands of units of their electric saloons. Although sales improved slightly in 2025, the results remain unsatisfactory.

Finally, it should be noted that bringing forward the launch of the EQE successor will not prevent Mercedes-Benz from releasing an update to this luxury electric saloon next year incorporating a new 800V architecture.