Latest news with #GordenWagener
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes Benz rethinks EQS strategy, will Combine EV and ICE S-Class models: Report
The Mercedes Benz EQS sedan is the flagship EV offering from the German carmaker Check Offers Mercedes-Benz plans to make a sweeping overhaul of its luxury sedan family, saying it will combine its legendary S-Class with the all-electric EQS into one, cohesive model family. The initiative marks a significant change in the brand's electrification strategy — one that leans towards design continuity and product simplicity over the segmentation of combustion and electric variants. One Flagship, Multiple Powertrains While the EQS initially launched as a separate electric flagship alongside the conventional S-Class, Mercedes-Benz now thinks that it would be more suitable for its luxury customers to have a single model line that presented both internal combustion units and electric powertrains. This is exactly what competitor BMW has already done with the 7 Series and i7 duo, which are identical in terms of design, amenities, and platform architecture but address differing propulsion desires. Also Read : Mercedes CLA sees strong demand as production scales for EV and petrol models The unified model family is set to arrive sometime in 2030. In the meantime, the current EQS will remain on sale — though with incremental updates along the way — while Mercedes secretly massages a next-generation flagship that harmoniously marries classic luxury elements with advanced EV technology. Why the change? This brand reorientation comes on the heels of internal confessions that the EQS didn't quite connect with its target market. Even though it's marketed as the electric version of the S-Class, the EQS's slab-sided, cab-forward "jelly bean" design couldn't satisfy customers who equate full-size luxury sedans with aggressive dimensions, long noses, and chauffeur-grade stature. Mercedes-Benz's Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, recently acknowledged in an interview with Autocar UK that the EQS may have been '10 years too early," both in terms of styling and positioning. He also admitted the car wasn't marketed in a way that reflected its true character — which was less about traditional luxury and more about futuristic innovation. Also Read : Mercedes AMG to phase out 4 cylinder plug-in hybrids: Report The road ahead: Refinement before reinvention While there are no plans for a successor to the EQS in its current guise, the car will continue in production until the new unified flagship is launched. A further set of updates is due as soon as next year, potentially addressing comfort and technology rather than a full-on redesign. Mercedes appears committed to keeping up the pace in the luxury EV market, but with a keener intent to balance design, identity, and customer aspirations. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 07 Jul 2025, 09:30 AM IST
Perth Now
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, 'I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.' The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a 'very progressive car', but noted 'it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine' which typically have a 'long hood' to denote its status. 'Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that,' Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and GLC. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS
7NEWS
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, 'I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.' The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a 'very progressive car', but noted 'it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine' which typically have a 'long hood' to denote its status. 'Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that,' Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and GLC.
The Advertiser
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from:
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Mercedes EQS Joins G-Class, C63 As Electrified Letdowns
Mercedes-Benz is still one the most prominent makers of luxury cars. Models like the E-Class, S-Class, and GLC-Class are brilliant examples of how good the brand's core lineup still is, but on the other hand, a number of outlying Mercs have failed to resonate with buyers in the same way. Sales of the electric G-Class have been low and the new C63's four-cylinder hybrid engine has had enthusiasts up in arms. By the brand's own admission, you can now add the EQS electric sedan to that list: Sales have failed to get close to the traditional S-Class, as buyers are turned off by its revolutionary design. "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early," said Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener when speaking to Autocar. "It's a very, very progressive car and, of course, it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine. That was not the intention. Many people in this class expect a long hood and status from a chauffeur car, and the EQS is different there." That's the assessment from the chief designer when he explained why the EQS has not sold as strongly as the gas-powered S-Class. Mercedes even went so far as to introduce a more conventional-looking grille on the 2025 EQS, but there's nothing much it can do about the swoopy, egg-shaped body that deviates quite dramatically from the more common three-box sedan. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupe, or something like that." A similar sentiment was expressed by Mercedes when talking about the cold reception to the C63's four-cylinder plug-in hybrid engine, which was dubbed as one of the most advanced powertrains yet. Not only does the EQS appear completely distinct from the S-Class, but the same is true of the EQE alongside the traditional E-Class. Over at BMW, a totally different strategy has been employed. The i5 is almost indistinguishable from the gas-powered 5 Series, and the same is true for the i7 and 7 Series. By doing this, BMW hasn't alienated any specific buyer. So a 5 Series customer can now choose between gas or electric power, but the look and feel of both sedans are the same and in line with expectations. It's little wonder that Mercedes is taking a page out of BMW's book with the next S-Class and EQS, which will look like a typical S-Class with a single design. Already, the brand is approaching electric powertrain development by looking back at what has worked so well; it will be incorporating the feel and sensations of its classic V8 in new EVs, starting with the production version of the Concept GT XX. By doing the same from a design perspective, Mercedes has a chance to once again regain the loyalty of its fan base with a new generation of EVs that don't look like they're from several years in the future. Related: How Mercedes-AMG Will Make EVs Feel and Sound Like a V8 Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
