Mercedes-Benz to launch electric E-Class, replacing EQE
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the first all-electric E-Class will be unveiled in 2027. The new saloon will replace the EQE, whose unusual design and lacklustre sales forced the manufacturer to change strategy. Unlike its predecessor, the electric E-Class will resemble a traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon, but will use an entirely new electric vehicle platform.
EQE's lack of success forces Mercedes to change course
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed during the presentation of the company's third-quarter 2026 financial results that development of the electric E-Class began around three years ago. Engineers started essentially from a clean sheet to create a model combining the advantages of electric propulsion with the comfort and quality characteristic of the E-Class.
According to Motor1, the world premiere will take place in 2027. The version intended for the Chinese market will enter production in the second half of the same year.
The current EQE has a streamlined body designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase range. Unfortunately, in the process Mercedes lost some of the E-Class's distinctive looks.
The new electric E-Class will return to a traditional three-box saloon body, with a clearly defined bonnet, passenger compartment and boot. Its design will also resemble that of the combustion-engined E-Class, which is due for an update in 2027.
Shared name, different technology
Although the electric and combustion-engined E-Class will share the same model name, they will use different platforms.
The electric version will use an architecture developed specifically for battery-electric vehicles. This allows the battery to be positioned beneath the floor and the cabin to be designed around the requirements of the electric powertrain.
Mercedes has not yet disclosed the new model's power output, battery capacity or official WLTP range.
A sporty Mercedes-AMG version is also likely to be in development, with the BMW i5 M60 and Audi S6 e-tron as its main prospective rivals. However, the manufacturer has not confirmed the AMG model's technical specifications or launch.
China to get a separate version
Mercedes is paying particular attention to China in developing the new E-Class, as competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers has become exceptionally strong.
According to Källenius, the company will source almost all components for the Chinese-built electric E-Class from local suppliers. This should reduce costs and allow the model to be better tailored to Chinese buyers' expectations.
In Europe, the new E-Class will face the BMW i5 and Audi A6 e-tron. Both rivals already offer electric executive saloons, so Mercedes will need more than a familiar model name to convince buyers.
The real significance of Mercedes-Benz's strategic shift lies in abandoning a separate identity for electric vehicles. The EQE was meant to look like a car of the future, but the new E-Class must be a Mercedes first and an electric car second.
The German manufacturer hopes that familiar design, traditional luxury and new electric technology will help win back buyers the EQE failed to convince.
