- Mercedes’ EVs are going through a transformation phase, to look more similar to the ICE-powered range.
- Similarly-sized models like the EQE and the E-Class will be “joining together again” in terms of styling.
- The more traditional grille of the facelifted EQS is a sign of things to come, as with the electric derivative of the G-Wagen.
Mercedes-Benz is aware of the criticism on the styling of its electric offerings, as it plans on reducing the visual differentiation with the ICE-powered lineup. According to Robert Lesnik, head of exterior design at Mercedes, their future EVs will adopt more styling cues from the ICE-powered equivalents.
Lesnik explained that the first generation of the EQ series – namely the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs – had to look radically different since they introduced the brand’s customers to EVs. However, people are now used to EVs, so this differentiation will soon be obsolete.
More: Mercedes To Move Away From Egg-Shaped EVs, Drop EQ Names
Talking to Autocar during the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, Lesnik said: “We wanted to do something different, and we did it. But we always said, at a certain point in time, the further you look down the road, the more similar everything will become.”
The designer revealed that Mercedes’ EVs are going through a “transformation phase”, adding that similarly-sized models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the E-Class will be “joining together again” in terms of styling. This sounds similar to the strategy followed by BMW, with ICE and EV derivatives – like the 5-Series and the i5 – sharing the same design.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Lesnik acknowledged the “danger” of electric cars becoming too similar in the future, which is why they need to hark back on their roots for distinct styling cues associated with the brand: “We have four iconic grilles at Mercedes, more than any other brand, and we need to use them.” Despite the changes, the new generation of EVs will still be influenced by the existing models, retaining their focus on efficiency and aerodynamic-friendly features like the wheels.
Change Has Already Started
The German brand recently unveiled the facelifted version of the EQS flagship which adopts a more traditional grille, joined by the iconic hood ornament. These small changes make the EV look a lot more like a Mercedes, addressing the earlier criticism by a part of the customer base.
In the same context, the fully electric Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ looks nearly identical to the rest of the facelifted G-Class range. The designers’ goal with the iconic off-roader is for people not to be able to tell the difference between powertrain types when looking at it from a distance of 20 m (65 feet).
A sign of things to come for future Mercedes EVs is the CLA Concept from last year. The four-door coupe previews a future production compact-sized EV, trading the egg-shaped silhouette of the EQ-branded EVs for more appealing three-box proportions.
