W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class confirmed for 2023 launch, to add EV-only variant

The current W213 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class will soon bow out to make way for an all-new W214 generation model, which will be launched in 2023. The latest E-Class will also be joined by an EV variant developed specifically for China, confirms CEO Ola Källenius.

Speaking at yesterday’s ‘Economics of Desire’ strategy update event, Källenius said Mercedes-Benz Group's product strategy for its Core Luxury segment, which includes both the C-Class and E-Class – its highest volume contributors – is to accelerate the shift towards electrification.

The company aims to become fully electric by 2030, but only in countries where market conditions allow, as well as to become carbon neutral by 2039.

For the next generation E-Class, two EV-capable platforms were mentioned, EVA2 platform (currently underpins the EQE, EQE SUV) and MB.EA (to debut in 2025). The arrangement raises more questions than answers because it's very unusual for a model to switch platforms mid-lifeycle, or to use two platforms simultaneously, but the CEO didn’t mention any further details.

“With the Core luxury segment, the company plans to go electric on an accelerated timescale, leveraging the EVA2 platform (EQE, EQE SUV) and then MB.EA architecture. The new E-Class comes to market next year and will point the way forward for the segment. This product category will also grow through the addition of a further model based on the EVA2 platform and designed specifically for the China market.”

The current outgoing W213 generation E-Class rides on the MRA II platform, which also underpins nearly every Mercedes-Benz model except front wheel-drive compact models, and vans.

Archrival BMW has also recently announced an EV (and long wheelbase) variant of the 3 Series for China, sold there as the BMW i3 Sedan. Despite the name, the i3 Sedan is completely unrelated to the now-discontinued carbon fibre chassis i3 launched in 2013.

Also read: No longer a city car, this is the China-only BMW i3 Sedan – a 3 Series EV