![W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class confirmed for 2023 launch, to add EV-only variant 01]()
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.
![W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class confirmed for 2023 launch, to add EV-only variant 02]()
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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.
![W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class confirmed for 2023 launch, to add EV-only variant 01]()
“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.”
| Mercedes-Benz platforms |
| Current |
After 2025 |
|
MFA II
Compact cars - front-wheel drive A, B-Class, GLA, GLB, EQA
|
MMA (debut 2024)
Compact to medium EVs - next gen EQA, C-Class EV |
MRA II
Mid to large cars - rear-wheel drive C, E, S-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQC |
MB.EA
Medium to Large EVs |
EVA
Large EVs - EQS, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS SUV |
AMG.EA
Next gen AMG EVs |
CV
Vans - V-Class, Vito, EQV |
VAN.EA
Next gen EQV |
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.
![W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class confirmed for 2023 launch, to add EV-only variant 02]()
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
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