Introduced to the world in 2017, the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be replaced with a version that will be built on an entirely new platform in 2023. That new platform will share underpinnings with the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It will also be the last model to be developed by Mercedes-Benz that will be exclusive for internal combustion engines (ICE).
Although the 2020 facelift of the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gave it the same fascia as the W206 and W223, the chassis is still carried over from the 2017 debut-version E-Class. The facelifted W213 also does not get the same portrait screen as the W206 and W223.
In an interview with Automobilwoche, Mercedes-Benz development chief, Markus Schäfer said (translated), “As things stand today, the E-Class and its derivatives will be the last Mercedes-Benz model to be created on a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) platform.”
As such, future Mercedes-Benz models after the upcoming-generation E-Class would be built to handle electric, ICE, and hybrid powertrains. The German marque has not announced a date to put a full stop to petrol and diesel models entirely as not all regions are ready for full electrification. Mercedes-Benz has only said that by 2030, it will be “ready to go 100% electric where market conditions allow”.
RELATED: Mercedes-AMG to continue making V8 engines beyond 2030 if demand is strong
With upcoming stricter emission standards, Mr. Schäfer also said that Mercedes-Benz will significantly reduce the number of engines on offer across its line-up this decade. He told the publication (translated), “It will be followed by a global engine that we will develop 100% ourselves and industrialise together with Geely. In order to play at the absolute top in future topics such as infotainment, in autonomous driving, in artificial intelligence or in the topic of chips, we have to concentrate. The future certainly doesn’t lie in ten different powertrains.”
As for electric vehicle offerings by Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz EQA, EQB, and EQC are built on the same platform as the GLA, GLB, and GLC. The EQS, EQE, and their SUV counterparts are built on dedicated EV platforms.
RELATED: Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde review – All the premium sedan you’ll ever need
