The German automobile maker, Mercedes-Benz Corporation is reportedly looking to end the production of its traditional Mercedes-Benz wagons to focus on SUVs by the end of 2030.
According to a new report from Automobilwoche, Mercedes has alternative ideas. The German publication predicts Mercedes-Benz will discontinue all wagon models by 2030, meaning beloved vehicles like the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon may only have until the end of the decade to exist.
The next-generation E-Class is reportedly slated to arrive in 2030, and will not spawn a wagon variant. Mercedes may keep the E-Class All-Terrain alive, as the latest C-Class was revealed in the high-riding wagon style. We could see the wagon purge start in 2025 when the CLA is replaced without a Shooting Brake variant.
Automobilwoche observed that the reason may be because there “isn’t enough demand for the station wagon… in the mega-markets of the USA and China.”
However, it is unclear if Mercedes will only axe the wagons in those markets or if it will kill them altogether. On the other hand, Europe is still big on wagons, with the more powerful versions consistently selling well.
As a result of Mercedes-Benz intention to oust the wagon from the system, the new C-Class, which is due this year, won’t have a wagon option. Same goes for the next-generation E-Class, which is scheduled to debut in a year or two.
A wagon lover reacting to the news, expressed his disappointment, saying, “We don’t even get the E 63 S Estate here, which is a bit of a shame, considering it will be the last time the model will be built.”
Mercedes to focus on SUVs
Speaking on the development, Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schafer, indicated that the German automaker is grappling with how to balance the space and practicality buyers love about SUVs with size and aerodynamics to achieve the best range possible. The Officer hinted that Mercedes “may significantly change the shape of SUVs as we know them today, adopting a more coupe-like design to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.”
It is often preached that the wagon body style is perfect for an Electric Vehicle (EV) because it bundles a long wheelbase, where carmakers can pack lots of batteries, with a lower ride height for maximum efficiency. Sadly, wagon sales have dwindled in recent years and it doesn’t make sense for Mercedes to invest in a niche vehicle segment.
Compare that to the SUV range of the GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, G-Class, EQA and EQC. Plus any SUV-coupe variants. It’s pretty clear where Mercedes thinks the money is. Somehow, this is interesting, because rival Audi has consistently pulled sales with its wagon offerings.
According to Automobilwoche, Mercedes may not see the value in offering an electric wagon, but Volkswagen has already teased a possible EV model with the ID. Space Vizzion Concept. Volkswagen is yet to make any production announcements regarding the Space Vizzion, though design elements from it may arrive on the upcoming Aero B sedan.
For now, the only electric wagon models in the market belong to Porsche, the Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo. “We hope other automakers will join Porsche by offering more long-roof EVs.”
Volvo made headlines recently when it announced that sedans and wagons will still play a role in the automaker’s line-up, even as it shifts towards electrification.
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