BlueYonder

If they go to a PHEV design with a four cylinder motor, they will be able to eliminate the smaller 48v battery and use a larger EV battery like the previous generation GLE 550e or the current BMW X5 45e. Not sure where they would put the EV battery without losing interior volume (unless the current GLE was designed with this in mind).

PandaSPUR

I assume the battery will replace that hidden storage underneath the cargo area.

jsa1983

That’s right. That’s why the PHEV does not allow a 7-seater setup. Otherwise, I would have gone for that instead of the 450.

Ron.s

The E Performance was originally designed to be self charging like the present car with a small battery that might fit under the rear seat. It was only going to last in full EV mode for a few miles. During testing they found that it didn’t sufficiently charge so had to change it to a PHEV. Maybe they will increase the battery size too but that remains to be seen…. Packaging of the battery is one factor but it might be more difficult to add the dual Axial Flux electric motors and two speed differential without changes to the rear body/frame of the vehicle. The Axial Flux is a smaller/lighter motor but larger in diameter. That’s why I assume it won’t happen until a redesign. The E Performance was designed to increase performance with only a small side benefit of a 6% increase in EPA.
Edit-The Axial Flux should not be confused with the more advanced Flux Capaciter used for time travel🤫

mikapen

It's my understanding that all Mercedes' chasses will become modular, designed around EVS.
The ICE cars will be built on the same modular chasses.
​​​​​​I'll try to find a link to articles I've seen.