Mercedes-Benz CTO: "Expanding Dedicated Electric Platforms to C, E, and S-Class" [IAA 2025]

"Developing Dedicated EV Platforms Separate from Internal Combustion Engines"
Expanding Collaboration with Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft

The Mercedes-Benz Group is developing a dedicated electric vehicle platform for the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class, which previously did not have electric vehicle models.

Marcus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, said during an interview at the Mercedes-Benz Open Space in Munich, Germany, on the 7th (local time), "Going forward, we will develop dedicated electric vehicle platforms for each model, separate from internal combustion engines, and operate the two platforms independently."

Marcus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, is speaking during an interview at the Mercedes-Benz Open Space in Munich, Germany, on the 7th (local time). Photo by Oh Hyunggil

In line with the era of electrification, global automakers are developing their own dedicated electric vehicle platforms. In this context, Mercedes-Benz also intends to expand the number of electric vehicle platforms suitable for its various existing models.

CTO Schaefer emphasized, "If we use the same platform for both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, there will inevitably be limitations in aspects such as interior space and seat size, which would diminish each model's unique character. To preserve the identity of each class and avoid compromise, we plan to maintain two distinct platforms."

He added, "Although the platforms are different, the key concept for unifying the exterior and various other elements is MB.OS (operating system). Future-oriented technologies, such as autonomous driving and infotainment features, will be applied to both platforms through MB.OS."

MB.OS is an intelligent system powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It precisely controls all operating devices and sensors, from infotainment and convenience features to charging systems, intelligently integrating vehicle functions into the user interface. Utilizing a 'chip-to-cloud' approach, it ensures data protection as well as connectivity that keeps vehicles up to date for years.

Marcus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, is speaking during an interview at the Mercedes-Benz Open Space in Munich, Germany, on the 7th (local time). Photo by Oh Hyunggil

CTO Schaefer explained, "We are very interested in technological cooperation with companies such as Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft. While we develop core software like the operating system in-house, our 'plug-and-play' strategy allows for various forms of collaboration for diverse content."

He cited 'flexibility' as the reason why Mercedes-Benz can operate more than 40 models alongside the two-platform strategy. "Our manufacturing plants worldwide are responding with remarkable flexibility," he said, adding that this flexibility is also effective for the electrification strategy.

He continued, "It is true that the pace of electrification worldwide is slower than expected. However, based on our fundamental philosophy of allowing customers to choose what they want, we are flexibly responding to various situations with internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids."

Regarding the recent ultra-large battery supply contract worth 15 trillion won signed with LG Energy Solution, he said, "We are truly pleased to have expanded our cooperation. We are broadening our partnership with LG Energy Solution across various battery cell models, and LG Energy Solution is one of our key suppliers."

Meanwhile, CTO Schaefer addressed recent foreign media reports that Mercedes-Benz would apply next-generation four-cylinder gasoline engines supplied by BMW to new vehicles, stating, "There is no cooperation with BMW regarding four-cylinder engines. We plan to continue using our own engines, including four-cylinder, six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, and even twelve-cylinder engines."