Mercedes and its lineup of EQE and EQS EVs shifted to a cab-forward design language that’s markedly different from both its E-Class and S-Class sedans and its GLE and GLS crossover SUVs.

At its works meeting in Wolfsburg, Germany on Wednesday, Volkswagen said it has a new three-stage plan to remain competitive in the EV race, an area where it has struggled so far. Stage one is "catch ...