Mercedes-Benz closed 2025 on a high note, proving that a challenging market does not necessarily mean slowing momentum. The German premium brand delivered 2.16 million vehicles globally last year, with the final quarter turning out to be the strongest of 2025. That late surge was driven largely by renewed interest in electric cars and vans, which are now shaping Mercedes-Benz’s strategy for 2026 and beyond.
As the company heads into a milestone year—140 years since the invention of the automobile—executives are preparing a wide-ranging product offensive built around electrification, software, and premium positioning.
Electric Vehicles Drive Late-2025 Momentum
One of the most telling indicators from Mercedes-Benz’s 2025 results is the acceleration of battery-electric sales toward the end of the year.
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BEV sales rose 18% in Q4 compared to Q3
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Electrified vehicles (BEVs + PHEVs) accounted for 40% of European sales
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Record BEV volumes were achieved in France, Denmark, and India
This growth suggests that demand is no longer limited to early adopters. Buyers are increasingly comfortable choosing electric—provided the vehicles deliver range, performance, and premium quality.
The Electric CLA: A Breakout Star
A major contributor to this success is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which has quickly become one of the brand’s most in-demand models.
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Named Car of the Year 2026 by European automotive journalists
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Order backlog already stretches well into 2026
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Signals a strong acceptance of Mercedes-Benz’s new EV design language
The CLA’s reception confirms that compact premium EVs can succeed when they combine efficiency, modern tech, and recognizable brand values.
Electric Vans Gain Serious Traction
Electrification is not limited to passenger cars. The Mercedes-Benz Vans division also recorded impressive gains in 2025.
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359,100 vans sold globally
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+18% quarter-on-quarter growth in Q4
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+46% increase in electric van sales year-on-year
Electric vans now represent:
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8% of global van sales
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11% of European van sales
This growth highlights rising interest from businesses and families alike—especially in urban areas where emissions rules are tightening.
What’s Next for Vans in 2026?
In March 2026, Mercedes-Benz will debut the Mercedes-Benz VLE, built on a new EV-only platform. Positioned as a luxury people mover, the VLE targets private customers who want space, comfort, and zero-emission driving.
Luxury and Performance Still Matter
While EVs are gaining ground, Mercedes-Benz has not abandoned its high-margin core segments.
G-Class: A Record Year
The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class achieved its best sales year ever, with deliveries up 23%. The introduction of an electric G-Class helped attract new customers without alienating traditional fans.
Mercedes-AMG Momentum
The performance arm Mercedes-AMG delivered 145,000 vehicles in 2025, a 7% increase year-on-year. This confirms that demand for high-performance vehicles remains strong—even as drivetrains evolve.
The Top-End segment (AMG, G-Class, and luxury flagships) now accounts for 15% of total Mercedes-Benz sales, reinforcing the brand’s premium strategy.
What Mercedes-Benz Is Launching in 2026
Mercedes-Benz plans to celebrate its anniversary year with a wave of new and refreshed models.
Key Updates
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Facelifted S-Class
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Updated GLE and GLS SUVs
Major Electric Launches
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Electric C-Class
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Market launch of the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC
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Electric Mercedes-Benz GLB
All new EVs will run on the brand’s next-generation MB.OS operating system, designed to deliver a more intuitive, software-first experience that Mercedes-Benz describes as a digital “welcome home.”
A Confident Outlook Despite Global Challenges
2025 was not without obstacles. Supply chain pressures and intense competition in China weighed on performance in some regions. However, growth in South America and the Gulf States helped balance weaker markets.
With:
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A strong order book
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Rising EV demand
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A full pipeline of new products
Mercedes-Benz enters 2026 in a position of confidence—ready to blend heritage, luxury, and electrification at scale.
Mercedes-Benz ended 2025 with strong global sales momentum, fueled by rising demand for electric cars and vans. With EVs accounting for 40% of European sales and major launches planned for 2026—including electric C-Class, GLC, and GLB—the brand is positioning electrification and software as the foundation of its next growth phase.
