Mercedes-Benz delivered strong growth in battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales during the second quarter of 2026, as the automaker’s expanding lineup of next-generation EVs continued to gain traction across global markets. While overall vehicle sales faced pressure from challenging market conditions in China, demand for new electric models helped offset regional weaknesses and positioned the company for a stronger second half of the year.
The Mercedes-Benz Group sold 511,900 passenger cars and vans worldwide during the second quarter, representing a 2% increase compared with the first quarter of 2026. Sales outside China rose by 3% year-over-year, supported by healthy demand in Europe and North America.
Most notably, global battery-electric vehicle sales climbed 50% year-over-year, highlighting growing customer acceptance of Mercedes-Benz’s latest EV portfolio.
Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales
Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 417,800 vehicles globally during the quarter, down 8% from the same period last year. However, the decline was largely driven by ongoing competitive pressures and product transition timing in China.
Outside China, the picture was considerably stronger:
– North America: +13%
– Europe: +4%
– Germany: +6%
Mercedes-Benz said its largest-ever product launch program is beginning to show results, with exceptionally strong customer demand for the all-new electric GLC, electric CLA, and electric GLB. The company also confirmed that the all-new electric C-Class, available to order in Europe since May, will begin customer deliveries in the coming months. Meanwhile, the all-new electric GLA is scheduled to make its world premiere later this month.
EV Sales Continue Accelerating
Battery-electric vehicle sales reached 52,900 units worldwide, representing a 51% increase compared with Q2 2025.
Europe led the company’s electric growth:
– BEV sales increased 87% to 43,500 vehicles
– Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26% of Mercedes-Benz sales in Europe
– In Germany, BEV sales more than doubled, lifting EV share to 24%
Globally, battery-electric vehicles represented 13% of Mercedes-Benz Cars sales, a significant improvement over 7.7% one year earlier.
Including plug-in hybrid models, Mercedes-Benz sold 87,500 electrified vehicles (xEVs) during the quarter, giving electrified models a 21% global sales share. Europe remained the company’s strongest electrification market, where xEVs accounted for 43% of total deliveries.
The company expects electric sales to continue accelerating throughout 2026 as additional new models become available worldwide.
Europe and North America Deliver Solid Growth
Europe remained one of Mercedes-Benz’s strongest regions in the second quarter.
Sales rose 4% to 166,400 vehicles, while year-to-date deliveries are up 5%. Germany also posted healthy gains, with sales increasing 6% to 56,000 units during the quarter.
The strong performance was driven by successful launches of the electric CLA, electric GLC, and electric GLB, alongside growing customer demand for Mercedes-Benz’s expanding EV lineup.
North America also recorded impressive results.
Regional sales climbed 13% to 91,300 vehicles, while U.S. deliveries increased 10% to 81,900 units. The company’s Core segment performed especially well, helped by continued demand for the GLE and GLE Coupé as Mercedes-Benz prepared dealerships for additional model launches later this year.
China Remains Challenging but Strategically Important
China continued to be the company’s weakest major market during the quarter.
Sales declined amid intense competition, cautious consumer spending, ongoing model transitions, and softer demand for internal combustion vehicles. Despite the challenging environment, Mercedes-Benz retained its leadership position in China’s premium vehicle segment priced above RMB 1 million.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce several new products tailored specifically for Chinese customers during the second half of 2026. These include the long-wheelbase electric GLC L, the new S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and the updated GLE.
The company will also introduce a new generation of locally developed infotainment technology featuring AI-powered cockpit functions and advanced intelligent driving assistance systems across most of its lineup over the next year.
Product Mix Highlights
Mercedes-Benz’s premium Top-End segment delivered 58,100 vehicles during the quarter, with planned product transitions temporarily affecting deliveries. However, the iconic G-Class continued to perform strongly, recording:
– 3% global sales growth
– 25% growth in Europe
– 42% growth in Germany
– 66% growth across Rest of World markets
The Core segment remained the company’s largest business, delivering 249,300 vehicles, supported by continued demand for the GLE and GLC. Mercedes-Benz expects the electric GLC to become an increasingly important contributor during the second half of the year as production ramps up.
The Entry segment sold 110,400 vehicles, benefiting from strong early demand for the new CLA and GLB.
Mercedes-Benz Vans Also Expand Electric Sales
Mercedes-Benz Vans sold 94,100 units globally during the second quarter despite a competitive commercial vehicle market.
Outside China, van sales increased 5%, with particularly strong momentum in North America:
– North America: +23%
– United States: +28%
– Europe: +5%
Electric vans continued to gain market share.
Global eVan sales increased 46%, raising the electric share of van deliveries from 7% to 11%. In Europe, electric vans accounted for 13% of total sales.
Demand remained strongest for large commercial vans, where deliveries increased 15%, while the newly launched electric VLE is now available to order in 16 markets. Built on Mercedes-Benz’s new modular Van Architecture, the VLE targets both family buyers and premium shuttle operators, marking another important step in the company’s expanding electric commercial vehicle strategy.
Outlook
Mercedes-Benz enters the second half of 2026 with strong momentum in its electric vehicle business. Demand for the company’s latest EVs—including the electric GLC, CLA, GLB, and upcoming electric C-Class—has significantly strengthened order books across key global markets.
Although competitive pressure in China continues to weigh on overall sales, robust growth in Europe and North America, combined with rapidly increasing BEV adoption, suggests Mercedes-Benz is well positioned to expand both electric vehicle deliveries and overall sales during the remainder of 2026.
