Image: Mercedes-BenzIn 2025, Mercedes-Benz sold 197,300 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), marking a four per cent decline compared to 2024. The downturn was even more pronounced in the passenger car segment and could not be offset by growth in electric vans.However, a positive trend that began in the fourth quarter of 2025 has continued into 2026: during that quarter, sales increased by three per cent compared to the same period the previous year and by 18 per cent compared to the preceding quarter. Driven once again by the new all-electric CLA, Mercedes-Benz recorded particularly strong growth in battery-electric passenger cars in Europe, with a 34 per cent increase. In Germany, growth was even higher at 36 per cent. Globally, Mercedes-Benz Cars’ BEV sales rose by nine per cent to 44,300 units.Due to high demand for the all-electric CLA, production at the Rastatt plant is running at full capacity in a three-shift operation. Meanwhile, at the Bremen plant, the new all-electric GLC is also being produced in a three-shift operation, including additional Saturday shifts. “The new electric GLC has generated more orders in the first three months than any other electric vehicle in our history,” said Mathias Geisen, Head of Sales. Mercedes expects further momentum in its BEV business from the upcoming all-electric C-Class, whose world premiere is imminent.Growth in electric vans outpaced that of electric cars, with a 29 per cent increase to 6,100 units. With the upcoming VLE, another electric van is set to enter the market, and the company has high expectations for it: “The VLE is redefining the segment of the privately positioned van. Its powerful combination of space, comfort, and an unparalleled digital experience creates fresh momentum in the market and opens up new potential for future sales growth,” commented Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.In total, the sales of 44,300 electric cars and 6,100 electric vans amount to 50,400 all-electric vehicles delivered by the Mercedes-Benz Group in the first quarter of 2026. This represents an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and accounts for around 10 per cent of all 499,700 vehicles Mercedes sold across all drive types.mercedes-benz.com
