Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric GLC is sold out across Europe through the end of 2026, with some customers facing waits until late 2027 because of stronger-than-expected demand and supply bottlenecks.
Customers ordering the SUV face delivery waits of at least seven months in Germany, with some versions not expected to arrive until the second half of 2027, dealers said.
“The electric GLC is experiencing exceptionally high demand. In Europe, it is sold out for the remainder of 2026,” a Mercedes spokesperson said.
Delivery times could be even longer for some configurations, with vehicles ordered now not expected until the third or fourth quarter of 2027.
The delays come as Mercedes pushes back U.S. production of the model. Mercedes has delayed GLC production at its plant in Vance, Alabama from November 2027 to May 2030, sources told Automotive News, exposing the model to tariffs for more than two additional years.
The electric GLC, which is built in Bremen, Germany, went on sale in Europe in March. Gasoline and diesel versions of the updated model, including plug-in hybrids, will follow in early 2027. Meanwhile previous generation gasoline and diesel models are being sold.
Mercedes sales chief Mathias Geisen recently acknowledged supply constraints during a roundtable with journalists, without providing details.
German media reports said Mercedes had planned to source batteries from CATL’s new factory in Hungary, but delays related to environmental certification and wastewater issues forced the supplier to ship batteries from China, extending delivery times.
Supplies of wire harnesses were also delayed after production disruptions at a German supplier’s plant in Morocco, the reports said.
The GLC plays a key role in Mercedes’ sales performance. Registrations in Germany were 36,500 through September, accounting for nearly 19 percent of the brand’s volume and making it Mercedes’ best-selling vehicle by a wide margin.
GLC sales across Europe rose 33 percent to 106,648 through September, according to Dataforce market researcher.
The GLC family has been Mercedes’ top-selling model globally in four of the past five years and retained that position in the third quarter of 2026, the company said.
GLC leads Germany’s fleet market
The electric GLC is gaining traction as higher fuel prices improve the economics of EV ownership. In Germany, fully electric versions accounted for 44 percent of GLC registrations between April and September, up from 10 percent previously. The share exceeded 50 percent across Europe and 25 percent worldwide, Mercedes said.
Demand is particularly strong among corporate customers. The GLC was Germany’s best-selling fleet vehicle in September, according to Dataforce.
The latest generation of premium EVs is attracting significantly more buyers than its predecessors, said Benjamin Kibies, a senior automotive analyst at Dataforce.
Models such as the Audi A6 and Q6 E-tron, BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles and the electric GLC benefit from longer driving ranges and faster charging, making them better suited for long-distance driving and fleet use.
“The technology has matured considerably compared with the previous generation of electric vehicles,” Kibies said.
Mercedes’ delivery constraints come as automakers face renewed demand for EVs. Volkswagen Group recently saw a surge in orders for the VW ID Polo small electric car and related models, the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval, leaving them sold out for several months.
