Mercedes-Benz reports Q1 2026 sales with strong electric vehicle growth

Mercedes-Benz reports Q1 2026 sales of 499,700 vehicles, highlighting strong EV growth, rising demand in Europe and the U.S., and challenges in China.

Electric vehicle sales at Mercedes-Benz posted double-digit growth, while the new electric GLC generated more orders in its first three months than any EV in the brand’s history. Against this backdrop, the company closed the first quarter of 2026 with 499,700 cars and vans sold, holding overall volumes steady despite pressure from China.

The quarter exposed a clear regional split. Outside China, sales rose by 5%, driven by strong performance in Europe and the United States. Europe grew by 7%, Germany by 9%, and the U.S. surged 20%. At the same time, China declined sharply by 27%, reflecting a planned model transition and tougher market conditions, even as Mercedes-Benz retained its leading position in the segment above 1 million RMB.

Electric vehicles were the standout story. BEV sales increased by 11% at Group level, with Europe up 34% and Germany up 36%. The new electric CLA played a central role, supported by a range of up to 792 km (WLTP) and fast charging capabilities of up to 320 kW. Production is already running in three shifts at the Rastatt plant to keep up with demand.

Momentum extends across the new product portfolio. The electric GLC, offering up to 715 km of range and rapid charging of up to 305 km in 10 minutes, is produced in Bremen in three shifts, including additional Saturday shifts. Order books for the CLA, GLC and GLB are filled well into the second half of the year, reflecting strong customer interest. This aligns with a broader rollout that includes the new S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and updated GLE and GLS.

The results underline a broader strategic shift. Electrified vehicles accounted for 41% of sales in Europe, while the global share stood at 19%, influenced by a reduction in plug-in hybrids in China. Across the wider market, around 20% of new car registrations in Europe are now fully electric, reinforcing the momentum behind models like the CLA and GLC.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz is introducing its new digital backbone. The MB.OS operating system, first deployed in the CLA, integrates infotainment, driver assistance and vehicle control systems. In China, it is paired with locally adapted digital solutions tailored to customer expectations.

The Top-End segment remains a core pillar, accounting for 15% of sales. Demand for Mercedes-Maybach rose by 34% in the U.S., while Mercedes-AMG grew by 5%. Certain hybrid AMG models recorded even stronger gains, highlighting continued demand for high-performance vehicles alongside electrification.

In vans, the picture is more mixed. Total sales declined by 3% to 80,300 units, but electric vans grew by 29%, increasing their share to 8% globally and 10% in Europe. The new electric VLE, built on the VAN.EA architecture and offering over 700 km of range, is expected to strengthen the brand’s position in this segment.

Overall, the quarter shows that Mercedes-Benz is now relying not only on an expanding lineup but also on tangible demand for its new electric models. The next phase will depend on how quickly production can scale and whether growth in Europe and the U.S. can offset ongoing weakness in China.