Mercedes launches EV push in the top-end segment
The investor presentation lists 15 electric models scheduled for 2026 and 2027, although it does not reveal specific details. Two of these belong – like the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake – to Mercedes’ entry segment, three sit within the core segment, and ten BEVs are planned for the top-end. Alongside these, the company also intends to launch 15 new or updated combustion engine models, though these are distributed slightly differently: nine top-end models, four core models, and two entry-level models.
The presentation shows all new models as a unified silhouette – meaning it’s impossible to deduce from subtle differences in shape whether a car is a saloon or an SUV. However, in the entry-level segment, an electric SUV seems likely: following the coupé-style CLA saloon and its estate variant, the CLA Shooting Brake, one or two compact high-floor models based on the MMA platform are expected to follow – successors to the GLA and GLB, in essence.
Mercedes defines the “core” segment as the mid-size class, marked by the “C” in model names. However, the first BEV model scheduled for 2026 won’t be an electric C-Class but the new GLC with EQ technology, which Mercedes will unveil at IAA Mobility in September.
The company is also shifting its strategy with the GLC. Unlike the current top-end EQE/EQS models, with a dedicated platform and distinctive (and widely criticised) design (or the CLA, which shares its platform and design with combustion models), the new GLC will be developed twice, so to speak. Mercedes will build the electric version and the combustion engine model on separate platforms to fully exploit the advantages of each drivetrain without compromise. Despite being technically two different vehicles, both versions will look as similar as possible.
Mercedes has already previewed the large retro-inspired grille of the electric GLC (see header image). Other potential electric core models include a GLC coupé-SUV and a C-Class saloon with EQ technology positioned above the CLA – or, instead of the coupé-SUV, a C-Class electric estate.
Mercedes initially classified the E-Class segment as part of its core offering. But with only three new BEVs and four combustion models planned in this category, it now appears the focus lies firmly on the C-Class size – the confirmed GLC models alone would account for most of the new core models.
In contrast, Mercedes has announced ten new or revised BEVs and nine combustion engine models for the top-end segment. The carmaker has yet to provide details on specific electric models in this class. However, it’s no secret that the current EQE and EQS saloons, their SUV offshoots, and the G-Class with EQ technology are underperforming. While the electric G-Class is unlikely to see a major revamp soon due to its niche status, the situation is different for the E- and S-Class electric saloons and SUVs. Rumours have long suggested that the EQE and EQS – both built on the EVA2 platform – could switch to an 800-volt system.
Even with a technical update, the controversial design of these models would likely remain. But the same investor presentation mentions a new design language with more “iconic products” for both BEVs and combustion models – suggesting a broader reset may be on the cards. Instead of another facelift for unpopular models, Mercedes could pivot to E- and S-Class saloons with EQ technology – or GLE and GLS in the SUV range. The German carmaker is also expected to count the upcoming luxury van VLE in its top-end portfolio, as well as standalone electric AMG models: a high-performance electric SUV is already undergoing testing, and the GT XX concept car could evolve into an all-electric sports saloon.
insideevs.com, mercedes-benz.com (PDF, p. 25)
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
0 Comments