Demand for BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC exceeds expectations

Mercedes-Benz is producing the new battery-electric GLC, which was unveiled at the IAA Mobility in September, at its Bremen plant using a three-shift system, supplemented by additional shifts on Saturdays to meet high demand. The German Der Spiegel reports to have learned this from sources within the company. Last week, Mercedes’ Sales Director, Mathias Geisen, stated during the presentation of the 2025 sales figures: “Following the outstanding start of the new CLA, demand for the new all-electric GLC is now also significantly exceeding our expectations.” The company added that ‘order books [are] already filled well into the second half of 2026.’ In other words, customers ordering an electric GLC now may have to wait until autumn 2026.

According to the report, the situation at BMW is similarly positive. The BMW iX3, also unveiled at the IAA and the first model based on the Neue Klasse platform, is reportedly in ‘exceptionally high demand’ from both private and fleet customers. Sources within BMW told Der Spiegel that there has been a ‘very high volume of orders.’ As a result, the company plans to accelerate production at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary and introduce an additional shift earlier than planned.

Furthermore, the battery-electric iX3, which offers an impressive range of 805 kilometres, is achieving a particularly high ‘conquest rate’—meaning BMW has attracted many new customers who previously drove vehicles from other brands. One in three iX3 orders comes from a new customer. This is notable given that only ‘blind orders’ have been possible so far, as the model will not be available at BMW dealerships until March, and test drives will only be possible from then.

With the Neue Klasse, BMW is taking the next step in the electrification of its model range. The eponymous, ground-up electric architecture will underpin a model family of up to eight vehicles, with the iX3 electric SUV—directly competing with the Mercedes GLC—leading the way. Both models start at around €70,000, measure approximately 4.80 metres in length, feature 800-volt technology, and offer exceptionally high charging power and range. BMW plans to follow up soon with the Munich-built i3 saloon and later the i3 Touring estate.

While the BMW Group increased its electric vehicle sales by 3.6 per cent to 442,072 units last year—even without the Neue Klasse—achieving a global battery-electric vehicle share of around 18 per cent, Mercedes saw a 4 per cent decline to 197,300 electric vehicles. Mercedes’ BEV share stood at just 9.4 per cent. While BMW appears poised to continue its success in electric vehicles with the Neue Klasse, Mercedes is relying on new battery-electric models like the GLC and CLA to reverse the trend.

spiegel.de (in German)