Mercedes-Benz unveils clandestine strategy: Prepared to launch 15 electrified automobile models
Mercedes-Benz is set to lead the charge in the electric vehicle (EV) market with a robust lineup of 15 new electric models by 2027. This ambitious plan, the largest product launch in the company's history, marks a significant shift towards electrification and a new design philosophy that emphasises elegance across EVs.
The new lineup falls into three tiers: Entry, Core, and Top-End.
Entry Tier (expected 2025 launches)
In the Entry Tier, electric versions of the GLA and GLB compact SUVs are expected as revamped models, targeting the base of the lineup.
Core Tier (2025-2027 launches)
The Core Tier includes an all-electric GLC SUV, expected to debut in 2025, and an electric C-Class sedan also arriving in 2025, followed by a C-Class estate version anticipated for 2027.
Top-End Tier (2026-2027 launches)
The Top-End Tier will see five new electric models debut in 2026 and another five in 2027. These include refreshed versions of flagship EV sedans EQE and EQS, their SUV counterparts, and a luxury electric van comparable to the Volvo EM90, planned for 2027. Additionally, a road-going version of a new AMG GT XX super saloon is part of this wave.
While exact EV versions of the E-Class and S-Class have not been explicitly detailed, the extensive Top-End segment refresh strongly suggests updated or new electric variants of these flagship sedans will be included among the multiple launches by 2027.
Design Direction
The 2027 electric GLC SUV will introduce a new "sensual purity" design language, aligning EV styling closer to Mercedes' traditional internal-combustion models for a more elegant and less concept-like appearance.
Electric Strategy and Challenges
Mercedes-Benz's electric strategy aims to consolidate its leading position in the premium segment, but the increasing brand presence of BYD poses a challenge.
All new models will be primarily designed for electric drives but will also allow hybrid variants. For 2027, the estate version of the C-Class, popular among European customers, is set to be introduced.
In the "Core" segment, Mercedes plans to introduce two new electric models in 2026 and another in 2027. The prestigious C-Class is likely to follow as a limousine on the same pure electric architecture in an unspecified year. The electric successors of the S-Class and E-Class, both as limousines and SUVs, are expected.
A performance SUV is also teased, both electric vehicles will be based on the newly developed AMG.EA platform. Two further models in the "Entry" segment are yet to be announced, but industry experts speculate they could be the electric successors of the popular compact SUVs GLA and GLB.
The offensive begins in the "Entry" segment with the new electric CLA, the first model on the MMA platform. In 2026, an electric shooting brake version of the CLA will be introduced.
AMG, the sports car manufacturer, will have two completely independent full electric vehicles, not based on existing Mercedes models. The "Concept AMG GT XX" is a taste of one of the upcoming four-seater sports limousines.
Bernd Foertsch, the board and majority shareholder of the publisher Boersenmedien AG, has positions in Mercedes-Benz Group AG financial instruments.
Here's a summary of the planned new electric models:
| Segment | Planned New Electric Model(s) | Launch Timing | |-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | GLA | Entry-level compact electric SUV (revamped) | ~2025 | | GLB | Entry-level compact electric SUV (revamped) | ~2025 | | GLC | Core-tier electric SUV (new model with new design language) | 2025 | | C-Class | Electric sedan (2025) and estate (2027) | 2025, 2027 | | E-Class | Likely part of Top-End refreshed electric sedans | 2026-2027 | | S-Class | Likely part of Top-End refreshed electric sedans | 2026-2027 | | Luxury Vans | VLE luxury electric minivan comparable to Volvo EM90 | 2027 | | AMG Super Saloon| Road-going AMG GT XX electric super saloon | 2027 |
- Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce revamped electric versions of the GLA and GLB compact SUVs in the Entry Tier, targeting the base of their lineup.
- The Core Tier includes an all-electric GLC SUV, an electric C-Class sedan, and an electric C-Class estate, all scheduled to launch between 2025 and 2027.
- Five new electric models are set to debut in the Top-End Tier in 2026 and another five in 2027, including refreshed versions of the flagship EV sedans EQE and EQS, their SUV counterparts, and a luxury electric van comparable to the Volvo EM90.
- While Mercedes has not explicitly detailed electric versions of the E-Class and S-Class, the extensive Top-End segment refresh suggests updated or new electric variants of these flagship sedans will likely be included among the multiple launches by 2027.
