Mercedes-Benz Unveils Massive EV Expansion in Historic Product Launch

Mercedes-Benz signals a bold pivot toward electrification amid recent sales dips, announcing plans for numerous electric vehicles (EVs) over the next two years as part of what the company calls “the biggest product launch program in the history of Mercedes-Benz.” This strategy aims to rejuvenate demand by blending traditional combustion models with a surge in zero-emission options, according to Motor1.

Electric Models Lead the Charge in Entry and Core Segments

Mercedes targets the compact crossover market with fresh EV entries. The company plans two EVs in the “Entry” segment for next year, likely the next-generation GLA and GLB electric versions. These models build on confirmed plans for electric variants of the GLA and GLB, expanding options for urban drivers seeking efficient, versatile SUVs.

In the “Core” class, which includes the C-Class and GLC, Mercedes anticipates mid-cycle facelifts for gas models alongside purely electric counterparts. The upcoming C-Class EV joins the lineup, offering enthusiasts a battery-powered alternative to the familiar sedan. This raises questions about how these EVs will integrate advanced battery tech and range improvements, though specifics remain under wraps. Building on that, a Core EV without a combustion equivalent arrives in 2027, signaling Mercedes’ commitment to phasing in dedicated electric platforms.

Top-End EVs Get Major Upgrades and New Additions

At the premium “Top End,” Mercedes plots five EVs for next year, including a facelift for the EQS flagship. This update complements a “major upgrade” for the combustion S-Class, where CEO Ola Källenius noted they’ve “invested a lot more in the model update of the new combustion engine S-Class than we normally spend on a facelift.” The EQS refresh could mirror this investment, potentially enhancing luxury features like autonomous driving aids and infotainment systems tailored for long-haul EV travel.

The roadmap extends into 2027 with five more zero-emission vehicles in this segment. Mercedes also introduces the “Little G,” an electric compact off-roader akin to a smaller Geländewagen, appealing to adventure-seeking EV owners who value rugged capability without emissions.

AMG’s Electrified Performance Push

Mercedes’ performance arm, AMG, enters the EV arena with bespoke products. The GT XX concept previews an electric super sedan, set to spawn an equivalent SUV. These models promise high-output electric powertrains, targeting enthusiasts who crave speed and handling in a sustainable package. Meanwhile, AMG develops a new V-8 combustion engine for 2027, available until at least the mid-2030s, but the EV focus underscores a trend toward electrification even in high-performance segments.

Uncertainty lingers around models like the C63, where AMG refuses a V-8 return for its facelift. Reports suggest dropping the C63 and C43 in favor of a six-cylinder C53, while the CLE63’s engine remains unclear. This shift highlights challenges in balancing performance heritage with EV adoption.

Design and Market Trends Signal Strategic Rethink

Mercedes plans a unified design language across ICE and EV models, abandoning the aero-focused EQ styling that prioritized slipperiness but underperformed in sales. This adjustment acknowledges that efficiency alone doesn’t drive buyer interest; instead, cohesive aesthetics could boost appeal for EV adopters seeking familiar luxury cues.

Despite sales declines—3% in 2024 and 6.2% in early 2025—the influx of 18 models next year, including multiple EVs, positions Mercedes to capture growing EV market share. Trends show consumers favoring versatile, tech-laden vehicles, and this lineup addresses that by covering entry-level crossovers to top-tier sedans. Economically, the push could stabilize revenue through premium pricing, while operationally, it enhances charging infrastructure compatibility and range for daily use. No regulatory details emerged, but the EV emphasis aligns with global emissions standards pushing automakers toward zero-emission fleets.

Overall, Mercedes’ roadmap offers EV enthusiasts diverse choices, from compact daily drivers to performance icons, fostering optimism for the brand’s recovery.

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.