Mercedes-Benz Sells 491,700 Cars And Vans In Q3 As Electric GLC Drives Record EV Sales

Mercedes-Benz Group sold 491,700 passenger cars and vans worldwide in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 6 percent decline compared with the same period last year. Its year-to-date sales also fell 6 percent to 1,503,200 vehicles, down from 1,601,600 units recorded in the first nine months of 2025.

Of the total third-quarter sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 407,200 passenger cars, down 8 percent year-on-year, while Mercedes-Benz Vans recorded global sales of 84,400 units, representing a 1 percent increase.

According to the company’s sales report published on October 7, 2026, deliveries of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) across the Group increased by 52 percent year-on-year to 78,100 units, despite challenging market conditions, particularly in China.

The passenger-car division recorded its highest-ever quarterly sales of all-electric vehicles, delivering 68,400 units, up 61 percent year-on-year. The electric GLC contributed to the growth, with its sales more than tripling compared with the previous quarter.

“Mercedes-Benz Cars achieved the highest quarterly sales of all-electric vehicles in the company’s history, led by the electric GLC, whose sales more than tripled compared to the second quarter,” said Mathias Geisen, Head of Sales and Customer Services.

Europe remained a key growth market, with Mercedes-Benz Cars sales rising 5 percent year-on-year to 168,700 vehicles. Sales in Germany, the company’s home market, increased by 13 percent, while North American sales rose 4 percent to 83,200 units.

In China, Mercedes-Benz Cars sales fell 31 percent to 86,800 vehicles during the quarter, reflecting intense competition and difficult market conditions in the world’s largest automotive market. The decline contributed to the passenger-car division’ weaker global performance.

Demand for the company’s latest electric models remained strong. Mercedes-Benz said the electric CLA, GLC, GLB and GLA were sold out in Europe for the remainder of 2026, with order books extending well into 2027.

Meanwhile, Top-End vehicle sales fell 21 percent year-on-year to 53,900 units in the third quarter, reflecting weaker market conditions in China and ongoing model changes. The segment accounted for 13.2 percent of Mercedes-Benz Cars’ quarterly sales.

Mercedes-Benz also reported strong customer demand for the new S-Class. Outside China, sales of the flagship luxury sedan more than doubled compared with the second quarter.

Mercedes-Benz Vans, meanwhile, recorded global sales of 84,400 units, up 1 percent year-on-year. Electric van sales increased by 12 percent to 9,600 units, while commercial van sales grew by 4 percent and large van sales rose by 15 percent.

• See Also: Porsche Delivers 178,532 Cars Worldwide In First Nine Months As Global Sales Fall 16%