Mercedes pivots on powertrain strategy as its EVs fail to take off

Mercedes-Benz is bringing 25 new and updated models to showrooms this year, including entry and midsegment vehicles such as the redesigned E-Class and new plug-in hybrid GLC crossover.

The automaker is backing off its electric vehicle push as U.S. consumers cool to its zero-emission offerings.

At a meeting in April, Mercedes told retailers it would boost combustion engine and hybrid vehicle supply in 2024. The automaker plans to expand its plug-in hybrid offerings in the second half with the GLC.

The automaker is tweaking product development plans and taking a page from rival BMW. Future models will share platforms and support gasoline-only, hybrid and electric powertrains. Mercedes will ditch the jelly bean design and EQ branding on future EVs.

The luxury brand plans to maintain its premium pricing strategy but will add content to improve marketability in a high-interest and competitive environment. Entry-level versions of the GLE crossover and E-Class sedan will be rear-wheel drive to lower the starting price by about $2,500.

EQE crossover: The electric midsize crossover debuted early last year. The single-motor rwd EQE 350+ and dual-motor EQE 350 4Matic deliver 288 hp. The more powerful EQE 500 4Matic variant pumps out 402 hp. Last summer, Mercedes expanded the lineup with a 677-hp high-performance AMG version.

A freshening is expected in early 2027.

Dealers described the next generation of models as bigger and sportier.

The GLA crossover is streamlined and has a lower roofline, while the GLB utility model has a squared-off rear similar to the GLS large SUV. The GLC compact crossover has a longer wheelbase, while the C-Class sedan bulks up to midsize E-Class proportions.

G-Class EV: Mercedes is taking its famous off-roader electric in September. The "Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology" retains the iconic boxy ladder frame design but ditches a combustion engine for a quartet of electric motors and a hefty 116-kilowatt-hour battery.

In the first half of 2027, Mercedes will deliver a compact battery-powered version of the G-Class in the U.S. That model will retain the boxy profile of the original truck and will ride on the Mercedes Modular Architecture, an "electric-first" platform that underpins compact and midsize vehicles.

EQS SUV: The battery-powered large SUV rides on the same Electric Vehicle Architecture, known as EVA2, as the brand's EQS and EQE sedans. A 118-kWh battery delivers up to 339 miles of driving range, as estimated by the EPA. The single-motor rwd EQS 450+ produces 355 hp, while the dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic pumps out 536 hp.

The Maybach version features a redesigned grille that lays the subbrand's signature vertical chrome-plated stripes over a solid black surface. A light strip runs above the grille, incorporating a chrome plate with the Maybach name.

A freshening will take place in the second half of 2026. Mercedes will source the next generation of the EQS SUV from its factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, in 2030.

GLC EV: Mercedes will deliver an electric version of the GLC in the second half of 2026. The crossover will be built at Mercedes' Alabama plant starting in late 2027, according to AutoForecast Solutions.

According to retailers briefed on the new model, the GLC EV will have about 300 miles of range and an all-new design. Dealers said the crossover has rounded front and rear styling rather than the boxy design of the combustion engine variant. The GLC EV has a pair of power domes on the hood and a signature light element across the front.

Mercedes was spotted testing an AMG performance variant in the Arctic this year. The vehicle sported drilled ceramic discs, a lower ride height, a wider track, AMG wheels, AMG-branded brake calipers and new bumpers.

EQB: Mercedes' entry-level electric crossover, launched in the summer of 2022, has received design and tech updates two years later. With a newly designed black panel surface with star pattern at the front, the 2024 EQB visually catches up with its electric siblings. A light band connects the daytime running lights, while a new bumper emphasizes the compact crossover's wide front. Technology improvements include updated MBX infotainment and driver-assistance systems.

Production of the current-gen EQB is set to end in late 2025. The nameplate will be discontinued and replaced by the next GLB, which will support gasoline and battery powertrains.

eSprinter: Mercedes debuted a U.S.-built, zero-emission version of the Sprinter van late last year. Built on the Electric Versatility Platform, the eSprinter offers 488 cubic feet of cargo space and up to 250 miles of range. Powered by an electric motor, the van generates up to 295 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 75 mph. A redesign is possible in 2028.

Electric cargo van: The vehicle rides on the new Van Electric Architecture, or Van.EA, and goes on sale in the third quarter of 2026. It was teased in concept form at Mercedes' Americas dealer meeting last year.

Luxury passenger van: The new model — offered in a seven-seat configuration — will be built on the modular Van.EA platform that can accommodate midsize to large and private or commercial vehicles. The model is a luxe replacement of the Metris van, which was dropped from the U.S. last year. According to GlobalData, the luxury van should go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2026.

Mercedes-AMG EV: A four-door all-electric, high-performance car should arrive in 2027. The vehicle rides on the AMG.EA platform and was teased with the teardrop-shaped Vision AMG concept. Spy shots taken this year revealed a long wheelbase, short overhangs at the front and rear, and a rear deck with a spoiler.

EQS sedan: Mercedes' flagship electric sedan, based on the EVA2 platform, gets a bigger battery and an updated grille design in a minor update this year. A 118-kWh battery will power the EQS, up from the 108.4-kWh battery in the current sedan, which delivers about 350 miles of range. Mercedes has not disclosed the EPA-estimated range for the 2025 EQS sedan, but the 2024 EQS SUV's similarly sized battery delivers 45 additional miles over the 2023 model.

A distinguishing feature is the deep black panel grille with flush-mounted chrome slats, giving it a similar look to the combustion engine-powered S-Class. The iconic Mercedes-Benz star now sits atop the hood.

A freshening is planned for late next year. It will include updated front and rear styling.

Production of the next-gen model is set for September 2028 with U.S. deliveries possible by year end, AutoForecast Solutions said. The model will ditch the EQ branding and share styling with its combustion engine sibling.

EQE sedan: The U.S.-built electric midsize sedan rides on the EVA2 platform. The single-motor rwd EQE 350+ and dual-motor EQE 350 4Matic deliver 288 hp. The more powerful EQE 500 4Matic variant pumps out 402 hp. Mercedes also introduced a 677-hp high-performance version of the electric sedan under the AMG brand.

A freshening arrives in the second half of 2026.

CLA EV: An electric version of the coupe will arrive in the U.S. in late 2025. The CLA EV rides on the MMA platform and should get 400 miles of driving range. It features an 800-volt architecture that enables fast charging of up to 248 miles in 15 minutes. Dealers described the new model as larger than the current-generation combustion engine CLA but with a sleeker profile. The taillights feature the Mercedes star logo pattern, and the dash is dominated by a large display that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment screens.

According to AutoForecast Solutions, a crossover variant begins production in October 2025 in Rastatt, Germany. U.S. deliveries could begin the following year.

G-Class: The gasoline-powered G-Wagen was freshened in late July with a mild-hybrid engine, design tweaks and new interior tech. The updated AMG version should arrive at stores in the fourth quarter.

The G-Class is unlikely to get a full redesign for some time, but it may see some sort of update by 2028.

GLS: Mercedes' flagship SUV received an updated grille and introduced minor changes to the headlight and taillight design last year. A freshening in the second half of 2026 will deliver heavy updates to the exterior and interior.

GLE: The midsize crossover lineup is electrified for 2024 and includes mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and integrated starter generator. Mercedes' second-bestselling nameplate in 2023 also gained a plug-in hybrid variant last year. A 23.3-kWh battery powers the 2024 GLE 450e 4Matic and delivers up to 381 hp. The plug-in hybrid can accelerate to 130 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The high-performance 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE features newly designed LED daytime running lights, and the front fascia bears the AMG emblem on the hood.

The GLE should see a freshening in 2026, similar to the GLS, and an AMG plug-in hybrid variant will arrive then.

GLC: Mercedes broadens its workhorse GLC compact crossover line with a new plug-in hybrid variant arriving in August. The 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic pairs a 134-hp electric motor with a 201-hp inline four-cylinder engine. Based on European testing cycles, a 24.8-kWh battery delivers 81 miles of zero-emission range.

AMG GLC PHEV coupe and crossover models arrive in September. Those performance variants are powered by an AMG 2-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor.

The GLC crossover should receive a freshening in the third quarter of 2027. The coupe variant will be freshened in early 2028.

GLB: For 2024, the small crossover's front and rear styling was refined, with new LED high-performance headlights, dual 10.25-inch displays and an updated MBUX system. Mercedes has added a standard mild-hybrid system consisting of a belt-driven starter-alternator. It briefly provides an additional 13 hp for quicker starts and acceleration under certain conditions.

The GLB crossover gets a redesign in late 2026. The next generation will ride on the new MMA platform and support internal combustion and EV powertrains.

GLA: The entry-level crossover received a light makeover for 2024 that updated the interior and exterior and made the mild-hybrid system standard.

A redesigned GLA is expected in the first half of 2027. Dealers describe the vehicle as streamlined with a lower roofline.

Sprinter: The workhorse van gets minor updates for the 2025 model year, including a new exterior color. Standard equipment includes a new multifunction steering wheel with capacitive sensors, rain-sensing wipers and tire pressure monitoring for dual rear-wheel models.

A redesign is planned for the third quarter of 2028.

Mercedes-AMG GT: Mercedes will bring its speediest production AMG to the U.S. this Christmas.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is an 805-hp monster capable of zipping to 60 mph from a standstill in 2.7 seconds. The two-door coupe is powered by a hand-built AMG 4-liter V-8 engine paired with a performance hybrid system.

A track-focused variant is planned for the second quarter of 2025. The AMG GT 63 Pro sprints to 124 mph from a standstill in 10.9 seconds — 0.5 seconds faster than the GT 63 — and maxes out at 197 mph.

The two-door AMG GT should receive a freshen in late 2027.

The roomier four-door AMG GT received a new front fascia design for the 2024 model year. A plug-in hybrid variant arrived this summer.

Production of the current generation runs through mid-2026. An all-electric AMG model should replace the four-door variant.

S-Class: The flagship gets minor updates for 2025 including new exterior colors.

Last year, the S-Class received a 510-hp plug-in hybrid variant and debuted Mercedes' Level 3 Drive Pilot system. The assisted-driving technology allows the vehicle to control driving functions under certain conditions.

A beefy freshening is expected in the second half of 2026 with updated V-8 engines and new front and rear styling.

The next-generation S-Class, likely arriving after 2028, will offer combustion engine and electric powertrains.

Mercedes-AMG SL: An entry variant of the sporty roadster launched in the U.S. last summer with a new engine and rwd. An AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the SL 43, producing 416 hp for the 2025 model year.

A new 805-hp plug-in hybrid SL AMG variant joins the lineup in the third quarter.

The Porsche 911 fighter should receive the Maybach treatment in the second half of next year. A Maybach SL-Class prototype has been spied in Germany this summer. The camouflaged convertible teased a new grille design and updated bumpers.

The SL should be freshened in the third quarter of 2027.

E-Class: The redesigned midsize luxury sedan arrived in the first quarter with new styling and the latest version of MBUX. The 11th-generation model sits on a modified version of the C-Class and GLC platform. It features a short front overhang, a spacious hood, and styling inspired by the brand's EQ electric lineup.

The E 350 variant has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp. The base model was electrified with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a starter generator integrated into the transmission.

The AMG E 53 Hybrid — the first long-range plug-in hybrid from AMG — arrives in the fourth quarter. Based on European testing standards, it will offer 63 miles of zero-emission driving.

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius described the PHEV as "the best of both worlds."

It's "an uncompromised performance vehicle," he said. "But if you do want to drive electric from Monday through Friday to work, you can do that as well."

Mercedes ditched the coupe and convertible body styles with the new generation. A freshening could come in early 2028.

C-Class: Mercedes expanded its workhorse nameplate in the spring with an electrified AMG variant. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance pairs an AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-speed electric motor on the rear axle. The sedan pumps out a combined 671 hp and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The nonperformance C-Class has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

The model will receive a freshening in 2026, and a battery-powered variant will arrive then.

CLE: The new nameplate replaces the C-Class and E-Class coupes. Mercedes said the midsize CLE coupe is the largest in the segment.

The four-passenger model, which arrived in March, is based on the MRA2 platform and powered by four-cylinder and six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines. A cabriolet variant followed in May.

In the fourth quarter, Mercedes will deliver a soft-top 443-hp AMG version powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

A freshening could happen in 2027, GlobalData said.

CLA: The gasoline-powered coupe will receive a redesign in early 2026. According to AutoForecast Solutions, production begins in fall 2025 in Rastatt. The next-gen CLA switches from the current MFA2 platform to MMA, which supports gasoline and electric powertrains.

The redesigned model will have similar styling as its electric sibling and could launch with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.