Mercedes C-Class and GLC electric versions confirmed for 2026

Mercedes is betting big on upcoming models to help boost its electric vehicle sales portfolio following a sales decline in the second quarter of 2024

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius has confirmed that Mercedes-Benz will launch pure electric versions of the C-Class sedan and GLC SUV based on the new MB.EA architecture in 2026. The two models belong to Mercedes’ “core luxury” segment and are expected to play an integral role in boosting the brand’s electric vehicle sales mix after the recent market downturn.

“But very, very importantly, as you know, in 2026, MB.EA will launch the electric C-Class and GLC, which is currently the largest segment for electric vehicles for high-end luxury car manufacturers,” Kallenius said during a press conference on the second quarter 2024 financial results. “The faster growth of electric vehicles will come into play when our product line is richer, and that’s what we are doing,” the CEO added.

MORE: 2026 Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV takes aim at Tesla Model 3 Performance

Our spy photographers have already caught camouflaged prototypes of what appears to be an electric C-Class. A Tesla Model 3 rival has also been spotted testing in performance-oriented AMG guise. Something similar is expected for the electric GLC-Class, which has also been spotted testing, hinting at a rival to the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3.

At this point, it’s unclear whether Mercedes will name its upcoming electric car the EQC, or opt for a more traditional alternative that includes the C-Class and GLC nameplates. The tricky part is that existing ICE-powered models will likely continue to be sold alongside the EV models, at least for the next few years.

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Initially, the MB.EA platform was thought to replace the EVA2 architecture currently used in the EQE and EQS models. However, recent reports of a pause in development of the large electric model suggest that the two platforms will coexist for a few years.

When the new models are launched, Mercedes will have a total of four electric vehicle platforms, including the smaller Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that underpins the compact 2025 CLA (which will also be compatible with hybrids) and the AMG-EA that will underpin higher performance models.

Electric vehicle sales are in trouble, but flexibility is coming

In the second quarter of 2024, Mercedes sold 45,843 electric vehicles, accounting for 9.2% of its total sales, which was a 25% decrease compared with the same period in 2023. Global PHEV sales increased by 27% to 44,120 units, with sales in the US market increasing by a huge 524%.

Mercedes board member Harald Wilhelm noted that the MMA-based products in 2025 and the MB.EA-based C-Class and GLC in 2026 will bring “fundamental changes” to the Mercedes lineup in terms of sales and powertrain mix.

MORE: Luxury car buyers who love internal combustion are forcing Mercedes to spend more on gas engines

Speaking about the future of electric vehicles, the Mercedes CEO said: “We will continue to invest heavily in technology, new electric drivetrains, new electric electronic architectures, software and so on to build our next generation of electric vehicles and architectures. As I mentioned, this will actually start with the first car, the CLA, which will be launched next year. And then, actually, over the next few years, we will launch new products again and again.”

As for internal combustion engine cars, Kallenius noted that “flexibility” will be provided “as long as there is substantial market demand”, adding that their goal is to “drive it into the 30s at a reasonable level of investment”. In the same context, he confirmed that Mercedes will “update and update” the “relevant internal combustion powertrain portfolio” to adapt to new emissions regulations around the world. After all, wealthy buyers have already shown a preference for internal combustion engines, which forced Mercedes to reconsider and invest again in gasoline powertrains.

Kallenius even admitted that Mercedes might have to team up with other automakers if electric car sales don’t grow as fast as expected: “By 2025, we need to take a step in Europe. If that’s not enough, then you have to think about joint solutions.”

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