Mercedes GLC and GLE Coupé SUVs to be discontinued

Mercedes will invest heavily in transitioning to an all-electric lineup in the future

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly considering retiring two popular coupe-like SUV models: the GLC Coupé and GLE Coupé as part of an ongoing review of its internal combustion engine vehicle lineup. The move comes in response to the German luxury carmaker’s broader strategy to streamline its product portfolio and transition to an all-electric future.

The GLC Coupé and GLE Coupé currently top the list of reviewed models. Mercedes-Benz has dropped several other combustion engine models from its lineup, including the C-Class coupe, S-Class coupe, CLS sedan and X-Class pickup truck. Initially, the company planned to discontinue production of the A-segment hatchback and B-segment MPV by the end of 2024, but now these models have been temporarily postponed to 2026.

Further model cuts are expected to be announced soon. However, they did not comment specifically on the fate of the GLC and GLE Coupé, saying that “every current model is under review” as part of an ongoing review process.

The shift to fewer model derivatives is consistent with Mercedes’ heavy investment in electric vehicle development. The company is actively working on the development of new electric models, the first of which – the third-generation CLA sedan based on its new MMA platform – will debut later this year. The model will be available in fully electric and internal combustion engine versions. By 2025, successors to the CLA Shooting Brake, EQA and EQB are also expected to join the line-up.

Although the GLC Coupé is in the early stages of its second generation, with an expected life cycle of seven years, and the GLE Coupé has been facelifted for 2019, Mercedes’ strategy seems to favor a leaner vehicle portfolio to adapt to the ongoing The evolving automotive industry landscape.

As Mercedes-Benz accelerates its transition to electric vehicles, the potential discontinuation of the GLC and GLE Coupé SUVs highlights the brand’s broader efforts to simplify its product range and invest in the next generation of electric vehicles.

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