Mercedes Plans a Flood of New Model Launches Throughout 2026
- The refreshed S-Class will debut on January 29.
- An all-electric version of the C-Class is expected this year.
- AMG’s first fully electric vehicle built on a dedicated platform will arrive in 2026.
After revealing a major update to the S-Class earlier this week, Mercedes has even bigger plans lined up for 2026. The luxury sedan’s unveiling on January 29 will be followed by the introduction of the Maybach S-Class, boasting an extended wheelbase and a powerful V12 engine. Beyond these flagship vehicles, a range of new models is scheduled to launch over the next twelve months.
This upcoming period marks the most ambitious product and technology rollout in Mercedes’ history, including the debut of the first-ever fully electric C-Class. This EV is expected to share many of its features with the new GLC EQ, an electric SUV that has already secured enough orders to sustain production well into the latter half of the year.
In the SUV segment, Mercedes will refresh the larger GLE and GLS models during the year. More notably, the next-generation GLA is set to arrive in 2026 with an electric variant, replacing the EQA. This move reflects Mercedes’ strategy to unify its internal combustion and electric vehicle ranges under a consistent design language after criticism of its previous overly streamlined styling.
More than ten years after launching the SLS AMG Electric Drive, the AMG performance division from Affalterbach is preparing to introduce its first dedicated electric car. Previewed by last year’s GT XX concept, this new electric super sedan will succeed the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, which has recently been discontinued. Additionally, an electric SUV based on the same platform is planned, although it won’t arrive before 2027 at the earliest.
Besides these confirmed launches, Mercedes is likely to unveil the G-Class Cabriolet within the year. This four-door off-roader with a retractable soft top follows a record-breaking 2025 for the G-Class, which sold nearly 50,000 units last year.
Insights from Motor1: After a challenging 2025, where deliveries fell 9% to 1,800,800 vehicles, Mercedes is relying on this wave of new models to regain momentum. The year 2026 will also see full-year availability of the new CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLB, and the electric GLC. While not officially confirmed, a mid-cycle refresh for the combustion-engine C-Class is also expected, potentially addressing issues with the four-cylinder AMG C63.
Mercedes won’t face the competition alone, as German rivals are also preparing significant launches. BMW plans to release the i3 sedan soon to rival the electric C-Class, along with refreshed versions of the 3 Series and X5 scheduled for 2026. Audi meanwhile has confirmed updated Q7 and the debut of the Q9, alongside a new entry-level electric vehicle.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
