Mercedes-Benz isn’t having its best run right now. Sales slipped by 3 percent in 2024, and 2025 has started worse, with demand dropping 6.2 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The brand also raised eyebrows when it stopped taking orders for all but one of its electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., and plans to discontinue that model by the end of the year. From the outside, it may look like Mercedes is pulling back, but internally, the company is gearing up for its biggest product offensive in history.
According to a recent investor document, Mercedes is planning 18 model launches in 2026, part of what it’s calling “the biggest product launch program in the history of Mercedes-Benz.” The rollout spans all segments, from entry-level vehicles to flagship models, and includes both combustion-engine and electric options. With a comprehensive strategy that blends next-gen EVs with upgraded internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Mercedes is signaling that it isn’t stepping back, it’s reloading.
Breaking Down the 2026 Product Launch
The 2026 roadmap is segmented into three categories, consisting of Entry, Core, and Top End.
Entry Segment: Mercedes plans to release one new ICE vehicle and two EVs. These are likely the next-gen GLA and GLB compact crossovers, expected in both gas and electric versions. This segment is vital as compact luxury crossovers remain among the brand’s most accessible and popular offerings.
Core Segment: This includes staples like the C-Class and GLC. Expect mid-cycle refreshes for both ICE variants, paired with new electric versions. One of the highlights will likely be the new C-Class EV, which is set to compete directly with BMW’s i3 sedan replacement and Audi’s electric A4.
Top End: The luxury flagship tier is getting serious attention. Mercedes plans four ICE and five EV launches here, including major facelifts for the S-Class and EQS. CEO Ola Källenius revealed that the updated S-Class received “a lot more investment than we normally spend on a facelift,” hinting at deeper changes than cosmetic tweaks. Mercedes is betting that its traditional ICE flagship still holds strong appeal.
The 2027 Roadmap: Steady Momentum
2027 will continue the momentum with a slightly smaller, but still aggressive, slate of models:
One new gas-powered model in the Entry class
Two Core-segment ICE models
Five new Top End vehicles, ICE and EV
A Core-segment EV
Five EVs in the Top End segment
Among the more exciting additions is a rumored “Little G,” a smaller, electric sibling to the iconic G-Class Geländewagen, aimed at urban buyers who still want rugged styling in a compact, premium package.
AMG Goes Electric and Loud
Mercedes-AMG, the brand’s high-performance arm, is also turning up the heat. It’s preparing its first dedicated EVs, starting with the GT XX Concept, an electric super sedan that previews a future high-performance EV platform. A matching SUV based on the same architecture is expected to follow.
That said, Mercedes hasn’t abandoned ICE enthusiasts. A new V-8 engine is in the pipeline for 2027, promising to satisfy purists who crave a big, brawny powerplant. This V-8 will be available well into the 2030s, providing a rare lifeline for the internal combustion faithful.
Meanwhile, the future of AMG’s C63 is less certain. Reports suggest that both the C63 and C43 could be phased out in favor of a six-cylinder C53, marking a major identity shift for the model. Questions also linger around whether the CLE63 Coupe and Cabriolet will continue with a V-8 or join the downsizing trend.
A Unified Look Ahead
In addition to its wide-ranging model launches, Mercedes plans to unify the design language across its EV and ICE lineups. This marks a shift away from the EQ brand’s ultra-aerodynamic cues, features that were distinctive but didn’t deliver the expected returns in market appeal. Expect future models to share more cohesive styling, reinforcing the luxury identity that spans gas and electric powertrains alike.
The Big Picture
Mercedes may be facing headwinds in the short term, but its long-term plan is bold and comprehensive. With dozens of vehicles in the pipeline, spanning all powertrains and market segments, the automaker is making a clear statement: it’s not choosing between ICE and EV, it’s embracing both. That strategy may be just what’s needed to re-energize its customer base and secure its position in an increasingly competitive global market.
For fans and customers, the next two years promise plenty to look forward to, whether you’re into traditional luxury sedans, high-performance AMG rockets, or cutting-edge electric crossovers. Mercedes-Benz may be down right now, but it’s clearly not out.
This post originally appeared on EVInfo.net and has been republished by Guessing Headlights with permission.
Comments