Mercedes-AMG is steadily advancing development of its long-awaited all-electric GT 4 Door Coupe, and to give the project some star-powered visibility, it has enlisted Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt.

Fresh from his work on the upcoming Formula 1 film, Pitt made an appearance in Las Vegas during last weekend’s Grand Prix, where he took center stage in a new promotional push for the car.

Read: Mercedes-AMG’s New Hyper Sedan Sheds Most Of Its Camo At Vegas GP

The German brand brought along a lightly-disguised prototype of the new AMG GT 4 Door Coupe to Sin City, offering Mercedes F1 driver George Russell the chance to drive it down the Strip. The same car was also used in a commercial filmed with Pitt and Russell that highlights some of the car’s performance prowess.

In the video, Brad Pitt rocks up at a valet counter to pick up the keys to his ride, which is the camouflage prototype. The valet worker calls on the driver, none other than Russell himself, to bring the car up to Pitt.

In the process, Russell performs some epic burnouts and drifts through the hotel’s underground car park before bringing it up to the hotel’s entrance and handing it over to Pitt.

What Powers It?

The car featured is the road-going version of the AMG GT XX prototype that was unveiled earlier this year. Like that car, the production model has a sleek design that should nicely position it as a rival to the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT.

While the idea of an all-electric sedan from AMG will no doubt upset some purists, it’s clear the carmaker is eager to ensure it is fun to drive and provides more than enough driving thrills.

Underpinning the new AMG GT 4 Door Coupe is the AMG-EA platform using aluminum, steel and lightweight fiber composites in its construction. Like the concept, it should use a trio of axial flux motors combining to pump out upwards of 1,000 hp.   

Mercedes’ electric vehicle push has been an unmitigated disaster and things aren’t looking up as the company has announced the 2026 CLA EQ will start at $47,250 before a $1,250 destination fee. That’s $4,500 more than the outgoing gas-powered model and just $2,400 less than the C-Class.

That’s pretty pricey, but the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology features an 85 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

More importantly, the model has an impressive EPA range of up to 374 miles (602 km). The car also has a 320 kW DC fast charging capability, which enables the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 22 minutes.

Customers seeking better performance can upgrade to the $49,800 CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. It has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Thanks to the extra oomph, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time falls to 4.8 seconds. However, this comes at a price as the range plummets to 312 miles (502 km).

Comes Nicely Equipped

Putting powertrains aside, the CLA 250+ comes equipped with LED lighting units and an illuminated grille that features 142 individual stars. They’re joined by rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic glass roof,  and 17-inch wheels.

The interior comes nicely equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and heated power front seats wrapped in MB-Tex upholstery.

The compact sedan also has “smoky silver trim,” an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an automatic climate control system. They’re accompanied by facial recognition technology and a selfie/video camera.

A host of driver assistance systems come standard including Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist Plus. They’re joined by Evasive Steering Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Car-to-X communications technology.

Want More?

Upgrading to the Exclusive trim adds flush-mounted door handles and Keyless-Go. Bigger changes occur inside thanks to a wireless smartphone charger, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a 64-color ambient lighting system. The trim also adds a rear center armrest with cup holders as well as MB.Drive Parking Assist.

The range-topping Pinnacle trim comes standard with the MBUX Superscreen, which adds a 14-inch front passenger display. It’s joined by fancier LED headlights, a head-up display, a hands-free power trunk, and illuminated door sills. The model also has digital key technology and MB.Drive Parking Assist 360.

A dizzying array of options will be available including AMG Line and Night Packages as well as 18- to 19-inch wheels. Customers can also get leather seats, stainless steel pedals, and aluminum or wood trim. Other niceties include a heated steering wheel and a 16-speaker Burmester premium audio system.

Germany’s car-check watchdog has crunched the reliability numbers and once again, Tesla finds itself parked at the very bottom of the heap. The 2026 TÜV-Report, covering annual roadworthiness inspections of approximately 9.5 million vehicles between July 2024 and June 2025, found that Tesla EVs occupied the two bottom spots in the league table.

The Model 3, which was the worst-ranked car for the two previous years was found to have a defect rate of 13.1 percent, meaning one in every 7.6 cars in the two-to-three-year-old ages group failed the Hauptuntersuchung safety check.

Why Is The Model Y So Troubled?

But the Model Y was even worse. It had a defect rate of 17.3 percent, versus 3.5 percent for a Mini Cooper SE, making it the worst TÜV has seen in this age group in a decade. The biggest defect culprits were the axle assembly, suspension, brakes and lighting.

Related: Tesla Is Now The World’s Most Avoided EV Brand And It’s Probably Musk’s Fault

Pulling back to look at the bigger picture covering cars of all ages reveals that 21.5 percent, or one in five cars failed the inspection due to a “significant” or “dangerous” defect, an increase of 0.9 percent on last year, ADAC reported. And the proportion with minor defects rose 0.8 percent to 12.3 percent.

Other reliability villains include the BMW 5-series and 6-series in both the 4-5-year-old and 8-9-year-old age groups, the Dacia Duster in the 6-7 and 10-11 age groups and the Renault Clio among 12-13-year-old cars.

Electric Cars Defect Rate, 2-3 Years Old

Pop the Champagne for VW

But with every list of losers there has to be a list of winners, and for cars that have passed their fourth birthday, this one is headed by Volkswagen.

The VW Golf wagon and T-Roc scored well in the 4-7-year-old categories and the automaker’s Touareg was top of the oldies. The Mazda CX-3 and Mercedes B-Class were also commended.

Looking at the 2-3-year-old group, Fiat’s 500e toped the small car category, proving to Tesla that EVs can be reliable, the Mazda 2 and BMW 1-series were the top-rated small car and compact, and the C-class took the mid-range award (if you’re reading from the US, those classifications will look kinda messed up).

The T-Roc popped up again to take best SUV, and the B-class bagged most reliable nearly-new minivan.

Rate of Serious Inspection Defects

One big change in this year’s study is the introduction of an award for long-term quality, handed out to brands whose vehicles, aged 10+ exhibit the lowest average defect rate for safety-related faults and stand for quality, durability, and good service.

Mercedes took gold with an 18.5 percent defect rate – almost matching that of a 2-3-year-old Model Y – Audi was second with 19.2 percent and Toyota snuck onto the podium’s last step with a 22 percent defect rate.

Winners By Segment, 2-3 Years Old

Winners In Other Age Groups

Mercedes is gearing up to introduce the redesigned GLB on December 8 and the camouflage is starting to come off. This gives us our best look at the upcoming crossover, which will be offered with an electric powertrain.

While the front and rear ends are heavily disguised, the crossover’s profile has been exposed. This reveals an evolutionary design, which closely resembles the Smart #5. The similarities are striking as both have flush-mounted door handles and a corresponding greenhouse. The déjà vu design extends to the lower cladding and pronounced rear haunches.

More: New Mercedes GLB Goes Big On Screens And Stars

Compared to the current GLB, we can see starry new headlights and streamlined bodywork. Designers also gave the crossover a more conventional beltline and a completely new rear end.

The latter has vertical taillights that appear to be connected by an illuminated bar. Elsewhere, the license plate recess has been moved from the liftgate to the rear bumper.

A High-Tech And Screen-Focused Interior

Mercedes revealed the GLB’s interior earlier this month and the model will offer an optional MBUX Superscreen. It should consist of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

Buyers will also find a new steering wheel, a floating center console, and an available wireless smartphone charger. There will also be five- and seven-seat configurations.

Speaking of which, Mercedes said the second-row has additional legroom as well as “noticeably more headroom.” Third-row passengers will find improved entry and egress.

A panoramic glass roof will come standard and customers can upgrade to an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.” One version of the roof will also be able to transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds.

The crossover is expected to echo the CLA and offer an 85 kWh battery pack as well as two powertrains at launch. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor with 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Customers can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

They should be joined by a hybrid powertrain that has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. This enables the European CLA to have outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

SHProshots

Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Mercedes went head-to-head with BMW at September’s Munich Auto Show, with both companies revealing compact electric SUVs, and the Bavarian iX3 definitely looked more dynamic in our view, despite the best efforts of the GLC’s huge new grille.

But AMG is working on its own GLC version that could deliver the stage presence the stock model lacked.

Related: Mercedes Is Preparing A 40-Car Blitz To Reshape Its Future

Our spy photo team caught a Mercedes-AMG GLC EQ prototype testing in Germany, managing to fire off shots of both the exterior and interior and, thus, highlighting some important details.

One is the wider track versus the non-AMG version, the fat forged alloy wheels being pushed to the outer edges of the bodywork to improve both the handling and the visual swagger.

What Visual Changes Will AMG Bring?

Helping push those wheels into the pavement is another AMG-specific detail, a pop-up rear spoiler mounted at the top of the rear hatch. It’s also likely that the spoiler will be paired with a rear diffuser in the production version, even if we can’t see one on this prototype.

SH Proshots

Also not fully visible on this test car is the AMG grille. We know it’ll be massive, probably carrying over the same basic outline as the new full-height grille that got its first outing on the regular GLC EQ in September, and has since been seen again on the gorgeous Vision Iconic GT concept that broke cover a few weeks after.

However, we’re still waiting to see what AMG has in mind for the grille’s center section and whether it will integrate its now-traditional vertical vanes.

Sporty Cabin, Supercar-Rivaling Power

Less mystery shrouds the interior after spy photographers snuck up close to a parked GLC and fired off some shots revealing the presence of a set of heavily bolstered black and red bucket seats. Expect the door panels and center armrest to be trimmed to match by the time production starts, probably midway through 2026.

Of course, no AMG model would be complete without a gigantic injection of horsepower. Mercedes has so far only revealed one powertrain for the GLC, a 483 hp (490 PS / 360 kW) dual-motor setup for the GLC 400 4Matic that draws juice from a 94 kWh battery to deliver up to 443 miles (713 km) of WLTP range.

Not bad, but the AMG version will leave it for dust if (as rumored) it rocks up with three Yasa axial flux motors and as much as 938 hp (952 PS / 700 kW).

SH Proshots

Mercedes teased the E-Class with EQ Technology earlier this year and now spy photographers have caught a prototype undergoing testing in Europe. It will replace the slow-selling EQE and feature a more traditional design.

While the prototype is heavily disguised, it follows in the footsteps of the C-Class EQ and could easily be mistaken for that model.

However, a closer inspection reveals an assortment of changes including traditional door handles and side mirrors located at the base of the A-pillar. The E-Class is also longer and appears to have a flatter beltline.

More: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

The disguise hides a number of details, but we can expect an expressive front fascia with a bold grille that echoes the one found on the GLC and C-Class EVs.

We can also get a glimpse of a wide lower intake as well as temporary headlights. The latter will undoubtedly give way to starry production units, which have become a Mercedes hallmark.

The profile closely echoes the standard E-Class, but it looks like the electric variant might be even longer. While it’s hard to be certain at this point, the prototype appears to have extended rear doors and a larger greenhouse.

Baldauf

Out back, there’s a relatively plain rear end with a curved trunk and a subtle spoiler. They’re joined by a sporty bumper that features an integrated diffuser.

Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but the electric sedan could follow in the footsteps of the GLC. If it does, the model could sport a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

The company has also promised improved noise insulation as well as a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system.

GLC EQ

Little else is known about the car at this point, but the electric GLC gives us some hints at what to expect. It features a 94 kWh battery pack as well as an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables the crossover to get up to 188 miles (303 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.

The GLC 400 4MATIC has a combined output of 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and a WLTP range of up to 443 miles (713 km). The model also offers an intelligent air suspension and a rear axle steering system that turns the wheels up to 4.5 degrees.

We can also expect a heat pump as well as a ‘one-box’ braking system, which promises to deliver a “steady, assured brake pedal feel” regardless of whether the crossover is using traditional brakes or the regenerative braking system.

Baldauf

Whenever an automaker unveils a concept that captures the spotlight, you can almost hear the styluses hitting tablets as rendering artists get to work, grafting the new look onto everything else in the range. And of course, the Mercedes Vision Iconic hasn’t dodged that creative frenzy.

More: Mercedes’ Vision Iconic Grand Coupe Looks Like It Time-Traveled From The 1930s

Digital artist Sugar Design has already dreamed up what a next-generation S-Class might look like if it borrowed the coupe concept’s styling playbook. The result feels sharp and believable, though anyone expecting it to reach production anytime soon might want to take a seat.

Still, considering that many suspect the Vision Iconic could evolve into a future S-Class Coupe, the styling exercise isn’t entirely without merit.

Vision-Inspired Sedan

Sugar Design’s take on the S-Class borrows the illuminated grille, aggressive headlights, and bumper intakes from the Vision Iconic concept, infusing them into a sedan silhouette. The profile features clean surfacing with pronounced front and rear fenders, framing the seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Illustrations Sugar Design

The rear treatment leans toward grand tourer territory, with flowing curves, an aerodynamic roofline, slim LED taillights, and a subtle diffuser. Altogether, it reads as a thoroughly modern luxury sedan that could pass for a Maybach with different badging and a two-tone finish.

More: Mercedes’ Smallest SUV Shows Off New Lighting Signature

The cabin remains speculative, but it’s easy to imagine a softened version of the concept’s Art Deco-inspired interior, blending rich materials with cutting-edge technology.

What’s Next For The S-Class?

The current W223 generation of the S-Class was introduced in 2020, and a mid-lifecycle update is scheduled for 2026. This means that the debut of an all-new model has been pushed back closer to the end of the decade.

Earlier spy shots suggest that the facelifted S-Class won’t undergo a radical redesign. Instead, Mercedes designers will focus on tweaking the lighting units and bumpers, while retaining most of the sheet metal on the profile.

Based on how the GLC EV gained its illuminated grille late in development, it’s likely the S-Class facelift will receive similar treatment. Expect interior updates too, possibly including a yoke-style steering wheel and expanded autonomous driving features.

So what does this mean for the Vision Iconic’s design language? It’s reasonable to assume an evolved version of its styling will influence future S-Class models and other Mercedes flagships arriving in the 2030s. The overwhelmingly positive reception to the concept will only strengthen that direction.

Mercedes Vision Iconic Concept

Mercedes has already confirmed that the next S-Class will offer both ICE and EV powertrain options, signalling the death of the unpopular EQS. Its competition may thin out as well, with the Audi A8 and Lexus LS expected to exit or morph into entirely new formats, possibly even something as unconventional as a three-row luxury van.

More: This BMW M7 Super Sedan Is Too Good To Be Real

This leaves the upcoming Neue Klasse facelift of the BMW 7-Series / i7 as the only European rival, although there are many flagship sedans from China that want a piece of the sales pie. In any case, the sinister looks of the Vision Iconic concept and the expected technological innovation that might come with it could help Mercedes to remain at the top of the segment.

That leaves BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse iteration of the 7-Series and i7 as the S-Class’s main European rival, though several ambitious Chinese luxury sedans are vying for attention. Still, the Vision Iconic’s darkly elegant styling and the technological advances likely to accompany it could help Mercedes maintain its grip at the top of the luxury sedan hierarchy.

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Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, a stunning two-door coupe that shows the brand still knows how to do glamour. Besides the elegant proportions and the illuminated grille, the grand coupe features a retro-inspired cabin and comes with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

The exterior blends styling cues from Mercedes’ past fused with futuristic details. The “Iconic Grille”, first shown in the production GLC EV, proves that a large illuminated panel can look good on a vehicle if the stars align properly. It’s shape is inspired by classics like the W108, W111 and the 600 Pullman. Here, it is combined with the classic Merc hood ornament and aggressive headlights.

More: Have the Germans Finally Got Their Design Act Together Or Are They Still Lost?

The profile is reminiscent of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts from 2016 and 2017, although the overhangs are shorter. The long hood is emphasized by the side gills on the fenders, continuing the lines of the short windshield. The sloping roofline leads to a curved tail, with clear references to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.

According to Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, the show car draws inspiration from “the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s.” He describes it as “a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”

Art Deco Interior

The interior of the Vision Iconic is equally as impressive as the exterior. The company chose the Art Deco movement as an inspiration, targeting “lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury”.

A round (yes, it sounds redundant until you’ve seen how many squared ones exist today) four-spoke steering wheel fronts a transparent Zeppelin-shaped dashboard, while the instrument cluster features animated analogue-style displays reminiscent of fine chronographs.

At the center of the concept’s dash, four traditional-style clocks include one that doubles as an AI companion, adding a futuristic twist to the retro aesthetic.

Seating takes the form of a plush bench trimmed in deep blue velvet, complemented by mother-of-pearl accents and a handcrafted straw marquetry floor bringing us back to the 17th century. Mercedes has also introduced a collection of six outfits for men and women, matching the interior of the concept with a dark blue shade and silver-gold accents.

Technology From The Future

Despite the nostalgic touches, the Vision Iconic packs some serious technology. It targets Level 4 autonomy powered by “neuromorphic computing,” a system modeled on human brain function. Mercedes claims it’s ten times more efficient than current setups at interpreting surroundings and can cut AI processing energy use by up to 90 percent.

More: The EQS Wasn’t Ugly by Accident, But Mercedes Thinks It Knows Better Now

The Vision Iconic also has a steer-by-wire system combined with rear-axle steering for improved handling and agility. The automaker didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain.

Another standout feature is the solar coating that covers the entire body. This finish not only charges the battery but can also deliver up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles) of annual range purely from sunlight, depending on weather and location. With 20 percent efficiency, the coating is adaptable to any color and designed for easy recycling, hinting at a sustainable edge beneath the glamour.

Will It Make Production?

Rumors about the return of a flagship coupe in the Mercedes lineup first sparked earlier this year when the company trademarked a pair of two-door S-Class models in Maybach and AMG forms.

More: This Concept EV Will Morph Into An AMG Super Sedan You Can Buy

However, those designs were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation that’s expected towards the decade’s end should offer both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains.

Whether this new concept is merely a design study or a genuine preview of what’s to come remains uncertain. Still, it is an indication that Mercedes isn’t done exploring the art of the grand coupe just yet.

Rivals for decades, BMW and Mercedes largely fish in the same pool. But while one of the big German brands saw its catch rate tumble, the other is soon going to need a bigger boat, judging by sales figures released this week.

Mercedes shifted 441,500 cars in Q3 (plus 83,800 vans), a drop of 12 percent on the same quarter in 2024, while BMW moved 514,620 BMW-branded vehicles, representing a rise of 5.7 percent. Factor in the BMW Group’s other brands, including Rolls Royce, BMW M and Mini, and total sales hit 588,300, or 8.8 percent more than in Jul-Sep last year.

Related: BMW Somehow Sold Fewer Electrified Cars Than Last Year

What’s really interesting is how differently the two brands performed in certain key markets. In the US for instance, which has been impacted by tariffs this year, it’s probably not a surprise to see that Mercedes sales dropped 17 percent to 70,800 units.

But turning that logic on its head, BMW actually grew its US sales by a whopping 24.9 percent in the same period to 297,247.

And even in China, where both brands – like many Western automakers – are having a tough time, Mercedes fared much worse. Benz sales sank by a shocking 27 percent but BMW escaped with an 11 percent drop. Still terrible, but much less so.

BMW vs Mercedes Sales Q3

The electric (and electrified) numbers deepen the divide. For Mercedes, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries flatlined. The company delivered 42,600 BEVs in Q3, essentially holding steady year-on-year as it battles cost pressures, tariff headwinds, and intensifying EV competition in China.

BMW’s story is more complicated. The BMW Group’s electrified portfolio (including BEV + PHEV) showed healthy growth overall, as it moved 151,282 electrified units in Q3, up 8 percent. But they were down 2.8 percent in the US. Full EV sales in that same period fell by 0.6 percent to 102,864 units globally, though they’re up 10 percent YTD.

Both automakers have some crucial new products coming through including the GLC with EQ Technology and iX3, so it’ll be fascinating to see how those cars impact next year’s numbers.

BMW vs Mercedes sales by region

BMW sales split

Mercedes EQB sales plummeted 36% last year in the United States to a mere 8,885 units. That meant it was even less popular than the EQE lineup, which generated 11,660 sales.

Given this and the fact that Mercedes is working on a redesigned GLB, it probably shouldn’t be too surprising that the EQB is dead. Speaking with InsideEVs, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed, “The EQB has reached the end of its planned lifecycle and therefore will not be offered in the U.S. or Canada after model year 2025.”

More: New Mercedes GLB Spied With A Wild Tail Light Design

While the brand’s entry-level EV is now dead, they added that the company “remains fully committed to electrification and the largest product offensive in the history of the brand is just around the corner. As announced at IAA Mobility 2023, Mercedes-Benz will also introduce two SUVs based on this new architecture.”

This is a not so subtle hint about the next-generation GLA and GLB, which have already been spied undergoing testing. They’ll borrow heavily from the new CLA, which is scheduled to arrive in the United States later this year.

They can’t get here soon enough as the outgoing EQB 250+ started at $53,050 and featured a front-mounted motor developing 188 hp (140 kW / 191 PS) and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque. It was paired with a 70.5 kWh battery pack, which delivered 250 miles (402 km) of range.

The $57,200 EQB 300 4MATIC upped the ante with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 225 hp (168 kW / 228 PS) and 288 lb-ft (390 Nm) of torque. However, it caused the range to drop to a disappointing 205 miles (330 km).

Customers could also opt for an EQB 350 4MATIC, which had an even more powerful all-wheel drive system with 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS) and 383 lb-ft (519 Nm) of torque. Despite being more powerful, this variant had a slightly better range of 206 miles (332 km).

H/T to Motor1

Mercedes and Hot Wheels have joined forces to unveil a one-off CLA. It’s the latest in a Class of Creators series, which also includes the “molten chrome” CLA that was made in collaboration with Ice Spice.

Thankfully, the latest concept is far better as it pays tribute to the “boundless imagination of childhood, when cars were not just a means of transport but also an invitation to dream.” The model also celebrates automotive passion, which tends to be sparked at a young age by 1:64-scale diecast cars.

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

As a result, the CLA has been Hot Wheels-ified as it features pink glass, a widebody kit, and a massive diffuser. They’re joined by a sizable rear wing, mismatched wheels, and a colorful livery.

According to Mercedes, the color scheme draws from the classic Hot Wheels aesthetic, mixing bright orange, pink, and blue tones. The company added the “oversized flames lend a retro-futuristic look reminiscent of 1980s pop culture.”

Road-Going Model Arrives Later This Year

The concept was shown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in El Segundo over the weekend and it will be transformed into a diecast toy next spring. As for the road-going model, the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC EVs are scheduled to land in America later this year.

The former has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

Likewise, the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and traction, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds.

Of course, you’ll probably want to avoid the launch model as it won’t work with 400-volt DC fast chargers. Vehicles with that capability won’t arrive until the spring of 2026 and the company is already warning consumers to “contact your dealer to confirm [compatibility] before purchase.”

Photos Mercedes

For years, many legacy carmakers believed the best way to sell electric vehicles was to make them stand apart from their combustion-powered counterparts. Even today, several brands still cling to that idea. But those days are drawing to a close at Mercedes-Benz, where the next generation of electric and ICE models will share a near-identical look.

The German company explains that early EV buyers wanted their cars to look distinct, which led to designs like the EQS, EQC, and EQE appearing radically different from their combustion equivalents such as the GLC and E-Class.

Lessons From the Jellybean Era

Design chief Gorden Wagener defended the “jellybean” or “egg-shaped” aesthetic earlier this year as “purposeful and very progressive,” though he later conceded that the car “was launched ten years too early” and that the marketing approach hadn’t helped.

Now that early adopters have already made the switch to electric, Mercedes thinks it can turn its attention to mainstream buyers who prefer their EVs to blend in rather than stand out.

Read: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

“Early adopters wanted to be different,” chief technology officer Markus Schäfer told WhichCar? in Australia. “They wanted to show that they were driving an electric car, and now we’re entering the mainstream and mass adoption, and customers don’t want to show that they’re driving an EV. They want the same shape, no matter the drivetrain.”

Same Looks, Different Platforms

This new approach is most evident in the all-electric GLC. Unveiled in full last month, it serves as a replacement to the slow-selling EQC and looks very similar to the ICE variant. Similarly, the new CLA looks the same, regardless of whether it has a battery pack and an electric motor or a combustion engine.

Although its future EVs will continue this trend and share familiar styling with combustion models, Mercedes-Benz continues to insist on using dedicated EV and ICE platforms, rather than developing a single platform that can be used by all of its models, regardless of powertrain.

“In future, the top hat will be the same. The MB.UX intelligence will be the same, but the platform is different,” Schäfer said. Why are we doing this? Eventually you’re compromising when you try to squeeze different drivetrain types into one platform”.

He went on to explain that accommodating everything from six- and eight-cylinder engines to hybrids can eat into battery space, reducing range.

“Fitting both drivetrains to the same platform ultimately ends up with compromise, and we don’t want to offer compromised cars,” he added

More: Mercedes Previews C-Class EV With A Face That’s Bound To Start Fights

The upcoming C-Class will follow the same approach, built on the MB.EA platform with 800-volt technology and a 94-kWh battery pack for the electric version. Teased earlier this year, it’s expected to launch in 2026 as Mercedes’ answer to BMW’s new i3.