Mercedes-Benz and MBUSA Post Q1 2026 Sales Drops

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz and MBUSA Post Q1 2026 Sales Drops

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Mercedes-Benz Group (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) sold 499,700 cars and vans globally during Q1 2026. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported retail sales of 78,500 vehicles during Q1 of 2026, with 70,000 passenger cars and 8500 vans.*

“The first quarter was characterized by sales growth outside of China, alongside an excellent market response to our newly launched models. The new electric GLC has generated more orders in the first three months than any other electric vehicle in our history, while order intakes for the other new models, including the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, significantly exceed our expectations. Further tailwinds will come from the recently unveiled GLE and GLS, alongside the upcoming world premiere of the all-new electric C-Class. As the availability of our new products scales up, we remain highly focused on converting this strong customer interest into overall sales momentum in the coming months,” said Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Sales & Customer Experience.

“Our first-quarter results reflect the resilience of our incredible dealer network and strong demand despite challenging market conditions across the U.S. auto industry. Our core SUV lineup continues to resonate with customers, and top-end vehicle sales remain brisk with strong sustained interest in our awe-inspiring AMG models. With a highly desirable product range that will be further strengthened with exceptional new products on the way, together with our dealer partners we remain squarely focused on delivering an outstanding ownership experience at every touch point,” said Adam Chamberlain, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.

Mercedes-Benz USA Q1 2026 Retail Sales Summary

Expensive Top-End: The G-Class recorded a 16% year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter. Retail sales of the iconic SL climbed 47% in the same period, and overall AMG retail deliveries are up 3% year-to-date. Maybach retail sales increased 22%, “underscoring continued demand for the brand’s most exclusive offerings.”

Core models: The GLE, built in Alabama, delivered a 19% year-over-year increase for first-quarter sales. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama production facility celebrated the 5 millionth vehicle produced in the U.S. last week. The GLC also posted notable sales gains with retail deliveries up 17% over the same period.

Somewhat Less Expensive: CLA continues to build across the U.S. market, with wider availability expected in the second quarter as current production has been prioritized to meet strong demand in Europe.

Vans: Mercedes-Benz Vans reported retail sales of 8500 units in the first quarter. “The brand remains focused on delivering versatile, premium van solutions that support evolving business needs.”

*AutoInformed on

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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