Despite global economic headwinds and shifting tariff policies, Mercedes-Benz Group delivered a solid performance in the second quarter of 2025, selling 547,100 vehicles across its Cars and Vans divisions—a 9% decline year-on-year, but with encouraging signs beneath the surface.
Strong Retail Demand Amid Global Challenges
Mercedes-Benz Cars saw retail deliveries of 453,700 vehicles (-9%) in Q2, influenced primarily by a deliberate strategy to manage inventory and navigate evolving tariff landscapes, particularly affecting U.S. and Chinese markets. However, underlying demand in key regions remained robust. Retail deliveries in the U.S. surged by 26%, and Germany posted a 7% gain, a testament to the enduring strength of the brand’s appeal.
“Overall, we see good customer demand in the U.S. and Germany for our products including our Top-End vehicles, despite tariffs impacting our global sales in the second quarter,” said Mathias Geisen, Board Member for Marketing & Sales at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The Top-End segment, which includes luxury flagships such as Mercedes-AMG and the G-Class, accounted for 14.3% of overall sales. Retail deliveries in this category rose by 5% to 69,000 units, driven by a 19% jump in AMG sales and a remarkable 56% growth in G-Class demand. The U.S. remains a stronghold, with Top-End deliveries climbing 15%, reinforcing the market’s position as Mercedes-Benz’s second largest.
China, despite increased competition, retained Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the Top-End luxury segment for the first half of the year.
Star Performers and Electric Momentum
Globally, the GLC retained its position as Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling model, with Q2 sales up by 9%. The new CLE coupe also gained traction quickly, notching a 30% increase in Q2 and 66% growth year-to-date.
Electrification remains a strategic focus. Plug-in hybrid sales jumped 34% globally, while xEVs (electrified vehicles) reached 40% of sales in Europe and 21% globally. With the successful launch of the all-new CLA EV, Mercedes-Benz is setting the stage for what it calls its “biggest series of car launches” to date, including the anticipated debut of the electric GLC this September.
Vans Division Surges on eVan Demand and Commercial Strength
Mercedes-Benz Vans delivered 93,400 units in Q2, bolstered by an 18% rise in customer deliveries and a 13% increase over Q1 2025. Sales of fully electric vans—or eVans—grew 32% year-on-year, driven by increasing demand across both private and commercial segments.
Sagree Sardien, Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans, highlighted the division’s strategic progress: “We are encouraged to see the intensification of our efforts to deliver a premium customer experience and electrification of the portfolio, translated into a 7% growth for private vans and 42% for eVans in the first half of the year.”
A standout milestone was the record order of 5,000 eVans placed by Amazon’s transportation network, marking the largest single eVan deal in the company’s history.
Looking Ahead
Mercedes-Benz is entering a pivotal phase of its product evolution. The all-new CLA heralds a new generation of electric vehicles, and with major launches scheduled throughout the year and into 2026, the company is poised to strengthen its foothold in the EV space.
On the Vans side, the upcoming VLE private van—which recently completed a long-range test from Stuttgart to Rome on just two brief charging stops—aims to expand the brand’s reach in the premium family and leisure segment.
While the Q2 numbers reflect the challenges of a dynamic market, Mercedes-Benz’s careful strategy, strong brand equity, and growing electric portfolio suggest a promising trajectory through the rest of the year and beyond.
Mercedes-Benz Cars sales by regions and markets
| Europe | 159,700 | +7% | +1% | 308,300 | -3% |
| – thereof Germany | 52,800 | +16% | +7% | 98,100 | -2% |
| Asia | 189,200 | -5% | -16% | 389,000 | -11% |
| – thereof China | 140,400 | -8% | -19% | 293,200 | -14% |
| North America | 80,600 | +5% | -14% | 157,500 | -6% |
| – thereof U.S. | 74,600 | +11% | -12% | 142,000 | -6% |
| Rest of World | 24,200 | +16% | +24% | 45,100 | +20% |
| Q2 2025 | ChangeQ1 2025 | ChangeQ2 2024 | YTD 2025 | ChangeYTD 2024 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Group | 547,100 | +3% | -9% | 1,076,300 | -8% |
| – thereof BEVs | 41,900 | -8% | -18% | 87,300 | -14% |
| Mercedes-Benz Cars | 453,700 | +2% | -9% | 900,000 | -6% |
| – thereof BEVs | 35,000 | -14% | -24% | 75,700 | -19% |
| – thereof xEVs | 94,000 | +8% | +4% | 180,800 | +0% |
| Mercedes-Benz Cars sales by segments | |||||
| Top-End | 64,800 | +0% | -8% | 129,900 | -5% |
| Core | 273,800 | +4% | -6% | 537,300 | -4% |
| Entry | 115,100 | -2% | -16% | 232,800 | -12% |
Source: Mercedes-Benz