Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Builds 600,000th G-Class

A legend rolled quietly off the production line this week, but with the same thunderous impact it’s made for over four decades. Mercedes-Benz has just built the 600,000th G-Class – a milestone that marks not just quantity, but enduring quality. The model in question? A Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, finished in Obsidian Black Metallic – a modern electric twist on an off-road classic.

First launched in 1979, the G-Class – affectionately known as the “G-Wagen” – has come a long way from its utilitarian roots. Once a rugged military and commercial tool, it’s now a luxury icon with fans across the globe, from remote mountain explorers to city-dwelling collectors. The G-Wagen’s secret? Staying true to its original DNA while embracing change.

From Diesel Rumble to Electric Silence

The G 580 with EQ Technology represents a major evolution: full electrification. With combined energy consumption figures of 30.3–27.7 kWh/100 km and zero CO₂ emissions, this G-Class is as clean as it is capable. Yet, it still rides on a robust ladder frame, boasts 100% locking differentials, and retains that unmistakable boxy silhouette – ensuring that its performance and presence are as legendary as ever.

A Legacy of Special Editions

Mercedes-Benz has a history of commemorating milestones with ultra-limited editions, and fans still remember the Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s – a nostalgic nod to the W 460 series that started it all. That model, introduced for the 500,000th unit celebration, rekindled appreciation for the G-Class’s roots, with retro design cues and raw mechanical charm. Mercedes hints that this tradition will continue, further fueling collector interest and fan enthusiasm.

One in a Million – Literally

No other Mercedes-Benz model offers as much personalization as the G-Class. Since 2019, the MANUFAKTUR program has opened up over a million individualization options, allowing buyers to create truly bespoke versions of their G-Wagen. Whether it’s heritage paint from decades past or one of over 20,000 available color options, the G-Class has become a blank canvas for its owners’ imaginations.

Evolution Without Compromise

Despite modern touches and luxury-laden trims, the G-Class has never abandoned its core principles. Round headlights, a side-hinged rear door with an exposed spare wheel, and a commanding, upright stance – all hallmarks of the original design – remain intact. It’s this balance of nostalgia and innovation that makes the G-Class unique in today’s automotive landscape.

Still Going Strong

Now one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-running model lines – alongside the S- and E-Class – the G-Class is more than just a vehicle. It’s a statement, a status symbol, and for many, a lifelong dream. The fact that 90% of G-Class customers opt for custom MANUFAKTUR features speaks volumes about its evolving role: from practical off-roader to highly personalized luxury good.

As the 600,000th G-Wagen silently powers out of Graz, it’s clear the G-Class isn’t just surviving in the modern era – it’s thriving. And if this milestone is any indication, the journey of the G-Class is far from over.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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The New Electric Era: Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology Redefines Iconic Design

Mercedes-Benz is ushering in a bold new era—one that pays homage to over a century of design heritage while embracing the electric future with confidence. At the heart of this transformation is the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, a vehicle that redefines the midsize SUV category not just with electric propulsion, but with an evolved design language rooted in the brand’s philosophy of Sensual Purity.

Making its world debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 7, 2025, the electric GLC is the first series production model to feature Mercedes’ striking new iconic grille—a reimagined centerpiece that does far more than cool an engine. Instead, it serves as a design manifesto.

A New Icon, Informed by the Past

The grille has always been a signature of the Mercedes-Benz identity. From the stately proportions of the 600 Pullman to the understated elegance of the W 108 S-Class, the chrome grille has signaled prestige, engineering excellence, and unmistakable presence. The latest iteration on the electric GLC builds on this legacy but introduces a modern twist: minimalistic design, high-tech detailing, and a luminous character.

Framed in chrome and featuring a smoked-glass lattice, the new grille offers integrated contour lighting that forms an unmistakable signature—especially in its optional illuminated version, which features 942 backlit pixels capable of animation. The central star and its surrounding ring are also lit, creating a futuristic front fascia that retains the DNA of the brand while pointing confidently toward what’s next.

“Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future, making our cars instantly recognizable.”

A Bestseller, Electrified

The GLC has long been the crown jewel in the Mercedes-Benz lineup—its best-selling model globally for several years running. With the introduction of the GLC EQ, the brand signals its intent to maintain leadership in the electric luxury SUV space, combining familiar elegance with next-generation performance.

Under the skin, the electric GLC is more than just a conversion. It’s the first vehicle in an all-new family built on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary operating system that functions as the digital nerve center of the vehicle. From battery management to user experience, MB.OS orchestrates everything with intelligent precision and intuitive control.

Inside: A Sanctuary of Intelligence and Elegance

Step inside the new GLC, and the sense of innovation continues. The centerpiece is the MBUX Hyperscreen, a sweeping glass display that integrates multiple digital interfaces into a seamless, curved surface. It’s more than just infotainment—it’s an experience designed to evoke what Mercedes-Benz calls the Welcome Home feeling.

Crafted to adapt effortlessly to different lifestyles and preferences, the GLC’s cabin is a study in modern luxury. Materials, lighting, and layout have been optimized to create an environment that is not only premium, but also emotionally resonant. In a time when digital fatigue is real, Mercedes-Benz aims to deliver technology that feels natural, not overwhelming.

A Confident Future

In many ways, the new GLC represents more than just the future of one model line—it previews the future of Mercedes-Benz as a whole. A future where design, technology, and heritage coexist in perfect harmony. A future where electric doesn’t mean compromise, but rather evolution.

With its refined form, smart soul, and unmistakable presence, the all-electric GLC isn’t just the next GLC—it’s the next Mercedes-Benz.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Holds Strong in Q2, Despite Falling Sales and Tariff Turmoil

Mercedes-Benz Group AG demonstrated resilience in the face of global economic headwinds, reporting solid financial performance for the second quarter of 2025 despite rising tariffs and a dynamic market environment. While the auto industry contends with geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, Mercedes-Benz remains focused on intelligent product development and operational efficiency.

“We achieved robust financial results in the second quarter given the dynamic business environment,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “The best response is to stay on course to deliver desirable and intelligent products, while keeping a tight grip on costs.”

The numbers reinforce that strategy. The Group posted a free cash flow of €1.9 billion in its industrial business for Q2, up from €1.6 billion in Q2 2024. Net liquidity rose to €30.8 billion, reflecting careful financial stewardship amidst volatility. However, group EBIT was significantly impacted by €715 million in one-off adjustments related to efficiency programs and M&A transactions, notably including the sale of operations in Argentina.

Mercedes-Benz Cars: Sales Dip, Hybrids Rise

Mercedes-Benz Cars faced a complex quarter. With unit sales down 9% year-on-year to 453,700 vehicles, the brand was clearly not immune to a cooling Chinese market and the pressure of new tariffs. Still, the company’s strategy of stock management and cost controls helped deliver an adjusted EBIT margin of 5.1% in Q2 and 6.2% for the first half of 2025. Excluding tariff effects, the return on sales would have stood at 6.6%.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) demand proved a bright spot, surging 34% in the quarter. Combined xEV sales rose 4%, indicating continued consumer interest in electrification, even as full EV adoption faces regulatory and infrastructure hurdles in certain markets.

Top-end vehicles — a core pillar of the Mercedes luxury brand identity — accounted for 14.3% of overall car sales. Yet the softer pricing environment and lower unit sales dented profitability, leading the company to revise its full-year RoS guidance to between 4% and 6%.

Mercedes-Benz Vans: Electric Uptick in a Tough Market

Mercedes-Benz Vans also saw sales volume decline 10% year-over-year in a competitive market, delivering 93,400 units in Q2. Nonetheless, adjusted EBIT margins remained strong at 10.4% for the quarter and 11.0% in the first half, bolstered by a 32% jump in electric van sales.

Looking ahead, the vans division is expected to outperform its first-half results in H2, but full-year sales are projected to fall significantly below 2024 levels. The revised guidance sets the return on sales between 8% and 10%.

Mercedes-Benz Mobility: Steady and Stable

The Group’s financial services arm, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, posted an adjusted return on equity of 8.9% in Q2 and 8.8% for H1, slightly ahead of the previous year. Efficient asset management and gains from financial investments helped offset a challenging lending environment and margin compression.

2025 Outlook: Tariff Pressure and Strategic Investments

Despite a solid first half, Mercedes-Benz has lowered its full-year outlook across key metrics, primarily due to tariff implications and anticipated lower unit sales at both Cars and Vans divisions.

  • Mercedes-Benz Cars: Full-year unit sales are now expected to fall significantly below the 1.98 million recorded in 2024. Adjusted RoS is guided at 4–6%, down from 8.1% last year.
  • Mercedes-Benz Vans: Expected to finish the year well below 2024’s 406,000 units, with a revised RoS forecast of 8–10%.
  • xEV Share: Electrified vehicle share is projected to increase to 20–22% for Cars (up from 19%) and 8–10% for Vans (up from 5%).
  • Investments: In contrast to the sales outlook, investments in property, plant, and equipment are set to rise significantly, particularly for Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans. R&D spending will remain at the prior-year level for Cars and increase significantly for Vans.

Strategic Focus: Next Level Performance

Källenius emphasized that the company’s Next Level Performance program goes beyond cost-cutting. It aims to build long-term resilience through operational agility and a sharper focus on future product development.

“By using our global production footprint intelligently and executing our Next Level Performance programme, we’re adapting to new geopolitical realities,” said Källenius.

As the automotive world contends with shifting trade dynamics, evolving customer expectations, and accelerating electrification, Mercedes-Benz is staying the course — disciplined in execution, focused on premium innovation, and increasingly selective in where and how it competes globally.

Source: Mercedes-Benz