Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Adjusts Course, Maintains Dual Gas-Electric Lineup

Just days after Audi revealed it would extend the life of its gasoline-powered cars beyond its original timeline, Mercedes-Benz has made a similar course correction, signaling a broader hesitation within the German auto industry about a full transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius acknowledged in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport that the company is revising its strategy and will continue offering internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for longer than previously planned. “Electrified high-tech internal combustion engines will remain on offer for longer than we originally expected,” Källenius said, emphasizing a dual-track approach combining gasoline and electric technologies.

Mercedes had earlier committed to shifting to an all-electric lineup “where market conditions allow” by 2030. However, Källenius now argues that a mixed powertrain strategy is the most practical path forward in light of slower-than-expected consumer adoption of EVs. “In the current situation, I think the most rational approach is for an established manufacturer like Mercedes to do both technologies and not neglect either one,” he added.

This shift mirrors a broader trend among legacy automakers scaling back aggressive electrification timelines, prompting concerns about the overall health of the EV market. Some observers have interpreted these moves as evidence of waning interest in electric cars.

However, data tells a different story.

Despite challenges faced by individual automakers — including a 23% year-over-year drop in EV sales for Mercedes-Benz in 2024 — the electric vehicle sector remains in growth mode. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales surged by more than 25% in 2024, totaling around 17 million units.

Further momentum is expected this year. BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook projects a 25% rise in sales of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in 2025, with nearly 22 million units anticipated to hit the roads. Much of this growth, however, is concentrated in China, where market conditions, government policies, and consumer preferences significantly differ from those in Europe.

Industry analysts caution against drawing sweeping conclusions based on moves by a few automakers. While it’s clear that some carmakers are struggling to meet ambitious EV targets, the global trend still points toward electrification — albeit with regional variations and a slower pace than some had hoped.

As Mercedes-Benz and other automotive giants recalibrate their timelines, the road to a fully electric future appears less linear than once envisioned, but still firmly underway.

Source: Mercedes-Benz, Auto Motor und Sport

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BMW had a better start to the year than Audi and Mercedes-Benz

According to Automotive News BMW has taken a commanding lead in the European executive car segment, with the 5 Series outperforming key rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi in Q1 2025.

Between January and April, BMW sold 20,402 units of the 5 Series across Europe—an impressive 56% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, over 60% of buyers chose the Touring wagon variant, highlighting strong consumer preference for practicality alongside luxury.

In second place, Mercedes-Benz recorded 15,811 sales of the E-Class, up 19% year-on-year. Audi followed with 13,774 units of the A6 sold, marking a 10% increase over the previous year.

Electric variants are also gaining traction. BMW’s i5 electric model posted strong growth with 8,843 units sold—a 55% jump. It led the premium EV sedan segment, followed by the Audi A6 e-tron (7,460 units) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE (3,740 units).

When it comes to powertrain choices for the 5 Series, buyers are nearly evenly split: plug-in hybrids and diesels each accounted for 30% of sales, while pure electric models followed closely with 27%. Traditional gasoline engines made up the remaining 11%.

Although this generation of the 5 Series debuted just two years ago, BMW is already preparing a redesign—continuing the brand’s tradition of staying ahead of the curve, even amid strong sales momentum.

Source: Automotive News

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Mercedes-Benz EVs will use solid-state batteries

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new solid-state battery that offers a 25 percent longer range in the EQS than the current battery. In the coming months, the manufacturer will conduct extensive laboratory and on-road testing to assess the durability and stability of solid-state batteries in real-world conditions.

The new solid-state battery, manufactured by American Factorial Energy, was installed in a modified EQS late last year, and thanks to it, the vehicle should have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. This would be a significant improvement over the current 118 kWh battery in the EQS 450+, which allows a range of 800 kilometers on a single charge.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.

Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, and offer higher energy density and longer range without increasing the size and weight compared to lithium-ion batteries. They also increase cell safety and enable the use of new anodes such as lithium-metal anodes, and are also safer to use.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz EVs will use solid-state batteries