Mercedes-Benz Cars sales reach 503,500 units (+3%) in Q1 with Top-End and battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales up 18% and 89% respectively. Despite ongoing supply-chain disruptions, economic headwinds, and geopolitical uncertainty, G-Class, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and Entry segment* electric vehicles posted strong sales figures.
Mercedes-Benz Cars, a division of the German automaker Mercedes-Benz Group AG, has reported a strong first quarter of 2023, with sales reaching 503,500 units, up 3% compared to the same period in the previous year. The Top-End and battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales of the company rose by 18% and 89%, respectively. These figures are despite ongoing supply chain disruptions, economic headwinds, and geopolitical uncertainty.
The Top-End segment sales of Mercedes-Benz increased to 91,800 units (+18%). Mercedes-AMG sales increased by 44% to 40,300 units, based on new vehicle launches and a strong performance in the SUV segment. Demand for the G-Class remains consistently high with sales up 23% to 10,200 units in the first quarter. Mercedes-Maybach saw 6,700 units sold (+8%) driven mainly by Mercedes-Maybach GLS (+46%). With the introduction of the Mercedes‑Maybach S 580 e, the Mercedes-Maybach brand is moving toward higher levels of electrification. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will be the first fully electric model of the brand and will celebrate its world premiere next week at Auto Shanghai. Overall GLS sales rose by 11% to 15,900 units and the all-electric EQS SUV had a promising market launch with 5,500 units sold. The Top-End segment will remain fresh throughout 2023 and beyond. An upgraded GLS family with a fully electrified engine portfolio will hit dealerships in the second half of the year.
Sales in the Core segment reached 248,400 units (-11%) impacted by model changeovers for the top-selling GLC and E-Class. The new GLC SUV launched in Europe and will be gradually introduced in other regions in the upcoming months alongside the new GLC Coupé. The new E-Class will be unveiled at the digital world premiere in two weeks and will be introduced in the second half of the year. Sales of the C-Class rose by one third to 80,800 units (+34%), while the E-Class reached 73,300 units (-6%). The fully electric EQE Sedan attracted 9,400 new customers in Q1. Sales of the GLE amounted to 48,800 units (-5%). The refreshed GLE SUV and Coupé are now available to order.
Sales in the Entry segment grew by 27% to 163,300 units in the first quarter. This development was driven by the GLB, which saw sales reach 37,500 (+52%), the GLA with 34,500 units (+25%), and 11,200 units of the all-electric versions EQB (+189%) as well as the EQA, which sold 10,800 units (+64%). The GLA, GLB, and CLA recently underwent model updates and will be available for sale in the second quarter.
Battery electric vehicle sales rose to 51,600 units (+89%) in the first quarter, reaching 10% of overall sales, up from 6% in the year-earlier period. Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars (excl. smart) BEV sales more than doubled in the first three months (+119%). Entry segment electric vehicles proved popular with EQB sales up 189% and EQA sales rising by 64%.
Furthermore, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales also increased in the first quarter, with 53,200 units sold (+131%), making up 10% of overall sales. Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars saw a significant increase in PHEV sales, with the E-Class PHEV being the most popular model, followed by the GLC and A-Class PHEVs.
In terms of regional sales, Europe remained the largest market for Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles, with 43,300 units sold (+102%), followed by China with 12,400 units (+177%). The United States also saw a significant increase in sales, with 7,300 units sold (+93%). The popularity of electric vehicles in these regions is largely due to government incentives and regulations promoting the adoption of cleaner vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz has been actively expanding its electric vehicle lineup in recent years, with the EQA and EQB being the latest additions to the portfolio. The company plans to launch several more electric models in the coming years, including the EQE and EQS luxury sedans and the EQG electric SUV.
Overall, the first quarter of 2023 has been a promising one for Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle sales, with strong growth in both battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales. As governments around the world continue to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, it is likely that we will continue to see an increase in demand for electric vehicles from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz.
