Mercedes-Benz at Beijing Auto Show 2026: GLC L EV, CLA 260 L, and more

At Auto China 2026, Mercedes-Benz reveals all-electric GLC L EV, CLA 260 L, updated S-Class, Maybach, and AMG GT XX concept. The brand’s China strategy focuses on EVs, AI, and local production.
B. Naumkin for .NewsMercedes-Benz used Auto China 2026 as a showcase for its new China strategy. The company explicitly calls China its largest and key market, and positions the new models as part of the most extensive product plan in brand history: by the end of 2027, Mercedes-Benz aims to launch over 40 new vehicles. This matters especially for the Chinese audience because local premium brands are already pressuring the German trio with technology, pricing, and update speed.B. Naumkin for .NewsThe headline modern debut was the fully electric Mercedes-Benz GLC L EV. It arrived in two exclusive China-only variants: five-seat and six-seat. The crossover features an 800-volt architecture, a range of over 700 km, an 89 kWh battery, a dual-motor setup producing 416 hp, and air suspension shared with the S-Class. Visually, the model stands out with a new light grille containing 942 elements and an extended wheelbase of 3027 mm.Equally important alongside the GLC L EV was the launch of the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA 260 L. This model is meant to serve as a more affordable entry point into the brand’s EV lineup for China. It inherits some energy-efficiency solutions from the VISION EQXX concept, including a two-speed transmission and a claimed consumption of about 11 kWh per 100 km. For the EV market, that is a compelling argument: Mercedes is trying to compete not just with luxury but with efficiency too.B. Naumkin for .NewsThe flagship part of the stand featured the new S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Both models adopt the new MB.OS operating system and come with an expanded rear-seat multimedia system developed jointly with Tsinghua University. It uses a multimodal VLM model that, via cameras, can recognize passenger gestures and facial expressions, adjusting climate, lighting, and entertainment without a voice command.B. Naumkin for .NewsEmotional vehicles added a separate layer to the display. The orange Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept in photos looks like a preview of AMG’s future: the plaque notes that the concept covered 40,075 km in 7 days, 13 hours, and 24 minutes of non-stop driving at an average speed of 300 km/h, setting 25 world records. Nearby, Mercedes showed the 300 SL Coupe with gullwing doors—a legend from 1954, often called one of the most beautiful cars in history.B. Naumkin for .NewsFor Mercedes-Benz, the Beijing auto show was not just a premiere venue but a statement about China’s new role in vehicle development. The company emphasizes that it takes into account the demands of over seven million Chinese customers—from digital services and AI to comfort, design, and driver assistance. Local production is also expanding: the BBAC plant in Beijing has already built its six-millionth vehicle, and by 2027, the locally produced model lineup is expected to grow to 20.B. Naumkin for .NewsAgainst this backdrop, the GLC L EV, CLA 260 L, S-Class, and Maybach look like different answers to the same challenge. The electric crossover has to take on Li Auto, Nio, Aito, and Zeekr; the CLA 260 L aims to draw buyers to a more affordable electric Mercedes; the S-Class and Maybach need to keep the brand’s status in the executive segment. Meanwhile, the AMG GT XX, G-Class, SL, and 300 SL serve as reminders that Mercedes still sells not just technology but also history.