Mercedes-Benz in Beijing 2026: GLC L EV, CLA 260 L and more news

Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLC L EV with 700 km autonomy, the efficient CLA 260 L, the refreshed S-Class with artificial intelligence and more in Beijing. A bet on the Chinese market.
B. Naumkin on behalf of Tarantas.NewsMercedes-Benz took advantage of Auto China 2026 to present its new strategy for the country. The company calls China its largest and most important market and positions the new models as part of the most ambitious product plan in its history: by the end of 2027, the brand plans to launch more than 40 vehicles. This is especially true for the Chinese public, as local premium brands are already putting pressure on the German trio with their technology, prices and update speed.B. Naumkin on behalf of Tarantas.NewsThe most notable modern debut was the fully electric Mercedes-Benz GLC L EV. It came in two special versions for China: one with five seats and the other with six seats. The crossover has an 800-volt architecture, a range of more than 700 km, an 89 kWh battery, a two-motor system delivering 416 HP and air suspension shared with the S-Class. Visually, the model stands out with a new glossy 942-piece grille and a wheelbase extended to 3027 mm. The launch of the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA 260 L was as important as the GLC L EV. This model aims to be a more affordable entry point to the brand’s electric lineup in China. It inherits energy efficiency solutions from the VISION EQXX concept, such as a two-speed transmission and a declared consumption of approximately 11 kWh per 100 km. In terms of the electric market, this is a convincing argument: Mercedes is trying to compete not only with luxury but also with efficiency.B. Naumkin on behalf of Tarantas. News The most exclusive section of the stand featured the new S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Both use the new MB.OS operating system and come with an expanded rear multimedia system developed in collaboration with Tsinghua University. It uses a multimodal VLM model that can recognize passengers’ gestures and facial expressions through cameras and adjust climate, lighting and entertainment without the need for voice command.B. Naumkin for Tarantas. Haber’s emotional tools added a new layer to the exhibition. In the photos, the orange Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept looks like a preview of AMG’s future: The license plate shows that the concept has broken 25 world records by covering 40,075 km in 7 days, 13 hours and 24 minutes of non-stop driving at an average speed of 300 km/h. Recently, Mercedes showed the legendary 1954 300 SL Coupé with gull-wing doors, generally considered one of the most beautiful cars in history.B. Naumkin for Tarantas.NewsFor Mercedes-Benz, the Beijing Auto Show was not just a stage for unveilings, but also a statement about China’s new role in vehicle development. The company emphasizes that it has taken into account the demands of more than seven million Chinese customers, from digital services to artificial intelligence, from comfort to design and driving assistance. Local production is also expanding: the BBAC factory in Beijing has already produced its six millionth vehicle, and by 2027 the range of locally produced models is expected to increase to 20.B. Naumkin for Tarantas.NewsIn this context, the GLC L EV, CLA 260 L, S-Class and Maybach seem to be different answers to the same challenge. The electric crossover has to compete with Li Auto, Nio, Aito and Zeekr; The CLA 260 L aims to attract buyers to a more affordable electric Mercedes; The S-Class and Maybach should maintain the brand’s status in the executive segment. Meanwhile, the AMG GT XX, G-Class, SL and 300 SL are a reminder that Mercedes continues to sell history, not just technology.