Mercedes-Benz is in a tight spot in China. Their pure electric CLA model isn’t just underperforming; it’s barely making a ripple. With sales figures that would make any car manufacturer cringe, eyes are now fixed on the upcoming GLC, hoping it won’t face the same fate.
Since early 2025, the brand has laid off workers twice in China. Why? Shrinking profits from disappointing sales figures. Despite trying to boost their offerings with local strategies—like testing on long highways and high-profile marketing events—results are still falling flat.
When the CLA was launched in November 2025, Mercedes touted it as their “most efficient and intelligent” model. It has the MB.OS architecture, integrated with ByteDance’s Doubao AI and a pilot-assist system developed with Momenta. But all the tech in the world won’t help if the numbers don’t add up.
Fast forward to April 2026. The entry-level CLA 260 L rolled out with a starting price of 229,000 yuan (around 33,700 USD). Sure, it comes with an 800V high-voltage platform and a 40mm longer wheelbase tailored for China, but it also packs a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. For reference, that’s a fraction of the 89kWh battery found in the pricier trims, and buyers have taken note.
Sales data tells a grim story: from February to May 2026, the CLA sold just 21, 358, 52, and 161 units respectively. Totaling under 5,000 units, it’s no wonder insiders are suggesting that Mercedes might hit pause on the electric CLA’s production. The idea? Free up resources for the GLC, which they hope will be a better fit for the market.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CLA 260 L Price | 229,000 yuan | Entry-level electric model |
| CLA Sales (February 2026) | 21 units | Barely a blip |
| CLA Sales (May 2026) | 161 units | Total sales under 5,000 |
Looking ahead, the pure electric GLC is Mercedes-Benz’s next big play. This model, the first on their dedicated MB.EA platform, debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in April and is hitting the market officially on July 8. Pre-sales kick off at 349,000 yuan (about 51,300 USD).
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Analysts are skeptical about the GLC’s chances too. The automotive market in China is in a state of flux, with the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) now predicting an 11% drop in sales for the year, which translates to around 2.6 million vehicles. That’s a massive hit.
The GLC will need to contend with fierce competition from the new BMW iX3, which rides on the Neue Klasse platform, and Audi’s Q6L e-tron, boasting Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent driving system. Plus, homegrown players like Aito, Li Auto, Nio, Leapmotor, and Xpeng are all gaining traction and capturing significant market share.
Over the past year, Mercedes has mostly relied on its internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup, but even those numbers are slipping. In May alone, they moved 25,699 vehicles, marking a 34.9% drop from last year.
So, should you buy a Mercedes electric model now or hold out for the GLC? If you’re after a fully electric vehicle, waiting might be wise, especially with the GLC on the horizon. But keep an eye on competitors; they’re ramping up their game, and you might find a better deal elsewhere.
Liu Miao
Writer
Liu Miao covers NEVs and batteries at CNC; in his spare time, he loves driving his EV around.
