Mercedes-Benz handed over more than 90,500 vehicles to customers in China in the third quarter, according to a business update released by the German automaker and reported by Sina Auto. The company said it deliberately adjusted its sales expectations with dealers, focusing on core segments and prioritizing quality over volume amid a structural shift in the passenger-car market and the cyclical replacement of its main models.
In the first nine months of the year, Mercedes-Benz extended its leading position in the core-luxury segment (models priced at 400,000 yuan and above, about $56,300) and the high-end luxury segment (1 million yuan and above, about $140,800). The long-wheelbase GLC SUV, the long-wheelbase E-Class sedan, and the S-Class family (including the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class) each led their respective segments, while the AMG brand ranked first in high-performance luxury sales.
New models gain traction
Three key models launched during the quarter: the all-electric GLC SUV, the new long-wheelbase GLE SUV, and the new-generation Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The company said all three received solid customer feedback, laying the groundwork for a steady ramp-up. The new all-electric GLC SUV, which features what Mercedes calls industry-leading intelligent technology, exceeded delivery expectations in its first quarter on sale. The long-wheelbase GLE SUV, the first locally produced full-scenario large intelligent SUV from Mercedes, comes standard with a large language model and highway and urban navigation-assisted driving. It will later receive an over-the-air update to become one of the first gasoline vehicles equipped with the world model (R7).
Mercedes-Benz said it will extend its AI-powered cockpit and its highway and urban navigation-assisted driving system (NGA) to most of its model lineup within the next three to nine months. The company also plans to be among the first automakers to offer the MMT world model (R7) via OTA updates.
Dealer network and AI tools
On the retail side, Mercedes-Benz is working with dealers to streamline its network and add more than ten new outlets in under-served and core markets during 2026. It is also piloting lighter formats such as mall showrooms and pop-up stores. The Mercedes-Benz Brand Space in Shanghai opened at the end of August and has hosted more than 77,600 visitors, the company said.
Several AI tools are being rolled out across the network to improve retail operations. An AI-enabled “smart name tag” system has been deployed in more than 95% of dealerships, with full coverage expected by year-end. A customer-service AI tool, fully deployed by the end of June, has cut response times by 90%, according to Mercedes-Benz.
