Mercedes-Benz Make Sure C-Class Electricity Will Arrive In 2026

Mercedes-Benz C-Class. (Doc. Mercedes-Benz AG)

JAKARTA - German premium automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the C-Class model will be present as an electric vehicle (EV) in 2026.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius said the latest EV will come along with the GLC SUV which also arrives in EV versions and is expected to drive brand sales globally.

"We have to realize that the transition speed is almost impossible to estimate how long it will take," Kallenius was quoted as saying by Autocar, Monday, August 5.

Both will be built on the latest advanced MB.EA platform and will occupy similar segments with models such as CLE and E-Class.

At the same time, the premium manufacturer also said that the entry-level model lineup would be reduced by leaving CLA, GLA, and GLB. These three models will move to the latest platform, namely the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).

Mercedes-Benz also confirmed that the latest CLA will come for the first time in 2025 after its concept was exhibited at last year's Munich Motor Show.

However, this well-known manufacturer also has a commitment to continue offering combustion cars (ICE) until the end of the next decade.

"We are one of the few companies that has a good position as a brand that carries flexibility until the 2030s," added Kllenius.

Some time ago, Mercedes-Benz announced investing in ICE engines including 14 billion euros (IDR 245.3 billion) for a number of R&D factories or centers working on a hybrid drivetrain of passenger cars that will last until the next decade.

This luxury manufacturer also invests more in the development of combustion engines from the latest S-Class model. It is stated that this luxury sedan will enter the market in mid-2026.

Previously, the company had prepared to fully produce EVs in 2030. However, studies conducted by Mercedes-Benz reveal that PHEV and EV cars are likely to only generate half of its global sales.

Thus, the manufacturer also changed its plans by continuing production of the A-Class model until 2026, which was previously scheduled to be turned off after this year.