Mercedes-Benz Group sold 417,800 cars in the second quarter of 2026, an 8% year-on-year (YoY) decline, as gains in Europe and North America failed to offset a 30% drop in China.

Including vans, group sales reached 511,900 units, up 2% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) but down 6% compared with the same period last year.

Total car sales outside China increased 2% YoY, with North America climbing 13%, Europe rising 4% and Germany up 6%.

In China, car sales fell to 98,600 units, down 30% YoY.

The company pointed to intensifying competition from domestic manufacturers, cautious consumer sentiment, ongoing model transitions and active sales steering as contributing factors.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales across the group rose 25% QoQ and 50% YoY to 63,000 units.

Within Mercedes-Benz Cars, BEV sales reached 52,900 units globally, up 51% YoY.

Mercedes-Benz Group sales & customer experience management board member Mathias Geisen said: “Our largest-ever model launch plan is gaining traction. BEV sales rose by more than 50 per cent in the second quarter.

“Demand for the all-new electric GLC, electric CLA, and electric GLB is exceptionally strong. The new S-Class has made a successful start in Europe, with further regions to follow in the coming months.”

European BEV sales grew 87% YoY to 43,500 units, lifting the region's BEV share to 26%, nearly double the previous year's figure.

In Germany, BEV sales more than doubled YoY, with the BEV share nearly doubling to 24%.

Globally, the BEV share climbed to 13%, up from 7.7% a year earlier.

Electrified vehicles (xEV) accounted for 43% of European sales and 21% globally, at 87,500 units.

By segment, Top-End car sales totalled 58,100 vehicles, down 10% YoY, which the company attributed to planned product changeovers and model availability timing.

The Top-End share for the first half of 2026 stood slightly above 14%, within the company's target range.

G-Class sales rose 3% YoY globally, with European sales up 25% and German sales up 42%.

The Core segment sold 249,300 vehicles, down 9% YoY, supported by demand for the GLE and GLC.

The Entry segment sold 110,400 vehicles, down 4% YoY, with the new CLA and GLB cited as key contributors.

Mercedes-Benz Vans recorded 94,100 units sold, up 1% YoY, with North America sales up 23% and Europe up 5%, while China fell 70%. Electrified van sales rose 46% YoY, taking the global electric share to 11%.

A new generation of models for Chinese customers, including the electric GLC L long-wheelbase and new S-Class, is due to launch in the second half of 2026.