Mercedes-Benz reinforces China’s strategic key role at Auto China 2026. From left to right: Oliver Thöne, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Greater China; Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Zhang Jianyong, Chairman of BAIC Group and BBAC; as well as Daniel Lescow, President and CEO Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co. Ltd.
Auto China 2026 has once again underlined the importance of China to global carmakers, with Mercedes-Benz using the Beijing show to showcase a wave of new products tailored specifically for the world’s largest automotive market.
At the centre of the brand’s display is the world premiere of the all-new electric GLC L, developed exclusively for Chinese customers and offered in both five- and six-seat configurations. The model highlights Mercedes-Benz’s growing focus on localisation, as it adapts its global products to suit regional tastes and preferences.
Ambitious product offensive
The German luxury carmaker also used the show to debut the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in China, while officially launching the all-electric CLA 260 L. These models form part of an ambitious product offensive that will see more than 40 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles introduced globally by 2027.
Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said the company is intensifying its commitment to China, not only as a sales market but also as a key innovation hub.
“Auto China is the ideal stage for us to demonstrate our strategic commitment to China with strong product substance,” Källenius said, adding that future models will increasingly be developed and built locally.
China a strategic centre
China has become central to Mercedes-Benz’s global strategy, with more than 7-million customers in the country influencing vehicle design, technology and digital features. The company’s research and development network in Beijing and Shanghai is now its largest outside Germany, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, automated driving and next-generation vehicle architectures.
A key highlight is the integration of advanced AI systems, including a new virtual assistant and intelligent driver assistance technologies co-developed with Chinese tech partners. These systems are designed to deliver highly personalised user experiences, particularly for rear-seat passengers — a crucial consideration in the Chinese luxury market.
Expansion plans
Mercedes-Benz is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in China through its Beijing Benz Automotive Co. (BBAC) joint venture, which recently produced its six-millionth vehicle. By 2027, the local production line-up is expected to grow to 20 models, including both internal combustion and fully electric vehicles.
Beyond product, the company also introduced its “Tomorrow XX” technology programme in Beijing, focusing on sustainability, circularity and reducing vehicle carbon footprints across the lifecycle.
As competition intensifies from both local Chinese brands and global rivals, Mercedes-Benz’s strong showing in Beijing signals its intent to remain a dominant force in the premium segment — not just in China, but globally.
- Mercedes-Benz showcased the all-new electric GLC L at Auto China 2026, designed exclusively for China and available in five- and six-seat versions, emphasizing product localization.
- The brand also debuted updated S-Class and Maybach S-Class models, plus the all-electric CLA 260 L, part of a plan to launch over 40 new vehicles globally by 2027.
- CEO Ola Källenius highlighted China as a key innovation hub where future Mercedes models will increasingly be developed and built locally.
- Mercedes-Benz’s R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai focus on AI, automated driving, and personalized user experiences, collaborating with Chinese tech partners on advanced virtual assistants and driver aids.
- Expansion includes increasing local production to 20 models by 2027 via the BBAC joint venture, alongside launching the “Tomorrow XX” sustainability program addressing circularity and carbon footprint reduction.
Auto China 2026 has once again underlined the importance of China to global carmakers, with Mercedes-Benz using the
At the centre of the brand’s display is the world premiere of the all-new electric GLC L, developed exclusively for Chinese customers and offered in both five- and six-seat configurations.
Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said the company is intensifying its commitment to China, not only as a sales market but also as a key innovation hub.
“Auto China is the ideal stage for us to demonstrate our strategic commitment to China with strong product substance,” Källenius said, adding that future models will increasingly be developed and built locally.
China has become central to Mercedes-Benz’s global strategy, with more than 7-million customers in the country influencing vehicle design, technology and digital features.
A key highlight is the integration of advanced AI systems, including a new virtual assistant and intelligent driver assistance technologies co-developed with Chinese tech partners.
Mercedes-Benz is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in China through its
As competition intensifies from both local Chinese brands and global rivals, Mercedes-Benz’s strong showing in
