Despite a sharp decline in sales in China—Mercedes’ number one market—the German manufacturer has launched a major offensive of seven new models for the 2025–2027 period, dedicated exclusively to the Chinese market. The first two of these were presented at the Beijing Auto Show, Auto China 2026: the Mercedes GLC Long Wheelbase and the Mercedes CLA 260 L.
Mercedes plans to launch more than 40 new models and facelifts by the end of 2027, including seven models dedicated exclusively to China. The first two were unveiled at Auto China 2026, which opened on April 24: the Mercedes GLC EQ Long Wheelbase and the Mercedes CLA 260 L.
Mercedes GLC EQ Long Wheelbase
The new Mercedes GLC EQ Long Wheelbase measures 4,933 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, making it 88 mm longer, 11 mm narrower, and 66 mm taller than the model sold in Europe. The wheelbase of 3,027 mm is also 55 mm longer.
For the Chinese market, the Mercedes GLC Long Wheelbase is available in three versions:
- five seats with a standard rear bench
- two individual seats in the second row
- six seats arranged across three rows
Like the European version, the Mercedes GLC Long Wheelbase is equipped with Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees. The chassis has also been adapted for the Chinese market and includes hydraulic bushings.
For now, it is available in the same version as in Europe, the GLC 400 4Matic, with two motors.
Mercedes CLA 260 L
The Mercedes CLA 260 L represents the long-wheelbase version of the CLA EQ. With a length of 4,763 mm, width of 1,836 mm, and height of 1,471 mm, it is 40 mm longer, 19 mm narrower, and 3 mm taller than the European and American versions, while the 2,830 mm wheelbase is 40 mm longer.
Although Mercedes has not provided many details, it appears to feature a powertrain similar to the CLA 250 EQ, with a rear-mounted motor delivering power through a two-speed automatic transmission. The official consumption is just 11 kWh/100 km, which is 1.3 kWh lower than the European model.
It is possible that the version intended for the Chinese market has slightly less power than the 272 HP of the European version.
Alongside these two China-exclusive models, Mercedes also presented the Mercedes S-Class facelift and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class at Auto China. Unlike in Europe, where the V12 engine is no longer available, Chinese customers can still purchase the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class with a V12 engine producing 612 HP. As in Europe, it comes standard with air suspension and rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees, and optionally with E-Active Body Control.
