Mercedes CEO: China to Lead Next EV Offensive from 2025 Onward

Despite facing temporary challenges in sales, German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is optimistic about the Chinese market’s potential.

The upcoming e-architecture launching in 2025 will mark the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s ambitious electric offensive, with China positioned as the central focus, according to CEO Ola Kaellenius in an interview with German automotive magazine Automobilwoche.

Kaellenius emphasized the need for mastery in electric propulsion and digitalization to meet customer expectations in the fast-evolving market.

To ensure a successful electric future, Mercedes-Benz is reevaluating its China-specific models on the MB.EA platform, tailoring them to better suit local customer demands, particularly in terms of space and digital content.

In line with its 2021 strategy, Mercedes-Benz plans to produce only electric vehicles across all new car platforms starting in 2025.

While Mercedes-Benz remains a top player in China’s premium car market, the German automaker faces stiff competition in the rapidly growing new energy vehicle (NEV) segment.

In the first half of the year, domestic players like BYD and Tesla lead NEV sales in China, while Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are still working to gain a stronger foothold.

Recently, rumors circulated that Mercedes-Benz would collaborate with Nio, using the latter’s battery swap network and standards for its next-generation models. However, Nio refuted the claims swiftly.

The Chinese market’s potential and the nation’s commitment to EVs make China an ideal epicenter for Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle offensive in the years to come.