New-generation dedicated EVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz are enjoying sell-out sales success overseas.
The cross-town rivalry between German luxury brands, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, appears to have sparked a new battleground.
Overseas reports indicate that the newest versions of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, both electric medium SUVs, are clocking up sales that exceed supply.
Carscoops reports that BMW’s planned 2026 production allocation for the Hungarian-built ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 has almost completely sold out.
To meet the demand, BMW is reportedly planning to increase production and add additional shifts at its plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
The impact on Chinese-built iX3s, where the new model is simultaneously built, has not yet been revealed.
Production at Debrecen, BMW’s first dedicated EV production site, is still in a ramp-up phase, with the factory aiming for annual production of around 150,000 vehicles per year once it reaches full scale.
Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, is facing a similar level of success with the new-generation GLC EV.
Mathias Geisen, who holds the title of Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Sales & Customer Experience, told Inside EVs: “Demand for the new all-electric GLC is now also significantly exceeding our expectations.”
Mercedes-Benz suggests that its allocated production for the electric GLC is “already filled well into the second half of 2026”.
The GLC EV, which is built in both Germany and China, is already being produced in three shifts at Mercedes’ Bremen, Germany factory.
To meet the demand for the new EV, Mercedes-Benz is planning to add Saturday production to boost numbers, and if demand is ongoing, the German automaker may expand production to other assembly sites to meet demand.
Australian introduction for the two electric medium SUVs is planned for the second half of 2026 for the GLC EV, and early 2027 for the iX3.
With the needs of the higher-volume European market likely to impact Australian production, the roll-out of these models may be pushed back if demand continues to outstrip supply in Europe.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
