Entry-Level to Flagship: A Wide Reach

Mercedes-Benz has outlined an ambitious rollout of new cars for 2026, covering everything from small hatchbacks to high-end luxury saloons and performance models. It’s a mix of petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles — reflecting the brand’s strategy to support both traditional buyers and those ready to make the switch to electric.

That total of 18 models includes different versions of the same car — so if a model comes in petrol, hybrid and electric, each counts separately. At the more affordable end of things (for a Mercedes, anyway), folks in the UK can expect a new petrol model — likely a tweaked A-Class or CLA — along with two completely new electric cars.

Mid-range, think C-Class territory, we’re getting a couple of new petrols along with two EVs. A big highlight there is an all-electric GLC, which we’ll first see at the IAA Munich Motor Show in September 2025. It’s based on Mercedes’ new MB.EA Medium platform. Then there’s the GLB, which is going electric too (alongside a mild hybrid version), and Mercedes is quietly dropping the EQB badge for it as well.

If you’re into the top-of-the-line stuff, there are 10 premium models on the way — split right down the middle, five petrol-based and five all-electric. Expect revamped S-Classes and EQS models, new Maybach versions and a few high-octane AMG models too.

Confirmed Models and Launch Timeline

Some of these cars already have confirmed specs and rollout dates. One that’s definitely got people talking is the 2026 Maybach SL — it’s got a 4.0-litre plug-in hybrid V8 and arrives globally from November 2025. Only 500 will be made each year. UK prices haven’t been confirmed, but it should kick off from around £198,000 based on what it’s going for in the US.

The all-electric GLC and the next-gen AMG cars are also locked in. The AMG C 63 EV gets its big debut in April 2026 over in Beijing, and it’s expected to pump out more than 600 PS thanks to a dual-motor setup. Later in the year, the AMG GT 4-door Coupe EV will arrive, likely featuring some clever tech like YASA motors and maybe even solid-state batteries.

Here’s a breakdown of a few of the confirmed models arriving in 2026:

  • 2026 Maybach SL – Plug-in hybrid V8, due from November 2025, comes with the Maybach version of the MBUX Hyperscreen.
  • Hybrid CLA Shooting Brake – Early 2026 arrival, petrol and hybrid versions, built on the MMA platform with an AI voice assistant.
  • All-electric GLB – Also early 2026, available in BEV or 48V mild hybrid form, ditching the EQB name.
  • All-electric GLC – First shown September 2025, built on the MB.EA Medium platform with 800V architecture.
  • AMG C 63 EV – Landing in April 2026, dual-motor EV with over 600 PS.
  • AMG GT 4-door Coupe EV – Slated for late 2026, likely to include advanced motor tech.
  • S-Class Facelift – Coming in 2026 with a bigger front grille and Hyperscreen as standard.
  • EQS Facelift – Getting an upgrade in 2026 too, with an 800V system for faster charging and better efficiency.

A Technology-Driven Strategy

Mercedes isn’t just releasing a bunch of new models — they’re also adding some major tech upgrades.

One big feature is the MBUX Hyperscreen, a huge digital dashboard that was previously only in electric cars. It’s now coming to more models, including the updated Maybach SL, S-Class, and EQS.

There’s also a new software system called MB.OS. It allows things like over-the-air updates (so your car stays up to date automatically), smarter sat-nav, and voice controls powered by AI. You’ll start seeing this in new models like the GLC and CLA.

Underneath the cars, things are changing too. While one of Mercedes’ larger EV platforms has been dropped, the mid-size version (used in the electric GLC) is still going strong. High-performance AMG cars will get their own setup, and luxury EVs like the EQS will move to a newer platform with 800V tech — meaning quicker charging and better range.

Staying the Course on Combustion

Just because Mercedes is going big on electric doesn’t mean they’re ditching petrol and hybrids. In fact, 9 of the 18 new launches will still run on petrol or be hybrids. Mercedes boss Ola Källenius spelled it out: “Most customers at the top end today still choose the Swiss watch of cars with a combustion engine… We will have both ICE and EV for minimum the next 10 years.”

So if you’re a fan of the old-school engine sound or just not ready to go electric, you’re still covered. The new S-Class and C-Class will still have petrol versions, and even high-end stuff like the new Maybach SL leans hybrid rather than full EV — at least for now.

Looking Ahead: When and What to Expect

We should start seeing the first of these 2026 models at the very start of the year, with many of the big unveilings set for the later part of 2025 — including the electric GLC’s debut in September. Once the covers come off, we can expect some models to reach UK showrooms just a few months later. Others, like the AMG GT EV, might arrive towards the end of 2026.