As AUTODOC neatly put it, ‘Mercedes-Benz Group navigated a demanding global landscape shaped by tightening margins, intensified EV competition, and regionally uneven consumer demand.’ Below are the key transformation moves which should restore momentum in 2025.
The company is shrinking its architectures from eight to three (MMA, MB.EA, AMG-EA) and will cut traditional engine variants by 40 per cent by 2027. Standardised battery modules and a unified software stack will lower costs and slash time-to-market. Flagship luxury lines (S-, E-, and G-Class) remain margin leaders, while the entry tier focuses on more affordable electric hatchbacks and crossovers.
A new gigacasting shop in Sindelfingen is trimming body-in-white costs by up to 15 per cent, while EU-based battery localisation (ACC, CATL Hungary) shields the group from currency swings. By 2030, Mercedes aims for 50 per cent ‘green’ steel; Stuttgart plants already run on 100 per cent renewables.
Even with softer new-car demand, the aftermarket grew 7 per cent year-on-year. The Mercedes-Benz Parts Store reports brisk sales of body panels for compact models; the MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class bumper ranks in the European top five. Robust parts income is cushioning thinner EV margins.
As noted by AUTODOC: In 2024, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 185,059 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally, down from 240,668 in 2023. This marks a −23.1% year-on-year decline. The share of BEVs in total Mercedes-Benz Cars sales fell from 11.8% in 2023 to 9.3% in 2024.
This decline occurred amid increased pricing pressure, competitive EV offerings from new market entrants, and evolving consumer confidence in charging infrastructure availability.
Mercedes-Benz is moving from ‘volume = success’ to a ‘digital-premium + loyal aftermarket’ model. The hinge question is whether the new electric platforms can launch before Chinese and US rivals cement themselves at the top end. For now, growing parts sales and rapid charger expansion are offsetting 2024’s electrification lull. The coming year will be decisive: can the brand turn engineering heritage into a profitable digital ecosystem?
Additional information:
Mercedes-Benz automotive group – overview of global indicators from AUTODOC
Mercedes-Benz lays out its roadmap for profitable growth
Read more:
Shifting Gears: How Mercedes-Benz Is Steering Its Global Transformation (2024–2025)