Mercedes-Benz Q3 2026 sales increased 4% year over year, with the automaker selling 76,200 passenger cars in the United States from July through September. Retail sales, including vans, also climbed 3% to 85,800 units, but BMW continued to outsell its German rival, delivering 100,210 vehicles during the same period.
Mercedes-Benz reported growth across several key segments, including its E-Class and C-Class lineups, while demand for premium sedans also strengthened. The S-Class recorded a 47% sales increase, and Mercedes-Maybach models continued to attract strong demand. Despite these gains, BMW maintained a clear lead in U.S. sales for the third quarter of 2026.
Mercedes-Benz Q3 2026 Sales Show Broad Growth
Mercedes-Benz USA sold 76,200 passenger cars in the third quarter, representing a 4% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Total retail sales reached 85,800 units, consisting of 76,200 passenger cars and 9,600 vans, up 3% year over year.
The automaker’s Core segment, which includes the E-Class and C-Class and their derivatives, including SUVs, recorded 12% growth. The segment also posted a 5% gain in year-to-date sales.
SUVs continued to account for most Mercedes-Benz deliveries in the United States. The GLE, built in Alabama, recorded double-digit year-to-date growth, while the GLC also posted positive gains.
The company’s Top-End lineup also delivered strong results. The S-Class limousine, which recently received extensive revisions for the 2027 model year, saw sales rise 47%, while Mercedes-Maybach models benefited from strong demand.
BMW Maintains Its Lead Over Mercedes-Benz
BMW also increased U.S. sales during the third quarter, delivering 100,210 vehicles, a 3.4% improvement over the same period last year. That result left BMW ahead of Mercedes-Benz despite the latter’s quarterly growth.
Mercedes-Benz Group reported worldwide sales of 1,503,200 vehicles through the third quarter of 2026, down 5% from the same period in 2025.
The comparison comes after the federal tax credit for electric vehicles expired in September 2025. The expiration prompted a surge in sales as buyers sought to take advantage of the incentive before it ended.
Mercedes-Benz Reports Record Quarterly EV Sales
Mercedes-Benz did not provide a detailed breakdown separating electric vehicles from combustion-engine models in its sales report. However, the company said it achieved the highest quarterly electric-vehicle sales in its history.
The GLC led the increase, with sales tripling compared with the second quarter of 2026. Outside China, where competition remains particularly intense, vehicle sales increased for the third consecutive quarter.
Demand for new electric models has also been strong in Europe. Mercedes-Benz said the GLC, CLA, GLB and GLA electric models were sold out for the remainder of 2026, with some orders extending into 2027.
Mercedes-Benz Sales Segments Explained
Mercedes-Benz divides its lineup into Entry, Core and Top-End segments, grouping vehicles according to their place in the brand’s portfolio.
- Entry: Includes the A-Class and B-Class, along with the EQA and EQB.
- Core: Combines the C-Class and E-Class with the EQE and EQE SUV.
- Top-End: Covers the AMG and Maybach sub-brands, as well as the G-Class, S-Class, GLS, EQS and EQS SUV.
Although SUVs continued to lead Mercedes-Benz sales in the United States, the latest results also highlighted continued demand for luxury sedans. E-Class sales increased 39%, while the S-Class posted a 47% gain.
Luxury Sedans Remain Important as Competition Intensifies
Mercedes-Benz’s third-quarter results point to continued demand for its latest models, including SUVs, electric vehicles and high-end sedans. The growth in E-Class and S-Class sales also demonstrates that premium four-door models remain an important part of the company’s U.S. lineup.
However, BMW’s higher U.S. sales underscore the competitive pressure facing Mercedes-Benz. With both automakers recording year-over-year growth, Mercedes-Benz will need to sustain its momentum as the rivalry between the luxury brands continues. Lexus also outsold Mercedes-Benz in the previous quarter, adding another competitor to the comparison.
