Mercedes-Benz Faces Six-Month Wait for EV Models
High consumer demand for CLA and GLC electric vehicles has stretched delivery times to April 2027.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Mercedes-Benz customers face a six-month wait for new CLA and GLC electric vehicle orders due to high consumer demand. The company is currently operating its Kamenz battery plant on an intensive six-day, three-shift production schedule to manage the backlog.
Why it matters
The extended delivery timeline reflects the struggle of legacy automakers to scale production fast enough to meet the surging consumer interest in electric models. Managing this supply gap is essential for maintaining brand loyalty as competition in the premium electric vehicle space intensifies.
Mercedes-Benz recorded 78,100 BEV sales in the third quarter of 2026, with the electric GLC model seeing a sales volume more than triple that of the second quarter. The EV share of total passenger vehicle deliveries reached 16.8 percent during this period.
The players
Mercedes-Benz Group
A German global automobile manufacturer that produces luxury vehicles and is increasingly focused on electric mobility.
The details
The battery plant in Kamenz has been operating on a rigorous six-day, three-shift cycle since June 2026 to address the strain on output. Despite this, orders placed in October 2026 are not expected to reach customers until April 2027 as demand continues to outpace the factory's current assembly capacity.
Timeline
September 2025: The all-electric CLA model launched in the European market.
June 2026: The Kamenz battery plant transitioned to a high-frequency three-shift production schedule.
Q3 2026: Mercedes-Benz registered 78,100 total BEV sales.
September 2026: The CLA and GLC models secured top-10 positions for electric vehicle registrations in Germany.
April 2027: Expected delivery date for custom-configured orders placed in October 2026.
Roadmap
This production bottleneck highlights the transition toward a full electric portfolio as automakers rush to scale output for tightening global emissions standards. It positions Mercedes-Benz in a direct race against rival luxury brands to secure market share in the premium battery-electric segment.
Prospective buyers should anticipate a minimum six-month wait for new custom-configured CLA or GLC orders before receiving their vehicle. This delivery timeline necessitates advanced planning for those looking to transition into an electric vehicle by a specific date next spring.
The takeaway
The sustained demand for Mercedes-Benz's latest electric models underscores a significant shift in consumer preference toward premium battery-powered transport. Buyers should prepare for extended lead times as manufacturers grapple with the physical limitations of current assembly capacity.
What happens next
Mercedes-Benz is scheduled to unveil the all-electric E-Class at the IAA in Munich in September 2027, followed by an all-electric A-Class model in 2028.
Further reading
For more on market trends, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrive.
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