The luxury electric SUV, which currently represents 7% of the annual capacity at the Vance, Alabama factory, will soon be produced in Bremen, Germany.

Mercedes-Benz is shifting the production of its EQS SUV from the United States to Germany. This move comes despite Mercedes-Benz selling 7,086 EQS SUVs in the U.S. between January and September. The transition is set for the latter half of this decade, making room for an electric version of the GLC at the Alabama facility.

The upcoming GLC EV, dubbed a "cash cow" by a company insider, is expected to go into production in early 2026. AutoForecast Solutions' vice president, Sam Fiorani, estimates an initial annual production of 50,000 units. This strategic shift aims to maximize the Alabama plant's capacity and is expected to surpass EQS SUV sales. Crucially, the GLC EV's U.S. production qualifies it for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

This move is not just about shifting production lines; it's a strategic realignment favoring profitability and market adaptation. The GLC EV, with its anticipated 300-mile (482 km) range and modern design, could become Mercedes-Benz's top-selling EV in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Bremen factory, which already handles multiple models, will incorporate the EQS SUV, adding roughly 20,000 units to its annual output.

Source: Automotive News

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving