Mercedes is experiencing a mixed period. While its global sales declined by 8% in the third quarter of 2026, the German manufacturer has set a record for electric vehicle sales. In Europe, demand is such that several models are already sold out for the rest of the year. Electric vehicle sales have surged by 61% at Mercedes. During the third quarter of 2026, Mercedes sold 68,400 fully electric cars worldwide, a quarterly record for the Stuttgart-based company, which records a growth of 61% compared to the same period in 2025. Sales also increased by 29% compared to the previous quarter. The share of electric vehicles now reaches 16.8% of Mercedes' global passenger car sales, compared to 9.6% a year earlier. Adding rechargeable hybrids, electrified models now represent a quarter of deliveries. Progress is particularly impressive in Europe, where electric vehicle sales have jumped 78% in a year. Almost one out of every three Mercedes sold on the Old Continent now operates exclusively on battery. Since the beginning of the year, Mercedes has sold 165,500 electric cars worldwide, a 40% increase compared to the first nine months of 2025. In August, it reached the top position in the German market for electric vehicles intended for professional fleets. Four electric models already sold out for 2026. The acceleration is partly explained by the arrival of new models. The electric Mercedes GLC seems particularly well received, with sales that have more than tripled between the second and third quarters. The electric CLA continues its progress (up 24% over a quarter), as does the electric GLB. Mercedes claims that the electric GLC, CLA, GLB, and GLA are already sold out in Europe for the rest of 2026. To meet this strong demand, the plants in Bremen, Rastatt, and Kecskemét are operating in three shifts. However, Mercedes is still struggling in China. Worldwide, car sales have declined by 8%, to 407,200 units for the quarter. The main problem comes from China, where deliveries have fallen by 31%. Mercedes is particularly facing intense competition in this market, where the CLA is in difficulty. Conversely, sales are up 5% in Europe and 4% in North America. The contrast is therefore striking. Mercedes is selling fewer cars worldwide, but more electric models. It remains to be seen whether this momentum will allow the manufacturer to permanently compensate for its Chinese difficulties.