Mercedes-Benz intends to replace its popular electric crossover with a higher-volume vehicle and discontinue manufacturing of the former in the United States.
In the latter half of the decade, Mercedes plans to move the full-size EQS SUV's production from Vance, Alabama, to Bremen, Germany, according to supply chain industry sources.
The 6,300-person US assembly factory is run by Mercedes-Benz US International, a representative for which declined to comment.
The goal of the product rotation is to provide space at the 6-million-square-foot Alabama plant for the higher-volume GLC EV, dubbed a "cash cow" by one source.
AutoForecast Solutions estimates that the first quarter of 2026 will see the start of GLC EV production in the United States. According to research firm projections, GLC EV volumes will reach 50,000 vehicles in the first year of production, which is more than twice the present production volume of EQS SUVs.
About 20,000 more cars will be produced annually as a result of the EQS SUV's production relocation to the Mercedes factory in Bremen, which also produces the GLC and EQE crossovers, as well as the C- and E-Class sedans.
The Mercedes-Benz brand discontinued its plans to introduce the EQC electric crossover, which was supposed to be the first mass-volume EV in the US, citing the crossover's short range as unsuitable for the US market. Instead, the automaker unveiled the GLC EV as the replacement.
The GLC EV will have a 300-mile range and a completely new design, according to retailers who were briefed on the new model last May.
The boxy appearance of the combustion engine model was replaced by a rounded front and rear on the new crossover, according to dealers. The GLC EV features a light signature across the front and two power domes on the hood.
