Beijing (Gasgoo)- Mercedes-Benz Group announced plans to invest over 14 billion yuan in China, in partnership with local collaborators, to expand its lineup of localized passenger vehicles and vans, according to the company’s official WeChat post on September 4.
Starting in 2025, the company will roll out a new range of models specifically designed for the Chinese market, including an all-new electric long-wheelbase CLA, a new long-wheelbase GLE SUV, and a luxury electric MPV based on the VAN.EA platform.
All-electric CLA concept; photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
The new long-wheelbase GLE SUV will be the first model developed mainly by a Chinese team, featuring China-specific comfort and advanced intelligent technologies.
From 2025, Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (Beijing Benz), Mercedes Benz’s joint venture with BAIC Group, will start producing vehicle models built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, tailored for Chinese consumers, including the all-new long-wheel base all-electric CLA model.
VAN.EA; photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
Furthermore, all new medium and large light vans from Mercedes-Benz will ride on the modular and scalable VAN.EA electric platform. Part of this investment will also support the production of the new luxury electric MPV at Fujian Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (Fujian Benz).
The new MB.OS architecture, developed in-house, will debut in 2025 alongside the MMA platform models, offering a new MBUX virtual assistant enhanced by 3D graphics and large language models, as well as a pioneering “HD map-free” end-to-end smart driving system for a refined digital luxury experience tailored to Chinese customers.
Additionally, significant investment will be directed towards the local development and production of the long-wheelbase GLE SUV. This model, popular among Chinese buyers since its introduction, will now be produced with enhanced rear-seat comfort and advanced smart technologies, reflecting extensive efforts by the Chinese R&D team to adapt the vehicle to local preferences.
