Can new models revive Mercedes-Benz Korea’s EV sales?
Mercedes-Benz Korea faces the task of promptly reviving its electric vehicle (EV) sales with its pair of upcoming all-electric models — the CLA sedan and GLC SUV — as the iconic luxury carmaker loses its electric market share to Tesla and BMW. Mercedes-Benz still maintains its position in Korea's super-luxury vehicle market with its flagship S-Class models and the carmaker’s Maybach sub-brand. In the EV market, however, the carmaker is struggling with sharply declining sales, falling behind emerging EV rivals as well as its longtime competitor, BMW Korea. Meanwhile, Tesla, one of the fastest growing carmakers in Korea, reported outstanding growth in auto sales this year. According to data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), Tesla sold 47,962 EVs for the first 10 months combined here, up 92.8 percent from a year earlier, on the strong popularity of its Model Y mid-size electric SUV. BMW Korea's sales reached 9,454, up 15.6 percent, during the same period. Despite the robust sales growth of its rival carmakers, Mercedes-Benz Korea sold just 2,945 EV
Nov 17, 2025By Lee Min-hyung