Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Strong Passenger Car Sales Growth in Q1 2025, Achieves Record March for Retail Performance
Mercedes-Benz USA has announced its first-quarter 2025 group sales results, reporting a total of 67,400 passenger car units sold, reflecting a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Mercedes-Benz Vans contributed an additional 7,700 units to the overall volume, bringing MBUSA’s total Q1 2025 sales to 75,100 vehicles. While the van segment saw a year-over-year decline due to strategic product shifts, the passenger car segment demonstrated steady momentum, bolstered by strong performance across key vehicle categories and a significant surge in hybrid and electric offerings.
Leadership Perspective and Strategic Outlook
Commenting on the Q1 results, Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlighted the company’s strong operational execution and close collaboration with its dealer network.
“I am proud to see our teams and valued dealer partners continue to work together with an unwavering focus on the core of our business—our valued customers,” said Psillakis. “We closed Q1 in a very strong position for wholesale group sales and celebrated our best-ever March in MBUSA’s history for retail sales. With an established legacy in the U.S., substantial investments in manufacturing and retail services, and a deep-rooted commitment to our communities, we remain focused on making the best decisions for our customers and proudly representing the three-pointed star across the nation.”
MBUSA’s performance in Q1 reflects its ability to adapt to evolving market demands, enhance product availability, and capitalize on increased interest in both high-performance and electrified vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid Segment Sees Explosive Growth
One of the standout achievements for Q1 2025 was the dramatic rise in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales. Group-wide sales in the PHEV segment grew by an impressive 400% compared to Q1 2024, fueled by the broader availability of five long-range models. The growing lineup includes models from the high-performance Mercedes-AMG portfolio, underscoring the brand’s dual commitment to sustainability and driving excitement.
This exceptional growth aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to offer “the luxury of choice,” providing customers with flexible options that blend performance, efficiency, and luxury across both combustion and electrified powertrains.
Top-End Vehicles Continue to Lead Premium Segment
In the Top-End category—which includes Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, G-Class, S-Class, GLS, EQS, and EQS SUV—sales of AMG models increased 13% year-over-year. Several new AMG vehicles made their debut in Q1 2025, including the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet and Coupe, the AMG E 53 Sedan, and the AMG C 43 Sedan. These models contributed significantly to the brand’s performance-oriented appeal and helped broaden the AMG lineup for customers seeking dynamic driving experiences.
Two standout models, the AMG GT and AMG SL, posted extraordinary gains. Sales of the AMG GT rose 32% from Q1 2024, while the AMG SL more than doubled, posting a 109% increase year-over-year. These results reflect not only strong product appeal but also the effectiveness of MBUSA’s high-performance branding and dealership support.
Core Segment Strengthened by GLC and Award-Winning E-Class
The Core segment, which includes models such as the C-Class, CLE, E-Class, CLS, GLC, GLE, and EQE, also delivered robust performance. The GLC SUV and its Coupe variants continued their strong sales momentum, nearly doubling sales compared to Q1 2024. Their popularity helped propel the overall Core segment to an 8% year-over-year increase.
A key contributor to this growth was the E-Class Sedan, recently honored as the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars for 2025. The accolades have helped solidify the E-Class’s position as a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s midsize luxury lineup, appealing to both loyalists and new customers alike.
Entry Segment Rebounds with Increased Availability
The Entry segment, which includes the A-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, and EQB, benefited from improved vehicle availability during the quarter. Sales of the CLA shot up by 103%, while the GLA recorded an 11% increase compared to Q1 2024. The strong performance in this category suggests renewed interest among younger and first-time luxury buyers, especially as Mercedes-Benz continues to improve supply chains and optimize inventory at the dealership level.
Vans Segment Declines Amid Strategic Realignment
Group sales in the Mercedes-Benz Vans division totaled 7,700 units in Q1 2025, representing a 52% decline from the 16,100 units sold during Q1 2024. This drop is primarily attributed to the planned discontinuation of the Metris model, which had previously contributed significantly to overall volume.
However, the Vans division saw a bright spot in the performance of the all-electric eSprinter, the first fully electric van from Mercedes-Benz USA, launched in 2024. eSprinter sales grew by an impressive 253% year-over-year, underscoring growing demand for zero-emission commercial solutions and positioning Mercedes-Benz as a serious contender in the electric van space.
Evolving Sales Reporting for Transparency and Alignment
Starting with Q1 2025, MBUSA has transitioned to a revised sales reporting structure to better align with global reporting standards used by Mercedes-Benz Group. Sales figures are now reported at the group level, segmented into Passenger Cars and Vans, in line with how Mercedes-Benz Group presents its financial results.
Previously, MBUSA reported sales by model at the retail level. The new methodology ensures greater consistency and transparency across regions and aligns with the company’s broader shift toward integrated global operations. This change began with the Q1 2024 sales release and was further refined in Q1 2025.
