Mercedes-Benz EV Orders Face Six-Month Wait
Buyers of the new electric CLA and GLC models should plan for a six-month delivery window following high global demand.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Mercedes-Benz reports a six-month delivery window for its all-electric CLA and GLC models due to demand outstripping current production. Customers placing custom orders in October 2026 can expect their vehicles to arrive in April 2027.
Why it matters
High consumer interest has created a supply bottleneck for these popular electric vehicles, shifting expectations for those looking to purchase a new car. The current six-month wait reflects a period where demand has significantly exceeded the factory capacity at the Rastatt plant.
Orders for CLA and GLC models placed in October 2026 face an estimated six-month wait. This demand follows a strong third quarter for the manufacturer, which saw 78,100 BEV sales and an EV market share of 16.8 percent.
The players
Mercedes-Benz
An international luxury automaker currently scaling its battery-electric vehicle production lines.
The details
The production bottleneck is tied to high demand for the electric CLA and GLC, which have surpassed the output capacity of the manufacturing facility in Rastatt. To address this, the battery assembly plant in Kamenz has operated on a high-frequency schedule of three shifts over six days per week since June 2026. Despite these efforts, the volume of custom configurations continues to push delivery dates into early 2027.
Timeline
September 2025: All-electric CLA launched in the European market.
June 2026: Battery plant in Kamenz begins its intensive six-day, three-shift production schedule.
Q3 2026: Mercedes-Benz records 78,100 battery electric vehicle sales.
October 2026: Custom orders placed during this month face the new delivery timeline.
April 2027: Expected delivery window for vehicles ordered in October 2026.
The Home Front
This backlog highlights a recurring tension in the automotive sector where consumer adoption of electric vehicles is currently outpacing the specialized manufacturing capacity for battery-powered platforms. It signals that buyers should anticipate longer wait times for high-demand electrified models compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles.
If you are planning a vehicle purchase, build a six-month buffer into your household logistics to account for these extended delivery timelines. Verify the specific estimated arrival date at your local dealership before finalizing any trade-in plans for your current vehicle.
The takeaway
The surge in interest for electric models has created a significant gap between order dates and vehicle delivery. Buyers should confirm the current production queue with their local dealer before making any firm decisions about replacing their current transportation.
What happens next
Prospective buyers should monitor future announcements regarding the all-electric E-Class, which is scheduled for unveiling at the IAA in Munich in September 2027, followed by an all-electric A-Class model in 2028.
Further reading
For more on market trends and industry timelines, explore our coverage of Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrive.
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