Mercedes Has an 8.7% Increase in November 2019 Sales, Led by the Refreshed GLC

by Eric Tsang 189

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BMW may have the overall lead through November, but Mercedes as the products to turn the tide. November growth for Mercedes is not up as much as BMW for the month at 8.7%, but looking deeper into the numbers reveals that December and the 2019 crown is still up for grabs.

The biggest blemishes for Mercedes last month were the high volume C and E class. While it is a little surprising the C is down given it got a tech and styling mid-cycle refresh recently, it just can’t compete with the totally new 3 Series from BMW. Styling, technologically, and dynamically superier the BMW is the compact luxury sedan to buy right now. It’s no contest and it shows since C-Class sales are down 23%. Mercedes lumps coupe and convertible sales under the C-Class umbrella, which BMW does not, which is even more troubling.

The E-Class is down about 28%, which is actually a bit better than the BMW 5 Series which was down 35%. Both are suffering the move to crossovers in the mid size segment. Compared to each other, the E suffers from too much similarity to the smaller and cheaper C-Class. If you never remember seeing any on the road, it’s probably because it basically looks the same as the C. Both the E and the BMW 5 are awaiting mid-cycle refreshes. 2019 is not their year.

On the bright spot, Mercedes as the first ever A-Class sedan in the US as well as the brand new CLA. These should provide plenty of sales to make up for the C and E. However, it will come at the expense of profit margins as these are entry level cars.

Where Mercedes is truly doing very well are their crossovers/SUVs. GLC and GLE make up the bulk of the volume and are both near the top of their respective segments in terms of whether I would recommend them. Not the best measure, but buyers seem to agree with me. The brand new GLS is just now hitting dealers and should have a strong December showing as will the always in demand G Wagon.

The strength of the Mercedes SUV lineup and the new models on the entry level sedan side should propel Mercedes ahead of BMW for December and 2019.