​​5 Millionth Mercedes-Benz SUV Rolls Off Assembly Line With Introduction of New GLE and GLS​ 

2026 is the year of Mercedes-Benz. The storied brand is celebrating the production of 5 million SUVs at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, production facility, along with the world premiere of the 2026 GLE and GLS SUVs. Mercedes-Benz has been producing SUVs in America for 30 years through Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI), which was created in 1995. The Tuscaloosa plant also exports about 60% of the vehicles it produces, making it one of the largest exporters in the automotive industry.  

140 Years of Mercedes-Benz 

Along with the new debuts, Mercedes-Benz is also proud that 2026 marks the 140th year of the brand, with 138 of those years in the American market. To mark the anniversary, three S-Class sedans are driving 30,000 miles around the world as part of the “140 years. 140 Places” tour. One of the sedans stopped at the Tuscaloosa facility as part of the promotion.  

More Information Coming Soon 

Mercedes-Benz has yet to release all of the information on the latest GLE and GLS SUVs. Both models are refreshed for the 2027 model year and offer tweaked exterior and interior designs along with subtle updates for infotainment and technology. 

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Produces the Largest Amount of SUVs 

Mercedes-Benz produces most of its best-selling SUVs at the Tuscaloosa plant, including the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, along with its AMG® counterparts, Mercedes-Maybach GLS models, the electric EQE SUV, the EQS SUV, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz is also bringing GLC production to the Alabama facility in the near future.  

Mercedes-Benz Is Investing Big in America 

The company is investing a total of $7 billion in America, with $4 billion specifically for the Tuscaloosa plant by 2030. The rest of the money will be dedicated to the Charleston, South Carolina, Sprinter and eSprinter van assembly facility, which recently produced its 5 millionth Mercedes-Benz van and is celebrating its 20th year. The Mercedes-Benz Research and Development centers in San Jose, Long Beach, and Carlsbad, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, assist the 160,000 employees across the country between production, business suppliers, and the like.  

2025 Sales Totals 

In 2025, Mercedes-Benz sold 303,200 vehicles and 40,000 vans across the United States, making the United States the second-largest market for the company.   

Mercedes-Benz of Plano Has the Right Vehicle for You 

Mercedes-Benz of Plano offers the best luxury sedans, SUVs, and EVs to customers. The sales team members are experts who can assist you in learning about new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models and help you get the best possible price on your purchase and trade-in vehicle.  

 Why Choose Ewing Mercedes-Benz of Plano  

At Ewing Mercedes-Benz of Plano, we strive to offer the best sales and service to you, our customers. Whether it’s a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle, our sales team and finance department will work tirelessly to help you get the perfect car at an excellent price. And when it’s time to take care of your vehicle, the service department will treat every car or SUV as if it were their own, ensuring it’s handed over to you in the best possible condition.