Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is making a significant play for new electric vehicle (EV) buyers with substantial incentives reaching up to $50,000 on select models. While these deep discounts might seem like an excellent opportunity, they also highlight the growing pressures facing the EV market as federal tax credits expire and manufacturers grapple with unsold inventory.
The most dramatic price cut is aimed at the ultra-luxurious 2025 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680, where buyers can save up to $50,000 on both purchases and leases. This brings the price tag of this flagship EV – which initially starts around $181,000 – closer to its conventionally powered sibling, the GLS 63 AMG, at roughly $20,000 less than the luxury SUV’s starting price.
However, these generous offers aren’t limited to Mercedes’ top-tier models. The more accessible 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan and SUV are also seeing discounts of up to $10,000 for purchases or $10,500 for leases. Other models like the GLB, EQE sedan and SUV, and even the electric G580 all benefit from incentives ranging from $5,000 to $9,500 depending on whether buyers choose to lease or purchase.
Adding another layer of intrigue is that these significant discounts are not being heavily promoted by Mercedes-Benz. While shoppers can access this information through outlets like CarsDirect, they will likely need to engage directly with dealerships to secure these offers, potentially requiring some negotiation and persistence.
The reason behind this relatively quiet marketing push could be twofold: first, Mercedes-Benz appears eager to clear out existing 2025 inventory as quickly as possible. Second, these deep discounts might be a strategic move to maintain momentum in EV sales after the recent expiration of the federal electric vehicle tax credit. This loss of financial incentive for consumers has undoubtedly impacted the EV market, prompting manufacturers like Mercedes to take more aggressive measures to attract buyers.
These substantial price reductions paint a complex picture within the luxury EV sector. While these deals are undeniably attractive to potential buyers, they also raise questions about broader industry trends and consumer confidence in the face of changing incentives and potentially softening demand.
