Mercedes-Benz Offers Major Discounts on 2026 Electric Models Ahead of EV Tax Credit Expiration

As the end of September approaches and the U.S. electric vehicle tax credit expiration date nears, Mercedes-Benz has become the latest luxury brand to announce significant discounts. Doug Horner, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ohio, revealed on social media that the brand will offer substantial reductions on its 2026 electric vehicle models. The starting price of the 2026 EQS SUV will drop from $105,250 to $89,950, a reduction of $15,300, bringing it closer to the GLC gasoline model. The EQE SUV will see its price decrease from $77,900 to $64,950, a $13,000 discount. Additionally, the starting prices for the 2026 EQE sedan and EQS sedan will be $64,950 and $99,900, respectively, down $9,950 and $4,500 from the 2025 models. Mercedes-Benz is also offering other significant leasing discounts for its electric vehicles. The lease price for the 2025 EQE 350+ SUV is set at $579 per month (36-month lease with $7,873 due at signing), along with a $11,500 cash rebate and a $3,000 brand loyalty bonus. However, Horner hinted that these discounts may not last long, as the U.S. EV tax credit will end in late September. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the price reductions and added that it will temporarily halt domestic production of the EQE and EQS electric models starting September 1, and the order system will be closed. The company stated that it remains "fully committed to electrification" and noted that "the largest product offensive in Mercedes-Benz history is about to arrive", with plans to launch two new SUVs and an electric CLA model based on its MMA platform. With the Trump administration's "big and beautiful" tax law set to fully repeal the current federal electric vehicle tax credit policy at the end of September, including $7,500 for new cars and $4,000 for used cars, many automakers are urgently adjusting their strategies to respond to market changes. Affected automakers include Toyota, Ford, Honda, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Volvo, all of which are adjusting production and pricing in the U.S. Consumers may soon face an optimal window for purchasing cars. Honda's Acura brand is offering up to $30,650 in leasing subsidies for the 2024 ZDX in California and other states with zero-emission vehicle policies, starting at just $299 per month. In other regions, the lease price for the Acura ZDX remains $489 per month (36-month lease with $4,599 due at signing). Hyundai's Genesis brand has introduced a lease for the 2025 GV60 at just $389 per month (33-month lease with $5,999 due at signing), along with a $13,750 EV leasing subsidy. The Genesis electric SUV GV70 enjoys a $16,000 electric vehicle leasing subsidy.