Mercedes Celebrates 5 Millionth SUV Built in Alabama

Automaker marks milestone with freshened GLE and GLS models

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:44pm

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An abstract, colorful photograph featuring sweeping streaks of blues, grays, and silvers, conceptually representing the dynamic motion and engineering prowess of Mercedes' Alabama-built SUVs.Mercedes' Alabama-built SUVs embody the brand's commitment to American manufacturing and its continued evolution of high-performance, technology-packed vehicles.Tuscaloosa Today

Mercedes-Benz celebrated the production of its 5 millionth SUV at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant this week. The event marked 30 years of manufacturing in the state and 140 years since the company patented the first automobile. Mercedes also unveiled updated versions of its popular GLE and GLS SUV models, which will launch this summer.

Why it matters

Mercedes' Alabama plant is a major economic driver for the state, having invested $4 billion there over the years. The milestone production figure and new model launches underscore the continued importance of the facility and the automaker's commitment to U.S. manufacturing.

The details

The Tuscaloosa plant now produces the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Around 60% of the plant's output is exported. The freshened 2027 GLE and GLS models feature updated styling, more powerful engines, and the latest driver assistance tech from Mercedes.

  • Mercedes has been building cars in the U.S. for 138 years, starting with a partnership with Steinway pianos on Long Island.
  • The Tuscaloosa plant opened 30 years ago and has produced 5 million SUVs during that time.
  • The updated GLE and GLS models will launch this summer.

The players

Mercedes-Benz

The German automaker that has operated a manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the past 30 years.

Ola Källenius

The CEO of Mercedes-Benz, who spoke fondly of his time working in Alabama and called the state 'home'.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation who spoke at the event celebrating Mercedes' Alabama milestone.

Tommy Tuberville

One of Alabama's U.S. Senators who also spoke at the Mercedes celebration.

Katie Britt

The other U.S. Senator from Alabama who addressed the crowd at the event.

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What they’re saying

“I still think of Alabama as home. It's overwhelming in the very best way.”

— Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz

What’s next

Mercedes plans to begin production of the GLC SUV at the Tuscaloosa plant in the future, further expanding its Alabama manufacturing footprint.

The takeaway

Mercedes' long-standing commitment to Alabama and its continued investment in the state underscores the importance of the U.S. market and domestic manufacturing to the German automaker's global strategy.