The pace of new model introductions planned for 2026 at Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) on the Naas Road in Dublin, shows no sign of slowing down with 24 passenger car arrivals expected over the coming year, writes Trish Whelan. Of these 15 will come from Mercedes-Benz, seven from BYD and two from XPENG.
Early arrivals for Mercedes-Benz will be the latest version of its four-door CLA Coupe, and Shooting Brake variant, both arriving here in Q2 in internal combustion engine (ICE) and, for the first time, battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions.
Q2 will also see the introduction of the luxury SUV GLC, in BEV drivetrain. Expected in late Spring/early summer is the 7-seater GLB, in both BEV and ICE versions. The all-electric AMG GT 4-door Coupe - a performance unit that blends sports car styling with executive car practicality, rounds out the Q2 arrivals.
Q3 will see the unveiling of the updated S-Class saloon, with the S-Class Maybach following as the ultra-luxury expression of the model line. Also due in Q3 will be an updated 2026 version of the C-Class, in both saloon and estate variants, closely followed by C-Class saloon BEV versions in early Q4.
Late 2026 will see the arrival of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLA, their subcompact luxury SUV. Rounding out the year will be the AMG GT BEV all-electic 2-door luxury sports coupe with AMG performance.
BYD will start 2026 with the Q1 arrival of the SEAL 6 with Dmi technology, in both touring and saloon versions. A Sealion 5 compact super-hybrid SUV will arrive early 2026. Completing the early-year line-up will be the ATTO 2 compact super-hybrid SUV (pictured) designed for city driving. Expected here later in the summer will be the Dolphin G, a new ‘Grand’ trim level for the EV hatchback. Q3 will see a refreshed all-electric ATTO 3, followed in Q4 by the new ATTO 3 super hybrid variant.
Q1 2026 will see the new version of the ‘ultra smart’ 4-door, XPENG G6 Coupe SUV. Q2 will also see the arrival of XPENG’s second model in Ireland, the large 7-seater all-electric X9 with enhanced comfort features and advanced touring AI system.
