Motor 283: China has become one of the most competitive and fast moving car markets in the world. From your perspective, why is China so important for Mercedes Benz today?

Ola Källenius: China is not only a major market for Mercedes Benz, it is also one of the most dynamic innovation environments in the automotive world. Customers here are very advanced in how they use digital services, intelligent features, connectivity, and comfort technology. That makes China a very important place for us to listen, learn, and develop.

Motor 283: So it is not only about sales volume?

Ola Källenius: Exactly. Of course, China is an important market commercially, but it is also a place where customer expectations move very quickly. When we develop products for China, we are not simply adapting a global car. We are learning from Chinese customers and using that knowledge to improve our products. Some of these innovations can also influence what we do globally.

Motor 283: At Auto China 2026, Mercedes Benz presented several key models for the market. What message are you trying to send?

Ola Källenius: The message is that we are committed to China for the long term. We are bringing strong product substance, advanced technology, and locally relevant solutions. The all new electric GLC L is a good example because it reflects what Chinese customers want in terms of space, comfort, intelligence, efficiency, and safety.

Motor 283: Many brands announced aggressive electric plans, but the global market is now more complicated. Some customers are ready for electric cars, while others still want combustion engines or hybrids. How does Mercedes Benz view this transition today?

Ola Källenius: The direction toward electric mobility is clear, but the speed of adoption is different from one region to another. Some markets are moving very quickly, while others need more time because of infrastructure, customer habits, regulations, and cost considerations.

Motor 283: Does that mean Mercedes Benz needs a more flexible strategy?

Ola Källenius: Flexibility is very important. We need to offer customers the right product for their market and their lifestyle. Electric vehicles are a major part of our future, but we also understand that the transition has to be realistic. Premium customers expect choice, and Mercedes Benz has to deliver technology that meets their needs.

Motor 283: So the brand is not treating electrification as one single global answer?

Ola Källenius: No. We believe in electric mobility, but we also believe in customer choice. The future will not arrive at the same speed everywhere. That is why we need platforms, products, and technologies that allow us to respond to different markets while still moving toward a more sustainable future.

Motor 283: Luxury used to be defined by leather, wood, comfort, engine refinement, and craftsmanship. Today, customers also expect screens, AI, voice control, connected services, and automated driving. How do you keep Mercedes Benz luxury alive in this new era?

Ola Källenius: For Mercedes Benz, luxury is not only about materials. It is about the complete experience. It is about how the car makes you feel, how comfortable it is, how safe it is, how intelligent it is, and how naturally everything works together.

Motor 283: So technology becomes part of luxury?

Ola Källenius: Absolutely. If technology is complicated, it is not luxury. Luxury means technology that feels intuitive, helpful, and elegant. Artificial intelligence, digital services, and advanced driver assistance systems should make life easier for the customer. They should not overwhelm the driver.

Motor 283: Many new electric cars focus heavily on software. How does Mercedes Benz stand apart?

Ola Källenius: Our responsibility is to combine digital innovation with the values people expect from Mercedes Benz. Comfort, safety, refinement, design, and trust remain essential. We do not add technology just for the sake of technology. We add it when it improves the customer experience.

Motor 283: The electric GLC L is one of the main highlights for China. Why is this model so important?

Ola Källenius: The GLC is one of our most successful vehicle families globally. For China, the electric GLC L gives us the opportunity to combine the strengths of that nameplate with the specific preferences of Chinese customers. That includes space, comfort, digital intelligence, efficiency, and a premium driving experience.

Motor 283: Mercedes Benz also mentioned that Chinese customer expectations are directly influencing product development. How deep does this localization go?

Ola Källenius: It is much deeper than styling or equipment. It includes software, digital features, user experience, comfort expectations, rear seat experience, connectivity, and driver assistance systems. China has become a major technology hub for us, and our development teams there are an important part of our global network.

Motor 283: Does that mean China can influence Mercedes Benz products outside China?

Ola Källenius: Yes. Innovation can come from many places. When we develop something excellent for Chinese customers, and it has relevance for other markets, we can use that learning globally. This is one of the reasons China is strategically important beyond sales numbers.

Motor 283: Mercedes Benz has one of the strongest legacies in the automotive world. With electric cars, AI, new screens, and new expectations, how do you keep the soul of the brand intact?

Ola Källenius: Heritage is very important, but heritage does not mean standing still. Mercedes Benz has always been an innovation company. The automobile itself started with innovation. So for us, moving forward is part of our identity.

Motor 283: Some enthusiasts worry that electric cars and software can make cars feel less emotional. How do you answer that?

Ola Källenius: Emotion is still central to what we do. Design, quality, comfort, performance, silence, power delivery, and the feeling of confidence behind the wheel all create emotion. A Mercedes Benz must still feel special. The technology may change, but the promise of desirability remains.

Motor 283: So the brand’s goal is not only to build advanced cars, but desirable cars?

Ola Källenius: Exactly. Our goal is to build the world’s most desirable cars. That means combining tradition with innovation. It means respecting what made Mercedes Benz great while also creating the future of luxury mobility.